How to improve the quality of the camera on Xiaomi Redmi 8: from settings to firmware

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a budget smartphone with a 12 MP camera that, when properly set up, can deliver images at the level of flagships of 2018-2019. However, out of the box processing algorithms often blur details, tweak colors or lose in low light conditions. This guide provides 10 proven ways to improve the camera, from basic settings to deep optimization of firmware and use of third-party applications.

It’s important to understand that the hardware limitations of Redmi 8 (small sensor 1/2.55, no OIS) will not allow you to surpass modern smartphones with 1/1.3 arrays. But even within the budget you can squeeze the maximum — for example, increase the detail by 30-40% by turning off the aggressive noise emitter MIUI or learn how to properly expose frames manually.

1. Firmware Update: Why This Is the First Step

The manufacturer regularly optimizes image processing algorithms through MIUI Camera updates, for example, the Redmi 8 versions of MIUI 12.5+ have improved white balance in artificial light and reduced the soapiness of night shots.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Compare the version with the latest releases on Xiaomi’s official website (select Global or EEA region).
3. If you have an update, install it via Wi-Fi (not mobile data!).

⚠️ Warning: After the update, reset the camera settings to factory (Camera Settings) → Restore default settings. New algorithms may conflict with old custom presets.

2. Optimization of the standard camera application

The MIUI Camera app hides a lot of useful features behind non-obvious gestures and menus, and here are the key settings to change right away:

• 📸 Turn off "Improving." AI»: The algorithm often tweaks colors (especially green shades) and adds unnecessary sharpness. → AI-camera → Turn it off.
• 🌓 Activate Night Mode manually: Automatic switching is triggered too late. Turn it on in lighting below 500 lux (checked by luxmeter or Light Meter app).
• 🔍 Increase the bitrate of the video: By default, Redmi 8 videotape 1080p@30fps bitrate 12 Mbps. In the video settings, select 1080p@60fps and 24 Mbps (not available in all regions).
• 🎯 Enable the composition grid: The rule of thirds helps avoid "curved" horizons.Way: Settings → Grid. → 3×3.

💡 Useful advice: In Pro mode (professional) install ISO higher 800 — If you're high, you're going to suppress noise too aggressively by eating the parts. ISO 400 + long-exposure (1/4(c) with a stable support.

Unplugged. AI-regime|Grid on. 3×3|Bitrate video is set to maximum|Night mode is manually activated|ISO high-end 800-->

3 Third-party apps: which is better MIUI Camera

The stock app is limited to Xiaomi algorithms that are optimized for the average user. Alternative cameras offer more control over the shooting parameters.-3 solutions for Redmi 8:

🔧 How to install GCam on Redmi 8:

1. Download the upcoming version from here (select the Snapdragon 439).
2. Set up the config. BSG_MGC_8.1.101_A9_GV2z.xml (Optimized for Redmi 8).
3. In GCam settings, turn off Sabre (increases noise) and turn on HDR+ Enhanced.

4. RAW shooting: when it is justified

RAW files (Redmi 8:.dng extension) store raw sensor data, giving you full control of color, exposure and noise when post-processing.

• ⚖️ Pros: Ability to correct underexposed frames, accurate color correction.
• ⚠️ Cons: File size ~20 MB (versus 3-5 MB in) JPEG), It requires processing in Lightroom or Snapseed.

📌 When to film in RAW:

• 🌅 Complex lighting: Contrast scenes (sunset, interior with windows).
• 🎨 Creative photography: Portraits with non-standard color reproduction.
• 🔍 Macro: To preserve small object details.

⚠️ Attention: When shooting in RAW turn off HDR In the camera settings, it automatically saves the picture in the JPEG, In Open Camera, this is done in the Photo mode menu. → RAW only.

5. Physical improvements: lenses and lighting

The hardware limitations of the Redmi 8 can be offset by external accessories.

• 🔍 Macro lens: Lens stickers (e.g. Xenvo Pro Lens) zoom in to 15x They're stuck on a regular lens with a magnet.
• 🌟 Ring lamp: Eliminates shadows in portraits, optimal power is 10-15 watts with color temperature 5000K.
• 📏 Stabilizer: Even the budget DJI Osmo Mobile SE Cuts video tremors by 70%.

💡 Useful Lifehack: To shoot documents or small objects, use your phone flashlight as a side light source. Cover it with a piece of scattering scatter, which will remove sharp shadows.

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Before buying a lens, check its compatibility with the Redmi 8 camera module. Some lenses are designed for the central location of the lens, and in this model it is shifted to the left.

6 Post-processing: How to save a failed shot

Even with the perfect settings, some of the frames will need to be reworked. Here is the minimum toolkit for Redmi 8:

• 📱 Mobile applications: Snapseed - for spot correction of exposure and color. Lightroom Mobile - presets for RAW, AfterFocus is background blur (imitation of portrait mode).
• 🖥️ Desktop: Darktable (free) or Capture One (for professionals).

🎯 Top.-3 photo editing with Redmi 8:

1. Noise: In Snapseed, use the Selective → Noise Reduction tool with a strength of 30-40%.
2. In Lightroom, raise the Shadows to +50 and lower the Lights to -20.
3. Sharpness: Apply the sharpness mask only to the edges of objects (radius 1.0, threshold 5).

⚠️ Note: Do not use Instagram filters or VSCO For Redmi 8 photos, they amplify noise and compression artifacts (+15) and Saturation (+10).

Resetting camera settings and calibration

If after all the manipulations the camera continues to “glut” (for example, autofocus “shots through” or colors are distorted), perform a complete reset:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Camera.
2. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
3. Reboot the phone.

🔄 Autofocus calibration: If the camera doesn’t focus well on close objects, do the following:

1. Enable Pro mode in the standard application.
2. Point the camera at a sheet of paper with text at a distance of 10 cm.
3. Tap the screen to focus and hold for 5 seconds.
4. Repeat for distances of 30 cm and 1 m.

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Resetting the camera settings removes all custom presets, but returns factory color reproduction. After reset, be sure to calibrate the white balance manually (in Pro mode set WB: 5200K for daylight).

8. Alternative firmware: risks and opportunities

Custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) can improve the camera by:

• 🚀 No restrictions MIUI: No forced compression. JPEG, All video codes are available.
• 🔧 GCam support without crutches: No need to pick up configs - Google camera works out of the box».
• 📱 Newer Android version: Pixel Experience updates Camera2 API last-minute.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware voids the warranty and may result in:

• Widevine L1 loss (Netflix and other services will run in 480p)
• Inoperable fingerprint sensor (on some assemblies).
• Increased battery consumption (due to unoptimized core)

🔗 Step-by-step installation instructions:

📌 Important: Check compatibility on the XDA-Developers forum before firmware. For example, some LineageOS builds do not support VoLTE on the Redmi 8.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi camera 8