How to improve the camera on Xiaomi: from settings to iron

The camera in Xiaomi smartphones is one of the key criteria for choosing, but even flagship models sometimes disappoint the quality of the images. Problems range from noise in the dark to blurry details when zooming. Fortunately, you can improve the camera on Xiaomi without buying a new device — quite competently configure the software, update the firmware or use third-party accessories.

In this article, we will discuss 10 proven ways to improve the quality of photos and videos on any Xiaomi smartphone, from the budget Redmi to the top Xiaomi 14 Ultra. You will learn how to properly configure the stock camera, which applications to use for post-processing, and when it makes sense to intervene in hardware. All methods have been tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, but most will also work for older models.

Important: results depend on the hardware of your device. For example, improving night shooting on a Redmi 9A with a single 13 MP module is more difficult than on a Xiaomi 13 Pro with a Sony IMX707 sensor and optical stabilizer. But even budget models can be squeezed 30-50% better than standard settings.

1. Update firmware and camera: why this is the first thing to do

Manufacturers regularly release updates for camera software that improve image processing, add new modes or fix bugs. For example, the Xiaomi 12T Pro after upgrading to MIUI 14.0.5, the Dolby Vision HDR mode for video, and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ optimized night shooting for the Samsung HPX sensor.

To check the relevance of the firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on "Check Updates" and install the latest version of MIUI or HyperOS.
3. Separately update the Camera app via Google Play (if available for your model).

⚠️ Note: After major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 13 on HyperOS) reset the camera to factory settings, which will eliminate any conflicts in processing algorithms. → Restore the default settings.

2. Optimizing the standard camera settings: what to turn on and off

Xiaomi’s stock camera app hides a lot of useful options that are disabled by default. Here are the key options to set up:

• 📸 Resolution and aspect ratio: For maximum quality, choose 4:3 instead of 16:9 (more megapixels are used). Xiaomi 13 Ultra has a 50 MP resolution in Pro mode.
• 🌙 Night mode: Turn on AI-night photography (even during the day it can improve detail in the shadows). IMX766 (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra: This mode works best if you hold your phone still 3-5 seconds.
• 🎯 Focus: Turn off the car-HDR, If you shoot in dynamic scenes (sports, children) – this will reduce the delay of the shutter descent.
• 🔍 Zoom: On smartphones with a telephoto lens (for example, Xiaomi 14 with a telephoto) 3.2x With optical zoom, always use discrete magnification values (1x, 2x, 5x), Not a smooth digital zoom.

💡 Hidden feature: Most Xiaomi models allow you to enable Pro mode (manual settings), even if it is not in the main menu:

1. Open the camera and swipe your finger up the screen (as for a mode change).
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right.
3. Select additionally → Pro mode.

HDR mode is enabled (except for dynamic scenes)

Digital stabilization disabled when shooting from a tripod

Maximum resolution is set (4:3)

Activated night mode in low light conditions

The correct white balance is chosen (not "Auto" in artificial lighting)-->

3. Third-party shooting apps: when the stock camera fails

Xiaomi’s Camera app doesn’t always take full advantage of the potential of the hardware, and alternative programs allow you to gain more control over your shooting parameters, such as:

• 📱 Google Camera (GCam): Ported versions of this app often give better processing HDR And the night scenes. Xiaomi is suitable modifications from the BSG Or Wichaya. 13T Pro GCam increases the detail of the 20-30% compared to the stock camera.
• 🎥 ProCam X: Supports shooting in RAW, It's a manual setting of shutter speed and focus, useful for photographers who then process the images in Lightroom.
• 🌌 NightSight Enhancer: A special night shooting app that combines multiple frames to reduce noise.

⚠️ Note: Installing a GCam on a Mediatek-based model (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro) can lead to artifacts when shooting videos. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

📌 How to install GCam:

1. Download. APK-file from a verified source (e.g. celsoazevedo.com).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access.
3. Install the file and configure the config (for example, BSG_MI13Ultra_V3.xml Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

4 Post-processing: how to save even unsuccessful photos

Even with the perfect camera settings, sometimes you get dim, noisy, or blurry photos, and post-processing will help.

💡 Practical advice:

• 🖼️ For RAW-Files use Lightroom with Detailing setting → Noise reduction (Luminance) at the level 20-30.
• 🌅 When processing sunsets in Snapseed, reduce the Warm tones on the 10-15%, to avoid the unnatural orange hue.
• 🔍 To increase sharpness in Topaz Photo AI Choose Sharpness mode → Mild, or there will be artifacts.

💡

Save the original images to the cloud (Google Photos, MI Cloud) before processing. If you overdo it, you can always go back to the source.

5 Hardware Improvements: When Software Doesn't Help

If the software is exhausted and the quality of the shooting still doesn't work, then you should consider hardware improvements, which require investment, but can radically improve the result:

• 📷 External lenses: Moment or Xenvo nozzles (macro, wide-angle, telephoto lens) are attached to a magnetic adapter. For example, a macro lens allows you to take details from a distance. 1-2 See what is not possible on the stock camera.
• 💡 Outbreak.-softbox: Compact LED-panels (for example, Lume Cube) give uniform light without sharp shadows, which is critical for portrait photography.
• 🎥 Stabilizer and Stabilizer: Even with an optical stabilizer (OIS) In Xiaomi 13 Ultra, shooting with your hands in low light gives you microshaking. DJI OM 5 solve the problem.
• 🔋 Power Bank with Passthrough: Shooting in 4K/60fps or long timelapses quickly drain the battery.Passthrough models (e.g. Xiaomi Power Bank) 3 20000mAh) Allows you to charge your phone and take pictures at the same time.

⚠️ Warning: Landing lenses can scratch the glass of the main camera if you do not use a protective film. Before buying, check compatibility with your model - for example, Moment lenses require a special case with magnetic mounting.

📌 External lenses test on Xiaomi 12S Ultra:

• Telephoto lens (Moment 58mm): Effective replacement for digital zoom, but weighing 200g makes hand-to-hand shooting uncomfortable.

6. Video Shooting: How to Achieve Cinematic Quality

Video footage on Xiaomi often suffers from overheating, autofocus, or poor stabilization. Here's how to fix typical problems:

• 🎬 Permission and FPS: For most scenes, it is optimal. 4K/30fps (less heat than in 60fps). Xiaomi. 13 Pro is available mode 8K/24fps, But it fills up your memory quickly (1 mine = ~600 MB).
• 🔊 Sound: Built-in microphone records a lot of noise. Use an external microphone (e.g. Rode VideoMic Me-L) through USB-C or lightning adapter.
• 🌡️ Overheating: During long shooting in 4K The processor temperature can reach 60°C. To avoid trottling (automatic performance decline), use a cooling case (e.g. Black Shark Cooling Backclip 2).
• 🎞️ Color profile: Include Log profile (if available) for subsequent grading in DaVinci Resolve. on Xiaomi 12T Pro is an option. MI Log in the video settings.

📌 Example of settings for movie videos on Xiaomi 13 Ultra:

Resolution: 4K (3840×2160)


FPS: 24




Stabilization: Hyperstabilization (disable when using gimbal)




Focus: Pull Focus (for moving between objects)




White balance: 5000K (for natural skin tones)




Exposition: -0.3 EV (to avoid overlighting the sky)

💡

For professional video, always use manual exposure and focus settings. The automatic mode in Xiaomi's stock camera often "twitches" brightness when lighting changes.

7. Modification of firmware: for advanced users

If you're willing to risk the warranty, custom firmware and mods can unlock the camera's hidden potential.

• 🛠️ ANX Camera: Xiaomi mod that adds support RAW10, manual noise reduction settings and extended modes HDR.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware on models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 14 for the Chinese market) requires unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, which resets all data and can lead to a block of the Mi Account if you violate the rules.

📌 Installation instructions ANX Camera:

1. Unlock the bootloader and install TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.
2. Download. ZIP-file ANX For your model from the official channel.
3. Sweat through the Recovery, then clear the cache (Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache).
4. Reboot and set up the camera in Settings → Additional → ANX Settings.

8 Camera Care: How to Avoid Physical Damage

Even the best settings won't work if the optics are contaminated or damaged.

• 🧹 Cleaning the lens: Use a microfiber wipe and an alcohol solution (70%) to remove fat and dust. Never blow on the lenses - saliva contains acids that corrode the coating.
• 🛡️ Protection: Stick a safety glass over a camera module (like the Spigen Neo Flex) that prevents scratches from falling.
• 🌡️ Temperature: Do not take off in the cold below -10°C: The lubrication in the focusing mechanism thickens, leading to autofocus errors. 45°C) the camera may be deactivated to protect the matrix.
• 💧 Humidity: After shooting in the rain, dry your phone in rice or silica gel for at least 12 hours.

⚠️ Attention: If the images show purple spots or stripes, this is a sign of lens delmination (detachment of optical adhesive).In this case, you need to replace the camera module in the service center.

💡

Periodically check the camera for dust inside the module, point your phone at a bright light source (like a lamp) and take a low exposure shot. Dark spots in the background are a sign of pollution.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions