How to improve the camera on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: from settings to GCam and post-processing

Why is the Redmi Note 9 camera shooting worse than it could?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is equipped with a quadrocamera with a main module for 48 MP (Samsung) GM1), But by default, the images are often noisy, blurry, or incorrect white balance. MIUI Camera that aggressively smooths textures and overstates exposure.

The manufacturer is optimizing the camera for the “mass user”, sacrificing detail for bright colors and quick shooting. However, even without replacing the module, you can achieve quality at the level of flagships in 2020. In this article, practical methods from adjusting settings to installing alternative firmware and post-processing.

Important: all methods tested on the Redmi Note 9 (model) M2003J15SC) s MIUI 12.5-14 On other versions (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro or Note) 9S) Some of the functions may not be available.

1. Optimization of the staff camera MIUI: hidden settings and modes

Before installing third-party apps, check the hidden capabilities of the standard camera. Many users are unaware that Redmi Note 9 has:

• 📸 Professional treatment (PRO) manually adjusted ISO, focus.
• 🌓 Night mode 2.0 (available even during the day to improve dynamic range).
• 🔍 Document Mode for Shooting Text Without Distortion.
• 🎭 Facial defects (disable it for natural portraits!).

How to enable hidden options:

1. Open the camera and tap on. ⚙️ → Additional settings.
2. Activate the Grid (helps with the composition) and Horizon Level.
3. In the Watermark section, turn it off - it spoils the frame.
4. In Photo Resolution, select 48 MP (by default it costs 12 MP with binning).

Critical settings: in Camera settings → AI Turn off Smart Shooting. MIUI often misbalances white, especially in artificial lighting.-HDR — It is better to turn it on manually in high contrast.

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After the update MIUI missing shooting modes, reset camera settings: Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Table: Optimal settings for different scenes

2. Install Google Camera (GCam): step-by-step instructions

GCam on Redmi Note 9 gives an increase in detail by 30-40% due to the best noise reduction algorithm and the best GCam. HDR+. But not all builds are stable. We tested 5 versions and we chose the best one.

Requirements:

• 📱 MIUI 12.5 or later (on older versions, GCam may not run).
• 🔄 Installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications).
• 📸 Disabled camera optimization in MIUI (Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Camera. → No restrictions).

Installation steps:

Download APK s [celsoazevedo.com](https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/) (version BSG MGC_8.1.101_A9_GV1j)

Install APK (ignore security warnings)

Open GCam and give all permissions

Import configuration Redmi_Note_9_BSG.xml (download](https://f.celsoazevedo.com/file/gc/2021/10/Redmi_Note_9_BSG.xml))

Reboot the phone-->

After installation:

1. In the GCam settings (⚙️ → Advanced select:

Lib patcher

Enable AUX cameras

Challenges and solutions:

• 🔴 Green: Enable Fix: Enable viewfinder fix in the settings.
• 🔴 Camera closes when switching to frontal: Install an alternate version of the GCam (try Shamim's GCam).
• 🔴 Low quality zoom: GCam doesn't support hybrid zoom on Redmi Note 9 - use a full-time camera for approximation.

3 Post-processing: how to save bad photos

Even with the GCam, the images on the Redmi Note 9 may need to be reworked.

• 📉 Low detail (especially in dark areas).
• 🎨 Unnatural colors (overexposed green/red shades).
• 🌫️ Noise on ISO > 800.

Use these tools:

📱 Mobile applications (free of charge):

• 🔧 Snapseed (Google) - for spot correction of exposure and color. Selective correction allows you to brighten only the shadows without clogging the light.
• 🎨 Lightroom Mobile – Portra 400 or Kodak Gold Presets Add Film Effect.
• 🤖 Remini – increases the resolution of images (useful for frames in 12 MP).

💻 Desktop programs (for serious processing):

• 🖥️ Darktable (similar to Lightroom, free) – Denoise module (profile) removes noise without losing details.
• 🖥️ Topaz Gigapixel AI (Paid – Increases resolution to 200% without artifacts.

The step-by-step processing algorithm in Snapseed:

1. Open the photo. → Tools → Curves → Raise the shadows (lower point of the curve).
2. Colour → Temperature: reduce by 5-10 units (removes the yellow hue) MIUI).
3. Details → Structure: add +20–30 for textures.
4. Exports in format JPEG 100% (no compression).

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Never save the processed photo over the original! Use the "Export copy" function - this will allow you to return to the source if the result does not suit you.

4 Hardware Improvements: What Can Be Done Physically

If the software methods don't work, consider physical modifications, which require precision, but can improve the quality of the shot.

🛠️ Minimum risk methods:

• 🧹 Clean the lens: Use a microfiber wipe and 70% isopropyl alcohol (not ethanol. ⚠️ Warning: Do not use paper wipes or clothing – they scratch the lens covering.
• 📦 Replacement of protective glass: Cheap glass from the kit often has optical distortion.Buy ultra-thin glass (0.15 mm) with oleophobic coating.
• 🔦 External LED-Backlighting: Use a ring LED (Neewer 18" Ring Light) or a clip on your phone (Lume Cube) for macro photography).

⚠️ Methods for experienced users (risk of damage!):

• 🔧 Camera Replacement: Samsung Module GM1 You can replace it with Sony. IMX586 (from the Redmi Note 9 Pro — ~3 000 ₽ + job.
• 📶 Firmware modding: Installing a custom core (Perseus Kernel) improves processing RAW-file.

Warning of guarantee:

⚠️ Attention: Any physical intervention (replacement of glass, disassembly of the phone) will void the warranty Xiaomi.

5. Video Shooting: How to Get Stable 4K jerklessly

Redmi Note 9 supports video 4K@30fps, But the default is aggressive stabilization, which cuts the edges of the frame. 4K The phone is warming, which leads to trottling (falling). FPS).

How to make a video without any problems:

🎥 Pre-film settings:

• 📱 In camera settings → Video resolution select 4K (16:9).
• 🔄 Turn off Stabilization (if you use a tripod or gimbal).
• 🔊 Activate High Quality Sound Recording (in Additional Settings).
• 🌡️ Close background applications (especially messengers) – they load the processor.

📹 Recommendations for different scenarios:

How to avoid overheating:

• 🧊 Use a cooling case (such as Black Shark Cooler).
• 🔋 Charge your phone to 50-70% – at 100%, the battery warms up more.
• ☀️ Avoid direct sunlight on the body.

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For handheld photography, only activate Stabilization when you're moving. If the phone is on a tripod, stabilization will degrade the quality by adding a "jelly" effect.

6. RAW-Photography and Manual Processing: for Advanced Users

Take off RAW (format.DNG) Redmi Note 9 can be accessed through:

• 📸 GCam (in settings, enable Save) RAW + JPEG).
• 📱 Open Camera (Free on Google Play).

Advantages RAW:

• 🎯 14-bit color depth (vs. 8-bit in) JPEG).
• 🔧 Ability to adjust white balance after shooting.
• 📊 All sensor data is stored (without compression).

How to process RAW darktable:

1. Import the file.DNG programmatically.
2. In the module Basic settings:

TIFF 16-bit

Cons RAW on the Redmi Note 9:

• 🐢 Slow recording (3-5 seconds per frame).
• 📁 Large file size (~30-50 MB per photo).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge.

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RAW Suitable for static scenes (landscapes, studio portraits) for dynamic objects (children, sports) JPEG manually.

7. Frequent User Errors (and How to Avoid Them)

Many people complain about the Redmi Note camera. 9, And we don't know that the problem is the wrong thing to do.-5 mistakes and their solutions.

❌ Mistake 1: Shooting against the Light

Samsung sensor GM1 It's not good at high contrast:

• 🔆 Use it. HDR Night mode (even during the day!).
• 🖼️ Move the subject to the shadow or use a reflector (even a white sheet of paper).

❌ Mistake 2: Dirty Lens

80% of the murky photos are related to lens contamination.

• 🧼 Clean the lens every 2-3 days (even if the phone is in your pocket).
• 🚫 Don’t blow on the lens – saliva leaves greasy spots.

❌ Mistake 3: Shooting in JPEG high-end ISO

Primary ISO > 1600 JPEG-So, the files are soapy:

• 📸 Switch to the switch. RAW or lower ISO manually (in mode) PRO).
• 🌃 Use a tripod or support to increase exposure.

❌ Mistake 4: Ignoring focus

Autofocus. MIUI often "misses." The solution:

• 🎯 Slip on the screen to set the focus point.
• 🔄 In camera settings, turn off Autofocus when shooting (if you are shooting static objects).

❌ Mistake 5: Storing photos in low quality

MIUI It's the default to save the photo in compressed format:

• 📁 In camera settings → Select the photo saving high quality.
• ☁️ Turn off cloud optimization in Google Photos.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions