How to improve the camera on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: from settings to GCam

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 It is still a popular budget smartphone, but its camera with a module 12 MPP f/2.2 It often disappoints users with dim images in poor lighting and poor detail. Fortunately, you can improve the quality of photos and videos without buying a new phone - it is enough to configure the software correctly, install alternative applications and even dig a little into the system parameters.

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways – from basic stock camera settings to installing Google Camera (GCam) and manually editing configuration files. XML Redmi Note 5 (codenamed Whyred), which is rarely mentioned in the general guides, and you will also learn how to get around the restrictions. MIUI Why some modifications can lead to artifacts in the images.

Important: All methods tested on firmware MIUI 10-12.5 (including global and Chinese versions) If you have custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some of the instructions may not work, in which case, check out the Magisk module section.

1. Optimization of the MIUI stock camera settings

Before installing third-party apps, check the basic settings of Xiaomi’s camera. Many users do not even realize that there are useful options hidden in the menu that can improve the quality of pictures by 20-30%. HDR Auto by default works inefficiently - it is better to turn it on forcibly or turn it off completely depending on the shooting conditions.

Open the Camera app and follow the following steps:

• 📸 Photo resolution: go to Settings → Photo resolution and select 12 MP (4:3). 16:9 format cuts the frame, reducing the detail.
• 🌄 HDR: In the same settings, turn off HDR Auto and use it. HDR It's only in bright sun or contrasting scenes. HDR add up.
• 🔍 Focus: Activate Continuous Autofocus (if available) – this will reduce the number of “mistakes” when shooting moving objects.
• 🎭 Color profile: in Settings → Try live instead of standard color mode. It adds saturation, but it can go off the scale of green.

Also pay attention to Shooting Mode: for static objects, use Professional Mode (Pro), where you can manually set the camera. ISO (higher 800), Excerpt (1/1000–1/30) And white balance (auto is often wrong). For example, if you want to take documents, set them up. ISO 100, exposure 1/200 And white balance, "daylight" -- so the texts are clear without yellow.

⚠️ Warning: If after changes in settings the camera began to "hang" at start-up, reset it to factory parameters via Settings → Setting reset. It's a bug thing. MIUI, when XML-Configuration files are damaged.

2.Install Google Camera (GCam) for Redmi Note 5

Google Camera is an application with image processing algorithms from Pixel that far outperform Xiaomi's stock camera. On the Redmi Note 5, the GCam runs stable but requires the correct version and configuration file (.xml).

Download one of the verified versions of GCam for whyred (codenamed Redmi Note 5):

• 📱 BSG GCam: version 8.1 of BSG (supportive HDR+ Enhanced). Download link.
• 🔧 Nikita GCam: Modification with improved nighttime image processing.Look for Snapdragon 636 version 7.4.
• 📁 Configur XML: For the Redmi Note 5 file fit Redmi_Note_5_BSG.xml (You can download it on the forum 4PDA or XDA).

After installation of the GCam:

1. Copy the.xml file into a folder GCam/Configs7 (Create it manually if you don’t).
2. Twice tap on the black area next to the down button in GCam to download the config.
3. In GCam settings, turn off Sabre (adds noise) and turn on HDR+ Enhanced.

Stock camera and GCam comparison on Redmi Note 5:

⚠️ Note: Some versions of GCam may call the green screen when shooting video. If this happens, try turning off Auxiliary cameras in the GCam settings or install a different build.

3. Manual editing of configuration files

For advanced users, there is a way to improve the camera through editing system files media_profiles.xml and camera_params.xml. This allows you to unlock the hidden capabilities of the module, for example, shooting video in the video. 4K 30fps (Not officially supported on the Redmi Note 5) or increase bitrate.

You'll need:

• 🔧 Root access (via Magisk or via Magisk) TWRP).
• 📄 A file editor with superuser rights (such as Mixplorer or Root Explorer).
• 💾 Backup of original files (required!).

Instructions:

1. Cross the path. /system/etc/media_profiles_V1_0.xml Open the file in the text editor.
2. Find the line with the video-hdr-profile option and replace the value with: <EncoderProfile quality="1080p" fileFormat="mp4" duration="30"> <Video codec="h264" bitRate="20000000" /> </EncoderProfile> This will increase the bitrate of the video with 10 before 20 Mbit/s.
3. To unlock. 4K Add a new profile: <EncoderProfile quality="2160p" fileFormat="mp4" duration="30"> <Video codec="h264" bitRate="35000000" /> </EncoderProfile>
4. Save the file, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the phone.

After the changes in the camera app, new video modes will appear.

• 🔋 Shooting in 4K heats the processor and drains the battery.
• 🎥 Video can lie down when moving fast due to Snapdragon 636 limitations.
• 📱 Some firmware MIUI ignore changes in media_profiles.xml — In this case, you will need a patch through the Magisk module.

4.Using Magisk Modules to Improve Camera

If you have Magisk installed, you can use special modules that modify the camera at the system level. Camera2API Enabler activates full support Camera2 API, All GCam features (including Night Sight and Portrait Mode) are available on the front camera).

The best modules for Redmi Note 5:

• 📷 Camera2API Enabler: Includes full support Camera2 API (required for GCam to operate without restrictions. XDA.
• 🔄 LibPatch: fixes green screen bugs in GCam on Snapdragon 636.
• 🎞️ Video Bitrate Patch: Increases the bitrate of video to 50 Mbps (useful for shooting in the video) 4K).

How to install the module:

1. Download the.zip file with the module.
2. Open Magisk Manager and select Modules → Install from Storage.
3. Select the downloaded file and wait for the installation to be completed.
4. Reboot the phone.

After installation Camera2API Enabler check the support API via appendix Camera2 API Probe (available in the Play Market) if in the section HARDWARE LEVEL map LEVEL_3 or FULL, module is operating correctly.

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If after installing the module, the camera began to brake, try to turn off the option. ZSL (Zero Shutter Lag in GCam settings. This will reduce the processor load.

5. Alternative applications for shooting and processing

If GCam seems too complex and the stock camera doesn't suit, try other apps. They often offer more flexible settings and better image processing.

Top.-5 applications for Redmi Note 5:

• 📸 Open Camera: Open source with manual settings ISO, It supports the shooting in the RAW.
• 🎨 Footage: Video app with support LOG-Profile (allows you to adjust colors flexibly in post-processing).
• 🌃 Night Camera: specializes in night photography, uses stacking averaging algorithms (like Night Sight).
• 📏 ProCam X: Professional application with support for manual focus and histogram.
• 🔍 FV-5: for fans of "mirror" photography - complete control over the parameters, as well as the DSLR.

For the processing of images, we recommend:

• 🖼️ Snapseed: Google’s free editor with support RAW and tools to correct the perspective.
• 🎨 Lightroom Mobile: Professional color correction and presets.
• 🔍 AfterFocus: for background blur (imitation of bokeh).

Example of workflow:

1. Take a photo in Open Camera format RAW+JPEG.
2. Import. RAW in Lightroom and adjust exposure, shadow areas and sharpness.
3. Export to JPEG with a quality of 90-100%.

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Shooting in RAW It gives 30 to 40 percent more detail in post-processing, but it takes up 3 to 5 times more space on the memory card.

6. Hardware improvements: lenses and lighting

Software methods have limitations - if you need to drastically improve quality, look for hardware accessories. Even budget lenses and light sources can make Redmi Note 5 shots competitive with flagships.

Useful accessories:

• 🔍 Macro lens: allows you to shoot small objects (insects, textures) from a distance of 2-5 cm (~1500 rubles.).
• 🌄 Wide-angle lens: extends the viewing angle to 120° (And it's good for landscapes. And look at the models that are HD-glass (e.g. Apexel 120)°).
• 💡 Ring lamp: eliminates shadows in portraiture. Budget option: Neewer 10" Ring Light (~2000 rubles.).
• 🎤 External microphone: for video - Boya BY-M1 (connect through 3.5 mm).

How to fix lenses:

1. Buy a universal holder with a magnetic or clip mount (for example, Kase Magnetic Lens).
2. Install the lens on the main camera (do not close the flash!).
3. In the camera app, turn off digital zoom - it degrades quality.

When shooting with external lenses:

• 📏 Keep the phone 5-10 cm away from the object (for macro).
• 💡 Use natural light or an annular lamp – the built-in flash gives hard shadows.
• 🔋 Secure your phone on a tripod (even a small Joby GorillaPod will reduce frame shake).

⚠️ Attention: Cheap plastic lenses (price) < 500 rubles.) often add chromatic aberration (purple or green halos at the edges.

7. Performance optimization for shooting

The camera on the Redmi Note 5 is heavily dependent on processor performance, and if the phone overheats or brakes when shooting, the quality of the images is degraded by forced closure of the background.

Cleaning and optimization:

• 🧹 Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Disabling background processes: in Settings → Battery → Battery optimization add the Camera app to exceptions.
• 📵 Aircraft mode: if you shoot in low signal conditions, turn on Flight Mode - this will reduce modem heating.

Performance settings (unlocked bootloader required):

• 🔧 Install FrancoKernel or ElementalX for Snapdragon 636 – they optimize load distribution.
• ⚡ In Magisk, activate the Disable module. MIUI Battery Optimization (Eliminates Lags in Shooting).
• 📉 Reduce the screen resolution to 720p In Settings → Display. → Permission (removes the load from the GPU).

If the camera still brakes:

• 🔄 Restart your phone before shooting.
• 📱 Close all background apps (especially Facebook, Instagram, and games).
• 🔋 The battery should be charged. > 20% - with a low charge MIUI limit productivity.

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To shoot a video in 1080p 60fps Use the Filmic Pro app with a bit rate of 20 Mbps. It is better optimized for the Snapdragon 636 than the stock camera.

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving the Redmi Note camera 5