How to improve the Xiaomi Redmi 9T camera: the full guide

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi 9T smartphone often find that the standard camera application does not reveal the full potential of the 48-megapixel sensor. Despite the affordable price of the device, the hardware stuffing allows you to get pictures of decent quality if you approach the software processing correctly. In this article, we will discuss how to squeeze the most out of the photo module of your gadget using hidden functions and third-party solutions.

Many users do not even realize that the problem often lies not in the hardware, but in compression algorithms and aggressive noise suppression of stock firmware. MIUI. Competent setting of exposure, white balance and use RAW-And the way that this format can change the outcome is really, really, really, really important. Let's take a closer look at all the ways that we can improve the quality of our photos.

Basic setup of the stock camera app

The first thing to start with is a deep analysis of the built-in settings. The standard Xiaomi Camera app has a wide range of functionality that is often hidden by default or set to automatic mode for the sake of speed. You need to go to the settings menu (three bars in the corner) and carefully study each item. The default resolution can be set to 12 MP, which is the result of pixel binning.

To get the most detail, switch to 48MP mode. However, remember that this mode does not work HDR and some artificial intelligence functions. This is a compromise between detail and dynamic range. In good daylight 48MP will give excellent sharpness, allowing you to fraternize the shot afterwards without loss of quality.

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Turn on the grid in the camera settings (the rule of thirds) – this will help to better arrange the frame and align the horizon while shooting.

Also worth paying attention to is the HDR Improvement option. In some high contrast scenes, it's best to turn it off to avoid the unnatural look of the photo. Experiment with this setting depending on the lighting.

Google Camera (GCam) for Redmi 9T

The most effective way to dramatically improve the quality of images is to install a ported version of Google Camera. Image processing algorithms from Google are considered benchmarks in the industry, especially in the HDR+ and Night Sight modes. There are many stable builds for the Snapdragon 662 processor on which the Redmi 9T is based.

Installation of GCam requires downloading APK-A file from a proven source and, in some cases, a configuration file (.xml), which adapts the settings to specific modules on your phone. Without a configuration, colors can be incorrect and focusing can not work properly. After installing the application, you will be able to access an extended dynamic range even in difficult lighting conditions.

Importantly, the GCam may not work properly with an ultra-wide-angle module or macro, as the drivers of these cameras are often proprietary.

Manual settings and Pro-mode

For those who want to have full control of the shooting process, the camera app has a PRO (Professional) mode, where you get access to manual focus, shutter speed, ISO and white balance, and it's an indispensable tool for shooting the starry sky, light trails or macro photography in low light.

ISO management allows you to control digital noise. The lower the ISO, the cleaner the picture, but the less light gets to the matrix. In the dark, it is better to tripod the phone and use long shutter speed at a minimum ISO than to increase sensitivity.

Manual white balance avoids yellow or blue shades that are sometimes misidentified by automatics in mixed lighting (e.g., an incandescent lamp plus light from a window).

Shooting in RAW (DNG) format

One of the most powerful post-processing tools is RAW. Unlike compressed JPEG, RAW contains raw data from the matrix, which gives you tremendous freedom when editing: you can restore red-lit lights, pull details from deep shadows and adjust colors without losing quality.

RAW files take up much more memory space and require mandatory post-processing in editors like Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed. For the Redmi 9T, enabling this mode is available in the camera settings or via the "More" -> "RAW" menu.

The use of RAW is especially relevant for landscape photography and portraits, where accurate color reproduction of the skin or sky is important.

Secrets of portrait photography and bokeh

The Redmi 9T Portrait mode uses software-based background blurring. To get a quality result, you need good lighting and contrast between the subject and the background. The camera creates a mask that separates the person from the environment, but in poor light, artifacts can arise along the edges of hair or clothing.

Try using bokeh effects of varying degrees. You don't always need to put maximum blur; f/2.8 or f/4 often looks more natural than extreme f/1.0. It also has a variety of filters available in this mode that can be used both before and after shooting.

⚠️ Note: In portrait mode, try not to move the subject and phone when you press the shutter button, as algorithms need time to build a depth map.

For group portraits, it is better not to use this mode, since the system can incorrectly process the figures of people standing at different distances from the camera.

Optimization of video and stabilization

Although Redmi 9T doesn't shoot in 4K, Full HD mode at 60 frames per second provides a smooth picture. Stabilization is critical for video blogging. Electronic Stabilization (EIS) is available in settings, but it trims the frame a little (crop factor).

When shooting video outdoors, always try to hold your phone with both hands or use a gimble. Software stabilization works well for small shaking, but it won't save you from sharp jerks. Also watch your focus: tap the screen to fix the focus on the main object, and block the exposure so that the brightness doesn't float.

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For shooting video in motion, always turn on EIS, but be prepared for a slight increase in focal length due to framing.

The sound in the video is recorded through the main microphone. In windy weather, the audio quality drops sharply, so it is recommended to use an external microphone or close the phone from the wind with your hand (carefully without blocking the microphone).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)