How to improve the camera Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: from settings to firmware

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is one of the most popular budget smartphones with a good 64 MP main camera, but many users are faced with blurry images at dusk, over-lit shots in daylight or noise on video. The problem is not in the “weak hardware”, but in the software optimization and ability to use the capabilities of the device.

In this article, 7 proven ways to improve the camera without buying a new phone, from the hidden features of the standard MIUI Camera app to alternative firmware and hardware tricks. We will discuss how to fix the main bug with autofocus in versions of MIUI 12.5-14, why night shots turn green, and what settings will help you shoot video in 4K@30fps without jerking. All methods are tested on the Redmi Note 10S (models M2101K7AG and M2101K7AI).

1. Optimization of the standard MIUI camera: hidden settings

The MIUI Camera app in the Redmi Note 10S hides half of the useful features behind obscure icons and menus. For example, Pro Mode allows you to manually adjust ISO, shutter speed and white balance — but by default it is disabled in quick access.

To activate it:

• 📱 Open the camera and swipe left across the screen to see all modes.
• 🔧 Press three points (⋮) top-right → Camera settings → Additionally.
• 🔄 Turn on the switch Professional mode and add it to the main panel.

Now in Pro Mode you can:

• 📸 Install ISO 100-800 for daytime images (less noise).
• ⏱️ Use the shutter speed. 1/1000c to freeze movement.
• 🎯 Manually focus by pulling the slider MF (It is especially useful for macro).

💡

In Pro Mode, turn off the auto-HDR (HDR icon at the top) and it often over-glows the frames in bright light.

Another hidden feature is Ultra-Night Mode 2.0, which automatically turns on in the dark, but works better if:

1. Press the down button for 3-5 seconds (for long exposure).
2. Use a tripod or support - even a slight trembling of the hand will spoil the frame.
3. Disable the AI-recognition of scenes in the settings (it often gets the white balance wrong at night).

2. firmware update: fix camera bugs

Versions MIUI 13.0.8 contains a critical bug with autofocus in video mode, which causes the camera to constantly "breath" (loss focus). HEIF-A format that saves space without losing quality.

To update:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Select the service pack (if you want to install the firmware manually).
3. Download the latest stable version from Xiaomi’s official website (select Global or EEA region).

⚠️ Warning: If the camera gets worse after the update (for example, artifacts appear in the video), reset the camera settings: → Annexes → Application management → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

3.Install Google Camera (GCam): the best alternative

The MIUI Camera stock app plays Google Camera in detail, HDR processing and night shooting. The Redmi Note 10S is suitable for modified versions of the GCam from the developers of BSG or Shamim.

How to determine:

1. Download. APK-GCam file for snapdragon 678 (Redmi Note chipset) 10S) From the Celso Azevedo forum (look for versions 8.1–8.4).
2. Before installation, enable Installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access.
3. After installation, open GCam and import the config (settings) for Redmi Note. 10S (downloadable 4. Hardware improvements: lenses, tripods, lighting Even with perfect settings, the physical limitations of the Redmi Note camera 10S The small sensor is still there. 1/1.97", No optical stabilization and a weak LED flash: 🔍 For macro, wide-angle images or portrait blur, nozzles with clip-on mounting will suit: 📷 Xenvo Pro Lens – Wide-angle (0.45x) + macro (15x). 🔎 Apexel 8-in-1 — fish-eye kit and telephoto lens. 💡 SANDMARC — premium option with optical glass (without distortion). 1 500 ₽ before 5 000 ₽. The main thing is to check compatibility with the diameter of the Redmi Note camera. 10S (~25 mm). 📹 Studs and stabilizers For video and night shooting, phone fixation is mandatory. Best options: 🎥 Ulanzi MT-08 — mini-staff (~1 000 ₽). 🤳 DJI OM 5 — stabilizer (~15 000 ₽). 🧲 Magnetic mount (such as PopSocket) for shooting with one hand. 💡To shoot a video in 4K use a tripod with a liquid head - it smoothly rotates and removes microflashes when panning. 💡 Coverage Redmi Note flash 10S gives off a cold light (~6000K) And it creates sharp shadows. Alternatives: 🔦 Ring lamp (for example, Neewer) 18") portrait. 🌟 Softbox – scatters light by removing glare. ☀️ Reflector (can be made from foil) for natural lighting. 5. Setup of video: 4K, Stabilization, bitrate of Redmi Note Camera 10S supports video 4K@30fps, but by default, it's off in 1080p low-bitrate (~17 To improve quality: Step 1: Change the resolution: Open the camera → switch to the video mode. Touch the settings icons (⚙️) → choose 4K and 30 Fps. Step. 2: Increase bitrate (required root or rut) ADB): adb shell setprop persist.vendor.video.encode.profile.high 1 adb shell setprop persist.vendor.video.encode.bitrate 50M These teams are raising bitrate to 50 Mbps (default — 25 Mbps. Step. 3: Enable electronic stabilization (EIS): In a standard camera: Settings → Video stabilization. in GCam: Video Settings → EIS + OIS (Video mode Bitrate (default) Recommended bitrate Stabilization 4K@30fps 25 Mbps 50 Mbps EIS (electronic) 1080p@60fps 17 Mbps 35 Mbps EIS + Gyro (in GCam) 1080p@30fps 12 Mbps 25 Mbps EIS ⚠️ Attention: When shooting in 4K The phone is very hot. If the temperature goes above 45°C, the camera will automatically lower the resolution. Use a cooling case or take breaks every time. 10–15 minute. 6. Photo processing: Lightroom, Snapseed, Topaz Even the perfect shot with Redmi Note 10S It requires post-processing: 🔴 Lights (especially in the sky or light skin). 🟣 Noise in the shadows (at ISO > 1600). 🟡 Unnatural colors (green at night) Recommended tools: 📱 Adobe Lightroom Mobile – Exposure and Color Correction. 🎨 Snapseed – Selective processing (e.g., only dimming the sky). ✨ Topaz Gigapixel AI — Increase resolution without loss.Basic settings for Redmi Note 10S at Lightroom: Exposition: +0.3-0.7 (if the frame is dark). Contrast: +15-25: +30 to 50 (to show details). Temperature: 4500–5000K (It removes the green hue. Noise suppression: Luminance +20, Color +10. 💡Always shoot in format RAW (Pro Mode if you are planning a serious treatment. RAW It saves more data for correction than JPEG. 7. Alternative firmware: Pixel Experience and others If none of the methods worked, it remains to reflash the phone to custom firmware with better camera optimization. For example, Pixel Experience uses the GCam kernel by default and offers a free download: 📸 Google Camera as a standard app. 🔄 More fluid. HDR+ Night Sight. 🛠️ Autofocus and white balance bug fix. How to install Pixel Experience: Unlock bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool. Install custom recovery (TWRP) For the Redmi Note 10S. Download the Pixel Experience firmware (choose the Rosemary version – codename Redmi Note) 10S). Flow through TWRP (Instruction: Wipe → Format Data → Install ZIP). ⚠️ Note: Firmware resets all data and may result in a loss of warranty.Before the procedure, check the firmware compatibility with your model (M2101K7AG or M2101K7AI) on the topic of XDA-Developers. FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note camera 10S 🔍 Why do photos get blurry even when I'm not moving my phone? The problem is the autofocus that gets lost because of: Polluted lens (wipe with soft cloth); weak lighting (turn on Night Mode or use GCam); bug in the firmware (update). MIUI before 13.0.8+). If the slurring only appears in 64 MP mode, turn it off - the sensor is not physically designed for such a resolution (program augmentation is used). 🎥 How to remove the “rolling shutter” in the video? “Jele” effect occurs due to the fact that the “jelly” effect is not the same. CMOS-Sensor with rolling shutter. Solutions: Shoot at higher frame rates (60fps instead 30fps). Use GCam with Motion Photo enabled. Keep your phone horizontal and avoid fast movements. In post-processing, jelly can be reduced in Adobe Premiere with Warp Stabilizer. 📸 Can optical stabilization be enabled (OIS) on the Redmi Note 10S? No, in the Redmi Note. 10S no hardware OIS — Electronic Stabilization (EIS). Hybrid stabilization can be included in GCam (EIS + Gyro, which improves the smoothness of the video a little bit, and for best results, use an external stabilizer (e.g., a video stabilizer, DJI OM 5). 🔋 Why does the camera get too hot and off? Overheating is caused by: Long shooting in the video. 4K 64 MP mode: High bitrate GCam, radiator pollution (dust inside the case), Solutions: Shoot in sessions for 5-10 minutes with interruptions, turn off background apps before shooting. Use a cooling case (e.g. Black Shark Cooler). 🛠️ How do you reset the camera to factory settings? If the camera gets worse after experimenting with the settings, reset: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management. Find the Camera and select Warehouse. Press Clear Data and Clear Cache. This will return all settings to factory settings, but it won't delete your photos.