Features and features of the Xiaomi Redmi 8 camera: a full review

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a budget smartphone that, despite its availability, offers some pretty good photography options. Launched in 2019, it is still a popular choice amongst value-for-money users. But how good is its camera by today's standards? And how do you set it up to get the best possible shots?

In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical characteristics of the main and front modules of the Redmi 8, compare them with their counterparts, and share practical tips for improving the quality of photos and videos. We will pay special attention to shooting modes, camera settings and typical mistakes that owners of this smartphone make. If you want to learn how to take bright and clear photos even on a budget device, read on!

Technical characteristics of the camera Xiaomi Redmi 8

The Redmi 8 main camera features a 12-megapixel f/1.8 aperture sensor, which is considered a good indicator for the budget segment. The sensor is manufactured by Sony (model IMX363), which guarantees acceptable shooting quality in good lighting. The additional 2-megapixel module is responsible for blurring the background in portrait mode, but its capabilities are very limited.

The front camera is smaller, with an 8MP aperture of f/2.0, and is suitable for selfies and video calls, but don't expect professional quality. It's important to note that Redmi 8 doesn't have optical stabilization, so microshiver and noise can appear when shooting video or in low light conditions.

• 📸 Main camera: 12 MPP, f/1.8, phase-focus (PDAF), LED-flash
• 🔍 Additional module: 2 MP (depth), f/2.4
• 👤 Front camera: 8 MPP, f/2.0, fixed-focus
• 🎥 Video: Full HD (1080p) upon 30/60 Fast-forward, slow-motion. 120/240 fps (720p)
• 🔋 Programme functions: HDR, Portrait mode, night mode, scene recognition (AI)

One of the key drawbacks of the Redmi 8 camera is the lack of an ultra-wide-angle lens, which was already becoming the standard even in budget smartphones.It is also worth noting that the maximum resolution of video is limited to Full HD (1080p), while competitors (for example, the Realme 5 or the Samsung Galaxy M20) already offered 4K support.

Comparison with competitors: who is the best photographer?

In 2019, the Redmi 8 competed with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy M20, Realme 5 and Motorola Moto G7. Let's compare their cameras on key parameters:

Redmi 8 is losing to Realme 5 and Moto G7 in terms of additional modules and support 4K-But the quality of the main sensor is on par with the competition, and the main advantage of the Redmi 8 is the presence of night mode, which does not have the Galaxy. M20. Realme 5 wins at the expense of ultra-wide-angle and macro lenses.

⚠️ Attention: When shooting in low light conditions, the Redmi 8 is very much inferior to the flagships, but among public sector employees it shows itself worthy. ISO above 1600 will be visible.

What is the Redmi 8 camera capable of?

Despite the budget stuffing, the Redmi 8 camera supports several useful modes that will help improve the quality of shots.

• 🌃 Night mode: Allows you to take lighter and more detailed photos in the dark, works by combining several frames, but requires a steady hand or tripod.
• 👤 Portrait Mode: Blurrs background after subject to mimic the bokeh effect, works best in good lighting and clear contrast between subject and background.
• 🎨 Scene recognition (AI): Automatically adjusts the settings to the type of scene (portrait, landscape, food, sunset, etc.) Sometimes it is wrong, so it is better to check the result.
• 📽️ Slow-motion: Supports 120 and 240 fps in resolution 720p. It is useful for shooting dynamic scenes, but the quality of the video leaves much to be desired.
• 🔍 Manual settings (Pro Mode): Allows you to manually adjust shutter speed, ISO, White balance and focus, useful for power users.

One of the most useful modes is "Cross Shooting" (or "Serial Shooting"), which allows you to take up to 20 frames in a few seconds, which helps you choose the best shot, for example, when you take pictures of moving objects or children, and to activate this mode, you just need to hold the shutter button.

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If night mode is too much "smooth" details in the photo, try to take a picture in manual mode (Pro Mode) with a shutter speed of 1/10-1/4 seconds and ISO 800-1600. Use a tripod or support to avoid smear.

How to improve the quality of photos on Redmi 8: practical tips

Even a budget camera can take good pictures if you set it up correctly and follow a few simple rules.

1. Clean the lens. Often, poor quality photos are due to dirt or fingerprints on the lens, wipe it with a soft cloth before taking a picture.
2. Use natural light. Redmi 8 doesn't do well with artificial light, especially yellow incandescent lights. Try to take photos in daylight.
3. Turn off the digital zoom. As you zoom in, the camera just cuts and stretches the image, losing detail, and you'd better get closer to the object.
4. Experiment with manual settings. In Pro mode, try reducing the ISO to 100-400 and using shutter speeds of 1/100-1/500 for daytime shots.
5. Install GCam. The Google Camera port for Redmi 8 allows you to significantly improve photo processing, especially in night mode and when shooting HDR.

If you decide to install GCam, look for versions from the developers of BSG or Urnyx05. These are best optimized for the Snapdragon 439 processor, which is installed in Redmi 8. Before installing, be sure to include the Camera2 API (this can be done through an engineering menu or special applications like Manual Camera Compatibility).

Clean the lens of dust and prints|Check the battery level (recording in the 4K And the night mode quickly discharges the battery)|Turn off digital zoom in camera settings|Activate the grid (rule of thirds) for the best composition|Make sure there is enough space on the memory card (photo in the video) RAW occupy ~20 MB each)-->

⚠️ Note: When using GCam on Redmi 8, you may overheat the processor during long-term video shooting. If the smartphone gets hot, take a 10-15-minute break to avoid trottling).

Video Shooting: Opportunities and Limitations

Redmi camera 8 Supports video recording in Full resolution HD (1920×1080) speedily 30 or 60 We're also able to take time-lapse footage in a second. 720p on 120 or 240 fps. Unfortunately, 4K-There is no video here, which is a serious disadvantage even for a budget smartphone. 2019 year-end.

When shooting a video, several nuances should be considered:

• 🎬 Stabilization: No optical stabilization, so the video can shake. Use both hands or a tripod.
• 🔊 Sound: The microphone is recording the sound mono, without noise cancellation.
• 🌡️ Overheating: With a long record (more than 10-15 minutes), the smartphone can overheat, especially at 60 fps.
• 🔋 Battery: Shooting a video in Full HD @60 fps discharges the battery on 10–15% hourly.

To improve the quality of the video, it is recommended:

1. Shooting in Full HD @30 fps will reduce the processor load and reduce shaking.
2. Use an external microphone (through a 3.5 mm connector) if pure sound is important.
3. Enable the grid in the camera settings for the best frame composition.
4. Avoid shooting against a bright light source (such as the sun) so as not to get over-lit areas.

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For maximum video quality on Redmi 8, shoot in Full HD @30 fps in good light, use a tripod and an external microphone. avoid digital zoom and long recordings without interruption.

Typical Redmi 8 Camera Problems and Solutions

Many Redmi 8 owners face typical shooting problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the camera stops working completely (for example, the error “I failed to connect to the camera”), try the following steps:

If the problem persists even after reset, the camera module itself may have malfunctioned. In this case, contact the service center. The cost of replacing the main camera for the Redmi 8 is about 1500-2500 rubles (2026).

Should I buy a Redmi 8 in 2026 for a camera?

Xiaomi Redmi 8 was a good budget in 2019, but today its camera is much inferior even to inexpensive new products. For example, Redmi 12C (2023) offers a 50-megapixel main camera with better photo processing, support for 1080p @60 fps and ultra-wide-angle module – and it costs a little more than a used Redmi 8.

But if you want a smartphone for basic tasks (selfies, document shoots, rare memory photos), the Redmi 8 can still do it, and the main thing is not to expect professional quality from it.

• 📱 Redmi 12C (2023): 50 MPP + 2 MP (depth), 1080p @60 fps, night mode 2.0
• 📱 Samsung Galaxy M14 (2023): 50 MPP + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth), 1080p @30 fps, improved processing
• 📱 Realme Narzo 50A (2022): 50 MPP + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth), 1080p @60 fps, night mode

If you think of Redmi 8 as a second device or a child, it's a good camera for everyday use, and the key is to consider its limitations and not compare it to flagships.

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In 2026, the Redmi 8 is even lower than budget-friendly, but it remains acceptable for basic tasks. If photography is important to you, consider more modern models (Redmi 12C, Galaxy M14).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi camera 8