Resolve and camera capabilities Xiaomi Redmi 8: full analysis

The question of how many megapixels a Xiaomi Redmi 8 phone has on its handsets is often a deciding factor when choosing a budget device: Consumers are looking for a balance between price and quality of shooting, wanting to get decent shots without overpaying for flagship features. The budget smartphone segment has made a huge leap in recent years, and the Redmi 8 model has become one of the brightest representatives of this class, offering features that were previously only available in the mid-range segment.

The main camera module in this device is equipped with a 12 MP matrix, which is the standard for many modern entry-level gadgets. However, dry numbers do not always reflect the real picture of quality. It is important to understand how the MIUI software processing affects the final image, using artificial intelligence algorithms to improve color reproduction and detail. It is the hardware-software bundle that determines how good your photos will turn out in daytime and artificial lighting.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the specifications of photo modules, the effect of pixel size on sensitivity, and practical tips for setting up. You will learn how to make the most of a 12-megapixel camera, what modes to use for portraits and landscapes, and what to expect from video shooting. Understanding these nuances will allow you to take better pictures, even using available equipment.

Technical characteristics of the main chamber

The main camera module Xiaomi Redmi 8 is based on the sensor Sony IMX363, which is widely adopted due to its reliability and ability to take high-quality pictures. the matrix resolution is 12 megapixels, but the key feature here is the size of the individual pixel — 1.4 microns. This is a significant figure for a budget device, as a large pixel area allows you to capture more light, which is critical for shooting in low light conditions.

The main camera lens has an aperture of f/1.8, which provides good background blur and high light transmittance. The focal length is equivalent to 26 mm in full-frame equivalent, which is a classic indicator for wide-angle shooting. The focusing technology uses Dual Pixel technology, which provides fast and accurate guidance for sharpness even when the subject is moving, this is especially noticeable when trying to photograph children or pets.

⚠️ Note: Despite having two cameras on the back, the second lens is auxiliary and does not have its own sensor to form images in standard mode.

The extra module is 2 MP in resolution and acts as a depth sensor, and it helps software separate the subject from the background to create a bokeh effect in portrait mode. The quality of the sensor is directly dependent on the lighting and contrast of the scene. In difficult conditions, algorithms can make mistakes by creating artifacts along the contour of the object, but in good light the result looks quite natural.

Auxiliary camera and front module

The second module on the back of the case, as mentioned, has a resolution of 2 MP. Its only task is to help the main sensor build a depth map. It is not used for shooting on its own, so you should not expect any additional features from it, such as macro photography or wide-angle coverage, this is a typical solution for a budget segment, where manufacturers save on the number of active sensors.

The Xiaomi Redmi 8 front camera is equipped with an 8MP matrix. It is located in a drop-shaped screen cutout and is designed for video calls and selfies. The front-facing lens' aperture is f/2.0, which is a standard metric. For its time and price class, this camera provided an acceptable quality of detail, although the dynamic range here is noticeably narrower than that of the main module.

The software offers various beautification modes that allow skin smoothing and facial features to be adjusted in real time. The degree of processing can be adjusted manually to avoid the effect of a "plastic" face. Beautify's AI algorithms work quite aggressively by default, so it is recommended to reduce the level of retouching in the settings for more natural shots.

• 📸 Basic module: 12 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF.
• 📏 Depth sensor: 2 MP, f/2.4, only for portrait mode.
• 🤳 Front camera: 8 MP, f/2.0, support AI-retouching.
• 🎥 Video footage: Full HD at 30 frames per second on both cameras.

Quality of shooting in different lighting

Daytime shooting on Xiaomi Redmi 8 shows the best results. In bright sunlight, the 12-megapixel matrix gives a picture with good detail and rich colors. Dynamic range allows you to save details in both light areas of the sky and in the shadows, although in contrasting scenes there may be small overlights. Color reproduction is tuned towards greater saturation, which is typical for Xiaomi devices.

In low light, Night Mode, which is available in the standard camera app, comes in, and it uses multi-frame noise reduction, taking multiple images with different exposures and combining them into one, which allows you to significantly reduce digital noise and pull details out of dark areas, but you have to consider that the shutter speed is increased, and you have to keep the phone still.

⚠️ Attention: When shooting at night without a tripod or stop, you are likely to get a blurred frame due to the long shutter speed. Try to use stabilization or lean on stationary objects.

Artificial indoor lighting is often the most challenging scenario for budget cameras, with noise in the shadows and loss of detail in the lights, processing algorithms trying to smooth out the noise, which sometimes leads to a soapy picture at a high magnification, but for social networks and messengers, the quality remains quite acceptable.

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To improve nighttime shooting, try using third-party apps with manual settings where you can lock ISO to a low value and increase shutter speed if you have a tripod.

Video capabilities and stabilization

Video shooting on Xiaomi Redmi 8 is available in Full HD (1920×1080) resolution at 30fps. 4K recording is unfortunately not supported, which is a typical limitation for the Snapdragon 439 processor installed in this model. The video quality is good during the day, with natural colors and sufficient sharpness, but jerks of autofocus can be noticeable when moving.

Electronic image stabilization (EIS) in this device is software-based and does not always effectively cope with shaking when walking. When moving actively, the picture can twitch and the horizon will fall off. It is recommended to use both hands to fix the phone or use additional stabilizing devices to get smoother video.

Sound recording is done through a built-in microphone located on the lower end of the case. In windy weather, the sound can be blown out, so it is recommended to close the microphone area with your hand or use external headsets to record interviews. In quiet rooms, the sound is recorded clearly and legibly.

• 🎬 Maximum authorization: 1080p (Full HD).
• 🎞️ Frequency of frames: 30 FPS (frame-of-second).
• 📉 Digital Zoom on Recording: Available, but Lowers Quality.
• 🎙️ Sound: mono, noise-canceling recording.

Camera settings and shooting tips

The camera application interface in the MIUI shell offers many settings that allow you to adapt the shooting process to your needs. In the top menu, you can find the settings for resolution, aspect ratio, timer and framing grids. Activating the grid helps you follow the rule of thirds and build a more harmonious composition of the frame.

In Manual Mode (Pro), the user can access shutter speed, ISO, white balance and focal length settings, which allow for creative approaches to shooting, such as taking long shutter speeds to capture light trails or freezing water movement, but this mode requires basic knowledge of photography.

Settings -> Camera -> Settings -> Settings -> 4:3 (recommended for maximum matrix use)

For best results, it is recommended to use the 4:3 save format, as it uses the entire matrix area. 16:9 and 1:1 formats are crop (trimming) of the main image, which actually reduces the number of megapixels used and reduces detail.

Comparison with competitors and the final table

At the time of the release of Xiaomi Redmi 8 Its main competitor was considered the Samsung Galaxy. A10 And the different models from Realme. 8 It was the main camera with dual pixel_ focus and larger pixel size, which gave a head start in night shooting compared to competitors using older sensors.

However, the lack of ultra-wide-angle and macro (full-fledged) imagery put him in the position of a “good middle man.” For users who care about versatility, the lack of “width” could be a drawback, but for those who appreciate the quality of the main shot, it was a great choice.

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The Redmi 8’s top card is the main 12MP module with a large pixel, which provides above-average photo quality for its class, compensating for the lack of additional cameras.

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