Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, was a real breakthrough for the brand – it first received the flagship processor Snapdragon 845, AMOLED-And then, you know, the screen, and of course, the dual main camera with optical zoom, but even years later, owners and potential buyers of used models are wondering, "What about the Xiaomi Mi 8 camera against the backdrop of modern smartphones?" Spoiler: it still can surprise you with the right settings and the right nuances.
In this article, we will discuss in detail:
- Real possibilities of the dual module 12+12 PM (not marketing promises).
How to manually set up your camera for the best shots in 2026
- Hidden functions MIUI, which are silent even on reviews.
- Comparison with competitors of the time (Huawei) P20 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S9) and current budgetary.
If you think a 4-year-old smartphone is not capable of high-quality photos, you are wrong. 8K-And if you're good at post-processing and knowing where the weak spots are, you're going to get around a lot of new machines in real scenes!
Specifications of the camera Xiaomi Mi 8: what hides the specifications
On paper, the camera is Mi. 8 It looks very modest: a double module 12 MPP + 12 MP (wide-angle) + telephoto) with aperture f/1.8 and f/2.4 But numbers are not everything. Let's look at what's really important:
Sony's main sensor IMX363 (The same as in the Google Pixel 3) physical-size 1/2.55" pixels 1.4 That means it's better at collecting light in the dark than many modern-day lights. 48-Megapixel sensors with binning. 2x optical zoom (equivalent) 52 mm allows you to take portraits without distortion, and phase autofocus (Dual Pixel) PDAF) It provides lightning-fast focus even on moving objects.
Video footage supports 4K@30fps full HD@240fps for slow motion, but there is a nuance: when recording in 4K Electronic stabilization is shut down (EIS). But in full. HD Hybrid stabilization (optical) + Electronic), which makes the video smooth even when walking.
- 📸 Main camera: 12 MPP, f/1.8, 27 mm (equivalent) Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
- 🔍 Telephoto: 12 MPP, f/2.4, 52 mm (equivalent.), 2x zoom, PDAF
- 🌃 Frontal: 20 MPP, f/2.0, Autofocus free (fixed focus)
- 🎥 Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Hybrid stabilization (only in Full) HD)
⚠️ Note: In some regions (for example, in India) sold Xiaomi Mi 8 SE 12MP camera + 5MP is a completely different model! Make sure your device is the Mi 8 (codenamed dipper) and not sirius (Mi 8). SE).
Comparison with 2018 competitors: who won the megapixel race?
In 2018, the flagship market was saturated with models with innovative cameras: Huawei P20 Pro with triple camera Leica, Samsung Galaxy S9+ It's a variable aperture iPhone X with a neural engine, where the Mi 8 is in that row?
According to the results of tests DxOMark (current at the time of release), the Mi 8 scored 99 points – at the level of the Galaxy. S9+ (99) and slightly below P20 Pro (109), but the numbers don't always reflect the reality:
- 🌅 Daylight: Mi 8 lost out P20 Pro in detail (Huawei had a 40-MP sensor), but bypassed the iPhone X in natural colors.
- 🌙 Night shooting: No night mode (which appeared later in the film) MIUI 10) Mi 8 loudly ISO > 3200. Galaxy S9+ He was better off with his aperture. f/1.5.
- 👤 Portraits: The camera module gave a more natural bokeh than the software blur from the OnePlus 6, but lost the iPhone X in the exact selection of edges.
| Model | DxOMark (2018) | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 8 | 99 | Natural colors, fast autofocus, optical zoom | Noise in the dark, no night mode out of the box |
| Huawei P20 Pro | 109 | Details (40 MP), night mode, zoom 3x | Flower processing, slow HDR |
| Samsung Galaxy S9+ | 99 | Low light photography (f/1.5), steady-video | Excess saturation, weak zoom |
| iPhone X | 97 | Precise bokeh in portraits, stable video HDR | Low detail, lack of zoom |
Today, in 2026, the Mi 8 can still compete with budget smartphones (like the Redmi Note 12) in daytime scenes, but loses in nighttime shooting and dynamic range. However, with the installation of the GCam (Google Camera), the situation changes dramatically — more details will be provided in the next section.
How to Improve Xiaomi Mi 8 Camera: GCam, Manual Settings and Secrets MIUI
Even with the Mi 8's age, you can squeeze the maximum out of his camera. Here are 3 proven ways to do this:
1. Installation of Google Camera (GCam)
Stock camera app MIUI It often over-shoots pictures and aggressively smooths out details. GCam (a port from Google Pixel) solves these problems:
- 📈 Wide dynamic range (no overlights in the sky).
- 🌃 Night Sight mode - saves in the dark even without a tripod.
- 🎯 Accurate focus on close objects (macro).
Recommended versions of the GCam for the Mi 8:
- BSG GCam (stable, with support for all modules).
- Urnyx05 v2.8 (best-handling).
Download APK proven-source (4PDA, XDA)
Enable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special access)
Turn off the stock camera. MIUI (avoiding conflict)
Set up GCam settings (see spoiler below)-->
Optimal GCam settings for Mi 8
2 Manual settings in Pro-mode
Stock camera. MIUI It has a Pro mode (More) → Professional where you can manually control:
- ⚙️ Shutter speed: for glowing tracks of cars - 1-2 seconds, for the milky path - 20-30 seconds (you need a tripod).
- 📏 ISO: Do not go above 3200, there will be a lot of noise.
- 🎯 Focus: manually adjust for macro (range 5–10 cm).
- 🔄 White Balance: Choose for Sunset 5000K–6000K.
💡
For shooting water (waterfalls, fountains) use shutter speed 1/4–1/2 sec and low ISO (100–200). This will create the effect of "silk water".
3. Hidden functions MIUI
Few people know, but the Mi 8 camera has undocumented features:
- 🔍 Superzoom 4x: Hold the zoom button in the camera interface – digital zoom will appear before the camera is installed. 10x (quality will fall, but sometimes it saves).
- 🎭 Double Exposure: In Mode More → Double exposure can be superimposed with two frames (for example, a portrait). + landscape).
- 📱 Camera gestures: Double-press the volume button to quickly open the camera (even on a locked screen).
⚠️ Attention: When shooting in RAW (.dng) files take up ~20MB each! make sure your device has enough memory, or use a microSD card UHS-I (grade 10).
Xiaomi Mi 8 Night Shooting: Can You Get Good Photos Without GCam?
One of the main disadvantages of the Mi 8 is that it's a poor night shot in the stock app, but there are 4 working ways to improve the result:
1. Use of a tripod + manual
Even without GCam, you can take acceptable night shots:
- Switch to Pro mode.
- Install. ISO 800-1600 (higher - too noisy).
- Excerpt: 1/4–1 (for traffic-intensive streets) or 4–10 Sec (for static scenes).
- Focus: Manual infinity tuning (∞).
Alternative annexes
If GCam is not suitable, try:
- 📱 Open Camera - Supports the Open Camera RAW, manual settings and has built-in night mode.
- 🌙 Night Camera (from Almalence) – specializes in shooting in the dark.
3. Post-processing
Raw night shots from the Mi 8 often require further refinement.
- 🖼️ Snapseed: Selective correction tool will help to brighten shadows without noise.
- 🎨 Lightroom Mobile: Reduce Noise and Increase Clearance +15.
💡
Best result in the dark is given by a combo: GCam (Night Sight) + tripod + Post-processing in Lightroom.Even the iPhone 12 doesn't always do better!
4. Filming in RAW + PC-processing
.dng files contain the maximum amount of editing data.
- 💻 Darktable (free) - analogue of Lightroom RAW.
- 🖥️ Capture One – The Best Shadow Recovery.
Example of settings for RAW Mi 8:
Exposure: +0.7–1.0 EV
Shadows: +50-70
Noise: Reduction Luminance 30–40
Clarity: Masking 60-80 (to avoid noise)Video shooting on Xiaomi Mi 8: how to shoot a movie without professional equipment
Mi 8
4K@30fps
Full HD@240fps
1. Optimal settings for video
In the stock chamber:
- 🎞️ Permission: 1080p@60fps (Better balance between quality and stabilization).
- 🔄 Stabilization: turn on EIS (Camera settings → Stabilization of video).
- 🎤 Sound: Use an external microphone (connects via a USB-C).
In GCam:
- Choose. 1080p@60fps bitrate 50 Mbps.
- Turn on the Audio Zoom (amplifies the sound in the direction of zoom).
2.The Secrets of Fluid Video
To avoid "twitching":
- 🤳 Hold your smartphone with both hands, your elbows pressed against your body.
- 🚶 Motion: Walk smoothly, bending your knees (like a cameraman withsteadycam).
- 📱 Filmic Pro allows you to block exposure and white balance.
💡
For slow motion (240fps) Shoot in bright lights – in the dark, the video will be too noisy.
3. Video editing
Recommended programs for installation with Mi 8:
- 🎬 CapCut (free, there are templates for free) TikTok/Reels).
- 📹 KineMaster (supports multitrack sound).
- 💻 DaVinci Resolve (for PC – professional color correction).
| Script | Recommended settings | Example of use |
|---|---|---|
| Vlog (street) | 1080p@60fps, EIS ON, Boya microphone BY-M1 | Cities surveys, interviews |
| Sports events | 1080p@240fps, manual focusing | Slow shooting of kicks in football |
| Concerts | 1080p@30fps, exposure 1/60, ISO auto (max 1600) | Minimizing noise in low light |
Frequent Xiaomi Mi 8 camera issues and how to fix them
Even after years of operation, the Mi owners 8 They're going to have a typical bug.-5 problems and solutions:
1.The camera is not focusing
Symptoms: blurry images, constant "breathing" of autofocus.
Decisions:
- 🧹 Clean the lens with a soft cloth (do not use alcohol!).
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it helps to reset the camera module.
- 🛠️ Restore the factory camera settings: Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data.
- 📱 If the problem is in the telephoto module, try to disable it in the GCam settings (Advanced section). → Aux Cameras).
2.The green tint in the photo
Reason: Incorrect color reproduction of the Sony sensor IMX363 drain-appendix.
Decisions:
- 🎨 Install GCam (solves the problem at the software level).
- 📲 In manual mode, set the white balance on 4500K–5000K.
- 🖼️ In lightroom, reduce the Tint (slide towards magenta).
3. Overheating during long shooting
The Mi 8 is warmed by the Snapdragon 845 and its compact body. 4K temperature can reach 45-50°C.
Decisions:
- ❄️ Take off your case before shooting.
- 🔋 Charge the battery to 50-70% (at 100% warms up stronger).
- ⏱️ Limit sessions 4K-Video for 10-15 minutes, then let it cool down.
⚠️ Warning: If the camera shuts down with the message "Overheating", do not immediately try to continue shooting! Let the smartphone cool down for 10-15 minutes, otherwise you risk damaging the matrix.
4.The noise on the video in the dark
Video in Full HD In low light, it is "drilled" due to high light. ISO.
Decisions:
- 🌃 Use an external light source (even a smartphone flashlight will help).
- 📽️ Take it off. 1080p@30fps fast-paced 1/24 (Cinematic look, but you need manual tuning in Filmic Pro).
- 🎞️ In post-processing, apply denoise in Topaz Video AI or Neat Video.
5. Optical zoom is not working.
If 2x The zoom image becomes digital (pixel), the problem is:
- 🛠️ Damage to the telephoto module (check if the glass is broken above the lens).
- 📱 Software failure – reinstall firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
- 🔧 Incorrect GCam settings – enable support for assistive cameras in Settings → Advanced → Aux Cameras.