How many bits does Xiaomi Mi camera have? 9T: We understand the technical characteristics and the impact on the photo

Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 In some regions, it is still one of the most talked about smartphones of the brand due to its combination of price and specs, among the key questions that concern users is how many bits the camera of this device and how it affects the quality of photos. If you are looking for an accurate answer, prepare yourself for the fact that the topic will be deeper than it seems at first glance.

The fact is that the concept of "beatiness of the camera" is often confused with bitiness. RAW-In this article, we're not only going to give you a clear answer to the question of the bitness of the Mi. 9T, But we also explain why this parameter is important (or not so important) for everyday shooting, and how to test the bit on your device, how 10-bit shots differ from 8-bit shots, and whether you should chase high scores in 2026.

Spoiler: If you only shoot in JPEG for social networks, the bitiness of the camera Mi 9T You don't care, but if you're working with RAW Or you're post-processing, that information can be critical.

What is “Camera Bitness” and Why is it Important

When talking about the bitiness of the camera, usually mean the depth of color in the camera. RAW-In simplified terms, this is the number of shades that a matrix can capture on each color channel (red, green, blue). The higher the bit, the smoother the gradients and the wider the dynamic range in post-processing.

Examples for clarity:

• 🔢 8 bits: 256 brightness levels per channel (standard for JPEG). Enough for social networks, but with a strong correction, banding appears (bands on gradients).
• 🎨 10 bits: 1024 levels, allowing you to edit exposure and color flexibly without loss.
• 📊 12-14 bits: 4096-16384 levels, used in top mirrorless (e.g. Sony) A7 or Fujifilm X-T5).

It's important to understand that bit quality doesn't equal photo quality; it only affects the potential for post-processing. A smartphone with an 8-bit camera can take great pictures out of the box if it has a good processing processor (like the Google Pixel with its algorithms). HDR+). A 10-bit. RAW from the budget device can be noisy and requires manual fine-tuning.

⚠️ Attention: Camera beat and screen beat are different things! screen Mi 9T It supports 10-bit color (in theory), but that doesn't mean the camera shoots 10 bits.The screen can display a wide color range, and the camera can't.

How many bits does Xiaomi Mi camera have? 9T: official data and tests

Now to the main thing: Xiaomi Mi 9T It is equipped with Sony’s main camera IMX582 It's 48 MP, and according to the official spec of the matrix manufacturer, it supports 10-bit output:

• 📱 Stock firmware (MIUI): By default, the camera saves the photo in JPEG (8 bits or HEIF (10 bits, but with compression). RAW (DNG) It is only available in Manual Mode and has a 10-bit depth.
• 🔧 Custom firmware: On LineageOS or Pixel Experience, you can enable 10-bit saving DNG by default, but it requires manual adjustment.
• 📊 Independent Tests: According to DXOMark (2019), Mi 9T It shows dynamic range at the level of flagships, but it is more of a merit. HDR-algorithms, not biting.

Key fact: in automatic shooting mode (JPEG) The bit count is less than 8 bits, even if the matrix supports 10 bits. RAW Handle files.

If you want maximum editing flexibility, shoot in RAW (DNG) But remember: these files take up a lot of space (about 40 MB per image) and require processing in Lightroom, Darktable or Capture One.

How to check the bit of the camera on your Xiaomi Mi 9T

To make sure in what format your photos are saved, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Camera app and go to Pro Mode (Professional Mode).
2. Click on the settings icon (⚙️) and find the Save option. RAW (or RAW + JPEG).
3. Take a test shot and check the folder DCIM/Camera — There are two files that must appear:.jpg (8 bits) and (10 bit).

To analyze the bit size of existing files:

• 🖥️ On PC: Open up RAW-A file in FastStone Image Viewer (free) or ExifTool (command prompt) will specify the bit content in the file properties (e.g. Bits Per Sample: 10).
• 📱 On your phone: Install the Exif Viewer app (like Photo Exif Editor) and check the image metadata.

Take a picture in Pro Mode with it on RAW|

Find the.dng file in the folder DCIM|

Open the file in Exif Viewer or on PC|

Check out the Bits Per Sample setting|Compare it to JPEG-version-->

If in metadata DNG 8 bits is specified, which means your Mi firmware 9T It's bounded by biting, and it could be custom firmware or older versions. MIUI. In this case, try updating the software or installing an alternative camera app (e.g. GCam with support for 10-bit). RAW).

10 bits vs 8 bits: Should you chase high bits?

So let's look at how critical the difference between 8 and 10 bits is in practice, and let's look at two scenarios for that.

1. Social media shooting (JPEG):

• ✅ 8 bits is enough: Instagram, VK Other platforms compress photos up to 8 bits, so you won’t see the difference.
• ✅ Less weight of files: JPEG It takes 5-10 times less space than RAW.
• ❌ Limited dynamic range: With a strong exposure correction, artifacts will appear.

2. Professional photography (RAW + post-processing):

• ✅ 10 bits gives a margin: You can restore overlights / shadow details without bandaging.
• ✅ Flexible color correction: Smooth gradients when changing shades.
• ❌ Processing difficulty: Requires skills in Lightroom or similar programs.

Example: If you are photographing a sunset with bright sun and dark shadows, 10 bits RAW It allows you to pull out the details in the shadows without the color stripes. JPEG With such a correction, banding will occur (for example, a smooth gradient of the sky will turn into a striped texture).

Bottom line: unless you're a professional photographer, chasing 10 bits doesn't make sense. - For most Mi users 9T standardize JPEG. If you are interested in photography, 10 bits. RAW open up new opportunities.

How to enable 10-bit shooting on Xiaomi Mi 9T: step-by-step

If you want to try out a 10-bit RAW, follow this instruction:

Step 1: Enable Pro Mode:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Scroll through the shooting modes left to Pro (or Professional).
3. Click on the settings icon (⚙️) top-right.

Step 2: Configure the Conservation RAW:

• Find the Save option. RAW or RAW + JPEG.
• Choose. RAW + JPEG, to receive both formats simultaneously.
• Make sure that the camera settings include High Dynamic Range (HDR).

Step 3: Verification of the result:

• Take a test shot (for example, a landscape with contrast lighting).
• Open the.dng file on your PC in Lightroom or FastStone.
• Try to increase the exposure in the shadows – if there is no banding, then 10 bits work.

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If your firmware does not have a saving option RAW, Install a modified GCam camera (e.g., a version of the GCam camera). BSG Many GCam ports for Mi 9T support 10-bit RAW.

Please note: when shooting in RAW Some functions of the stock camera are disabled (for example, AI-Scene recognition or Night Mode, if they're important to you, shoot in the video. JPEG Use 10 bits only for critically important personnel.

Frequent Bit Problems on Xiaomi Mi 9T and their decisions

It doesn't always work smoothly. Here are the typical problems and ways to solve them:

Problem 1: RAW It is stored 8 bits instead of 10.

• 🔹 Reason: Outdated firmware or custom software with restrictions.
• 🔹 Solution: Update MIUI Up to the latest version or install GCam with 10-bit support RAW.

Problem 2: Files DNG take up too much space

• 🔹 Reason: RAW It is not compressed and contains complete data from the matrix.
• 🔹 Solution: Use RAW + JPEG and remove unnecessary DNG post-processing.

Problem 3: In processing RAW noise

• 🔹 Reason: Small pixel size (0.8 μm) in IMX582 It causes noise in dark scenes.
• 🔹 Solution: Shoot in good lighting or use a tripod + night-time JPEG.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of GCam for Mi 9T retain RAW Before you take important shots, check how the file opens in Lightroom — sometimes the colors can be flipped to green or purple.

If you are faced with another problem related to bitness, try resetting the camera settings to factory (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clearing the data. This often helps with a breakdown in the preservation of data. RAW.

Alternatives: Other Xiaomi smartphones with a 10-bit camera

If bits are critical for you, consider more modern Xiaomi models that support 10-bit shooting out of the box:

If Mi 9T If you are satisfied, but you want more opportunities for photography, pay attention to GCam ports with support for LibPatch - they allow you to activate additional matrix functions, including a full 10-bit output.

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Xiaomi Mi 9T supports 10-bit RAW Only in Manual Mode. For automatic shooting, the bit is limited to 8 bits (JPEG) or 10 bits compressed (HEIF).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Mi Camera Bitness 9T