Xiaomi Redmi 9
systems-based
We will not only analyze the standard settings of the Camera application, but also fine-tuning through Pro Modes, low light optimization, and give specific recommendations for taking portraits, landscapes and videos. All instructions are relevant for the latest versions. MIUI (including MIUI 14 Android-based 12/13) and tested in practice.
If you think a budget smartphone is not capable of high-quality images, you are mistaken. 80% of success depends on the right settings, not the price of the device. Even the Redmi 9 with its modest specs can deliver photos at the level of flagships of 2018-2019, if you know a few secrets. There is no water in this article: only specific steps, examples and warnings about typical errors.
Basic camera settings: where to start
Before diving into manual modes, make sure the basic camera settings are set up optimally. Many users don't even know that factory settings are in place. MIUI They are often designed to be “universal” rather than real-life.
Open the Camera app and tap the icon ⚙️ (The gear is in the upper right corner, and there's a few critical points:
- 📸 Photo resolution: Select 13 MP (4:3) for maximum quality. 16:9 format cuts the frame on the sides, reducing detail.
- 🎥 Video resolution: Redmi 9 is optimal for Full HD (1080p) 30 fps. 4K This processor will give strong heating and lag.
- 🔄 Side ratio: for social networks (Instagram, TikTok) is more convenient 1:1 or 9:16, but for printing or editing it is better 4:3.
- 🌙 Night mode: Turn on the Auto option so that the camera itself offers to activate it in the dark.
Note the Watermark option – it’s best to turn it off if you don’t want each shot to have Shot on Redmi 9 on it. Also check if the Save Mode setting option is enabled so the camera remembers your preferences between sessions.
⚠️ Note: If the camera settings do not have Pro mode, update the Camera app via Google Play or check the firmware relevance. MIUI (below 12.5) this mode may be hidden.
Manual settings in Pro-mode: full control over the shooting
Pro mode (or Manual mode) is your main tool for creative photography, and you can manually adjust shutter speeds here, ISO, White balance, focus, and even save format (RAW). Let’s take each parameter in detail:
To activate Pro mode, scroll through the list of shooting modes left to the end or tap on the label More. If there is no mode, update the camera app (see the warning above).
| Parameter | Recommended values | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Excerpt. | 1/1000s – 1/125day), 1/10s – 1nightly) | During the day: fast shutter speed to freeze motion. At night: slow for light shots (use a tripod!). |
| ISO | 100–400 (day), 800–1600 (night) | Low. ISO = less noise. High. ISO = brighter frame, but with "grain". |
| White balance | Car or daylight | The car is 90% of the time, and you can manually adjust it when you're shooting under neon or warm light. |
| Focus | AF-S (single-focus autofocus; or MF (hand-held) | AF-S for most scenes. MF — For macro or when autofocus is missed". |
Pay special attention to the format RAW. It saves raw data from the matrix, which gives you more editing options in Lightroom or Snapseed: RAW-files take up 3-5 times more space (about 20-30 MB per image) and are not directly supported by some social networks.
Excerpt: 1/500s – 1/1000s
ISO: 100–200
White Balance: Daylight
Focus: AF-S (tap-to-point)
Format: JPEG (or RAW, if you plan to edit)-->
Set up the front camera: the secrets of a good selfie
The Redmi 9's 8-megapixel frontal is capable of more than it seems, and users' main problem is blurry or too smoothed selfies, which are due to aggressive processing. MIUI, plug-in.
Go to Camera Settings → Front camera and perform the following steps:
- 👤 Beauty: turn off or reduce to 20 to 30 percent. 100% smoothing makes the face plastic.
- 🔍 Blurring background: turn it on, but only in good light. In the dark, the effect will look unnatural.
- 🌟 Facial lighting: activate when shooting indoors. This option automatically increases the exposure to the face.
- 📐 Mirror: Turn on if you want to see yourself in a mirror. Turn off for a natural view (as others see you).
For the best selfies, use Portrait Mode, which activates the algorithms for blurring the background and improving the face, but remember, this mode requires good lighting and contrast between you and the background, and if you stand against the wall of the same color as the clothes, the blurring effect will be weak.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9's front camera has a fixed focus (does not support autofocus). To prevent selfies from getting blurry, keep your phone 20 to 30 cm away from your face. Too close or far away and the shot will lose sharpness.
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For natural selfies, use a back camera with a timer (3 or 10 seconds), the quality will be higher, and the angle of shooting will be more flattering.
Optimization of video shooting: stabilization, sound, resolution
Redmi 9 videos often suffer from two problems: frame jitter and bad sound, both of which can be partially solved by software.
The menu Camera settings → Video setup:
- Resolution: Full HD (1080p) 30 fps (optimal balance of quality and performance).
- Stabilization: Enable Electronic Stabilization (EIS). It cuts the edges of the frame, but reduces the tremor.
Microphone: Choose the Main microphone (not Video Calling) as it is better at suppressing noise.
To shoot dynamic scenes (sports, dancing, movement) use the Short Video mode (icon with the inscription) VIDEO It automatically stabilizes the frame and optimizes the exposure. If you want to record a long video (for example, a lecture or a concert), switch to standard mode and fix the focus, holding your finger on the screen until the inscription appears. AF Lock.
| The scene. | Recommended settings | Additional advice |
|---|---|---|
| Interview/monologue | 1080p 30fps, EIS On, microphone "Main" | Use an external light (window or lamp) in the front, not the back. |
| Dynamic scenes | 1080p 60fps, EIS on, focus locked | Hold the phone with both hands or use a makeshift tripod (such as a stack of books folded). |
| Low lighting | 720p 30fps, EIS switched off, ISO until 1600 | Remove the case, it can block the flash. Use the Night mode for the video, if available. |
How to improve sound when shooting video?
Shooting in difficult conditions: night, movement, macro
Redmi 9 is not a leader in night photography, but when set up correctly, it can produce acceptable shots even at dusk. The rule is, don't rely on the machine. Here's what really works:
For the night shot:
1. Switch to Pro mode and set:
- Excerpt: 1/4s – 1c (use a tripod or support!).
- ISO: 800-1600 (higher - too noisy).
White balance: Incandescent lamp (for warm street lighting) or Auto.
2. Activate Night (moon icon) mode and wait until the camera prompts you to hold the phone still.
3. If shooting from hand – use Serial shooting (hold down the button) and choose the most successful shot from the series.
For shooting moving objects (children, animals, sports):
- Turn on Continuous Autofocus (AF-C) pro-mode.
- Set the shutter speed no slower. 1/250c. ISO — before 800.
Use Serial Shooting (hold down the button) and choose the sharpest shot.
For macro photography (flowers, insects, textures):
- Switch to Pro mode and set focus manually (MF).
Bring the phone to a distance of 3-5 cm to the object (closer - not focused).
Use additional lighting (light or lamp) as in macro mode the camera loses a lot of light.
⚠️ Attention: When shooting macro with flash on Redmi 9, there is often a “overlight” effect – the object turns white. To avoid this, cover the flash with a thin white wipe or use an external light source.
Post-processing: how to save unsuccessful photos
Even with perfect settings, not every frame is a masterpiece. Fortunately, most problems can be fixed in the editing process. Here's the minimum set of tools and actions for Redmi 9:
- 📱 Built-in editor MIUI: It allows you to trim, adjust the brightness/contrast and apply filters.
- 🎨 Snapseed (Google): free application with professional tools (selective correction, curves, object removal).
- 🖼️ Lightroom Mobile: The Best Choice to Work with RAW. Allows tone work shadow and light, remove noise and improve colors.
- 🔍 Remini: neural network to increase resolution and improve details (useful for old or blurred photos).
Typical problems and their solutions:
Dark frame: Enlarge the Exposition and Shadows in Snapseed.
Noise (grain): Use the Lightroom Noise Reduction tool (but don’t overdo it – the image will become “plastic”).
Blurrency: Apply Sharpness (slurred mask) to Snapseed, but no more than 30-40%, otherwise artifacts will appear.
- Unnatural colors: Reset color settings and manually adjust the temperature (2500–4000K for warm tones) and shade.
If you're filming in RAW, import the file to Lightroom and adjust the white balance first with a pipette, then work out the tone (HSL-For Redmi 9 it is especially important not to pick up the Brightness above +30, otherwise noise and compression artifacts will appear.
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Take it down. RAW, If you are planning a serious post-processing. JPEG Redmi 9 is heavily compressed, and when editing loses details.
Hidden features and life hacks for the Redmi 9 camera
MIUI He hides some useful things that few people know about:
- 🔍 Double pressing of the volume button: in Settings → Special facilities → Quick camera turn on: turn on the option to launch the camera with a double press on the volume button (even from a locked screen).
- 📏 Horizon level: In Pro mode, turn on the grid (Settings) → Help with photography → The grid will be leveled to help keep the phone straight.
- 🎬 Screen recording: If you want to record gameplay or social media video, use the built-in Screen recording (called by swiping down the notification panel) and the quality will be better than when you shoot with a camera.
- 🔄 Quick camera switching: Twice tap the screen in shooting mode to switch between front and main camera.
- 📁 Hidden folder: photos taken in Incognito mode (if any) are saved to an encrypted folder. → Albums. → Locked down.
Another little-known trick is that if your camera starts to "glutch" (not focusing, it gives a green hue), reset its settings.
1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Camera and tap the Warehouse.
3. Click Clear (no cache!) This will return all settings to factory settings, but it won't delete your photos.
If the problem persists after reset, check if the case is blocking the lens or flash, often due to a physical obstruction in front of the sensors, the green screen or blur.