Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is deservedly considered one of the best mid-range devices in its price category, thanks largely to its main camera with a Samsung GW1 sensor. However, to get really high-quality shots, it is not enough to just turn on the app and click the down button. Standard default settings are often focused on automatic processing, which may not take into account your personal preferences or the specifics of the scene.
Competent configuration allows you to unlock the potential of the 64-megapixel sensor, improve detail in low light and avoid common errors such as overlights or lubrication of moving objects. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to configure the shooting interface, what modes to use in various situations and how to activate the hidden capabilities of the MIUI system.
Many users are unaware that their device is capable of much more than just standard social media shots: the correct calibration of white balance, exposure and focus makes this gadget a powerful tool for mobile photography.
Primary interface and framing grid setting
Before you start to manipulate the sensor in a complex way, you need to organize the viewfinder workspace, and the first thing you need to do is activate the framing grid, which will help you follow the rule of thirds, which is a fundamental principle of composition, and then go to the settings menu by clicking on the three horizontal bars in the upper right corner, and activate the grid switch.
It's also recommended that you include a horizon level display, which is especially useful when shooting landscapes or architecture, avoiding the cluttering of the horizon line, which often spoils the impression of a great shot.
Note the format of the photo saver. By default, the device can use a 4:3 aspect ratio, which corresponds to the full size of the matrix. However, in the settings, you can choose 16:9 for full-screen viewing on modern TVs or Full for maximum coverage of the scene without trimming the edges.
- 📐 Turn on the grid. 3x3 for constructing the correct frame composition.
- 📐 Activate the horizon level to capture architecture and landscapes.
- 📐 Choose the optimal aspect ratio depending on the purpose of the shooting.
Configuring the main module and working with resolution
The heart of the Redmi Note 9 Pro is the 64MP core module. It is important to understand the difference between standard shooting mode and high resolution. By default, the camera uses pixel binning (4-in-1) technology to create 16MP images. This improves light sensitivity and reduces digital noise in under-light.
If you plan to print large-format photos or crop with saving detail, it makes sense to switch to 64MP mode via the viewfinder top menu. However, remember that in this mode the file weighs significantly more, and the dynamic range may be narrower than in the standard 16MP mode.
⚠️ Warning: 64MP is not supported in low light conditions, the camera will automatically switch to standard mode or issue a warning when additional light is needed.
For everyday shooting, the most optimal is the standard mode, where the HDR algorithms work most efficiently. The system automatically takes a series of frames with different exposures and combines them, pulling details from the shadows and preventing overlights in the sky.
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Use 64MP mode in bright daylight only to capture static objects such as landscapes or textures.
Use of night mode and shooting in low light
Night photography on mobile has always been a challenge, but Xiaomi has implemented a powerful Night Mode algorithm that works wonders on this device. To activate it, select the appropriate mode on the menu or click on the moon icon on the top menu. The principle of operation is a series of long shutter speeds that are programmatically stabilized and folded into one clean frame.
When using night mode, it is critical to keep the smartphone still for 2-4 seconds while processing is underway. Despite the presence of electronic stabilization, any sudden movements of the hands will lead to "lubrications" or double objects, it is best to elbow against a hard surface or use a tripod.
In the night mode settings, you can manually adjust the brightness and noise reduction levels if the automation isn't doing perfectly. The AI slider helps the camera better recognize the scene, but sometimes it's worth turning it off for more natural, albeit less contrasting colors.
| Parameter | Recommendation | Influence on photo |
|---|---|---|
| ISO | Minimum (50-100) | Reduces digital noise |
| Excerpt. | Automatic machine (2-4 sec) | Increases the amount of light |
| Noise suppression | Medium/High | Makes the shadows cleaner. |
| Stabilization | I'll be sure. | Prevents lubrication |
Macrograph and wide-angle lens
The Redmi Note 9 Pro has an 8MP ultra-wide-angle module and a 5MP macro camera. The wide-angle is great for shooting interiors and large-scale landscapes, allowing you to fit more space in the frame, but be prepared for some reduction in detail around the edges of the frame and possible geometric distortions.
A macro lens allows you to focus on objects from 2-7 cm away. It opens up a world of tiny details: tissue textures, insect eyes, leaf structure. Good lighting is critical for high-quality macro photography, because a small aperture lets in little light.
The Secret to Macro Shooting
When switching to macro mode, focus is often fixed automatically. If autofocus is "sniffing", try blocking focus and exposure by pressing and holding your finger on the desired area of the screen until the AE/AF LOCK label appears.
- 🔍 Approach the object slowly so that autofocus has time to react.
- 🔍 Use a tripod or wrap your phone around to eliminate micro-shaking.
- 🔍 Watch the depth of field – in macro it is very small.
Setup of video shooting and stabilization
The smartphone's video capabilities allow you to shoot up to 4K at 30 frames per second or 1080p at 60 frames per second. For dynamic scenes, sports or just walking, 60 fps provides a smoother picture. However, 30 or even 24 frames are more often used to capture cinematic effect and save disk space.
The EIS electronic stabilization system works quite efficiently, but when shooting in 4K it can be turned off or operated less aggressively to keep the detail.If you shoot the video with your hands in motion, enabling stabilization in the video settings is a must.
Special attention deserves a mode of slow motion (Slo-mo). Redmi Note 9 Pro supports recording at 120 and even 240 frames per second at a resolution of 720p. This allows you to create spectacular videos, but requires very bright lighting, since the short shutter speed of each frame greatly darkens the image.
⚠️ Note: When recording video in 4K The sound can be recorded in mono or with a reduced quality due to the limitations of the processor.
☑️ Setup before video shooting
Professional Mode (Pro Mode) for full control
For those who want to have full control of the image creation process, the camera app has a PRO mode. Here you get access to manual settings for focal length (MF), shutter speed (S), ISO sensitivity, white balance (WB) and exposure correction (EV).
Manual focusing is especially useful in macro or glass shooting, where autofocus can't find contrast. By moving the slider, you can get perfect sharpness exactly where you want it to be, not where the algorithm decides.
Customizing white balance allows you to creatively work with color. You can make the frame warmer by adding yellow shades for sunset, or cooler by adding blue to convey a winter atmosphere. The RAW (DNG) save format in this mode saves all the information from the matrix without compression, which provides a huge opportunity for post-processing.
Recommended PRO settings for night city:
ISO: 100-400
Shutter speed: 1/10 - 1/30 sec
WB: Auto or 3500K
Format: RAWPreservation and organization of settings
Once you have set up your camera, it’s important to make sure that these settings are maintained. In the latest versions of MIUI, the camera remembers the last mode used and the main parameters, but resetting the application settings can return everything to factory values.
Clean the camera app cache regularly if you notice a slowdown or lag when you switch modes. This can be done through the Settings menu → Apps → Camera → Memory → Clear the cache. This will not delete your photos, but will remove temporary files that may interfere with work.
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Optimal camera setup is a balance between automatic AI algorithms and manual control in challenging lighting conditions.
Remember to wipe the lens before each shot. Fat spots from the fingers are the main cause of glare and loss of contrast, which no software setting can fix. Microfibre or a special wipe should be a must-have accessory for the photographer.