How to capture Slow Motion Video on Xiaomi 15 Ultra

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, with its advanced Leica quad-camera system, offers powerful video recording capabilities, including cinematic slow-motion video at 4K 120fps. This guide provides a step-by-step tutorial on capturing stunning slow-motion videos, along with tips to optimize your results and enhance the cinematic quality of your footage.

Prerequisites

• Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Ensure your device is updated to the latest MIUI or HyperOS version for optimal camera performance.

• Adequate Lighting: Slow-motion videos require bright lighting to avoid motion blur and graininess.

• Stable Support: A tripod or gimbal is recommended to minimize camera shake, which is more noticeable in slow motion.

• Storage Space: High-frame-rate videos consume significant storage. Ensure you have enough free space (4K 120fps can use ~600 MB per minute).

• Optional Apps: While the default Camera app is sufficient, third-party apps like Filmora or Movavi Clips can enhance post-production editing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recording Slow-Motion Video

Step 1: Open the Camera App

1. Locate and launch the Camera app from your Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s home screen or app drawer.

2. Ensure you’re in Video mode. If not, swipe the mode selector at the bottom of the screen to switch to Video.

Step 2: Access Slow-Motion Mode

1. Swipe the mode selector to the left or right until you find Slow Motion mode. It is typically represented by an icon with three horizontal circles or a "Slow-Mo" label.

   • Alternatively, tap More in the mode selector and select Slow Motion from the list.

2. The camera will automatically configure settings optimized for slow-motion recording.

Step 3: Adjust Video Settings

1. Tap the settings icon (gear) or resolution indicator (e.g., "4K") at the top of the screen to customize:

   • Resolution and Frame Rate: Select 4K 120fps for the highest quality slow-motion video. This is supported by both the 23mm main camera and the 100mm periscope telephoto lens.

   • Dolby Vision: Enable Dolby Vision for enhanced dynamic range and vivid colors, available at all focal lengths.

   • Stabilization: Ensure EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) is enabled. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra also supports 4-axis OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the main camera for smoother footage.

2. Choose your lens:

   • Use the 23mm main camera (1-inch sensor) for wide shots with excellent low-light performance.

   • Switch to the 100mm periscope telephoto for zoomed-in slow-motion shots, ideal for distant subjects like sports or wildlife.

Step 4: Frame Your Shot

1. Position your subject in bright, natural light to capture crisp details. Avoid backlighting to prevent dark or unclear footage.

2. Use a tripod or hold the phone steady to minimize shake. The camera’s respiratory motion and focus breathing compensation help maintain smooth zooming and stable image quality.

3. Plan the action. Slow motion enhances fast-moving subjects (e.g., water splashes, sports, or pets). Focus on capturing a brief, dynamic moment (5–10 seconds) to keep file sizes manageable.

Step 5: Record the Video

1. Tap the red Record button to start capturing.

2. Keep the camera steady and follow the subject smoothly. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s AI-powered subject tracking (Xiaomi ProFocus) helps maintain focus on moving objects.

3. Stop recording by tapping the Record button again. The video is automatically saved to the Gallery app.

Step 6: Edit and Adjust Playback Speed

1. Open the Gallery app and select your slow-motion video.

2. Tap Edit to access built-in editing tools:

   • Speed Adjustment: By default, 4K 120fps videos play back at 30fps, creating a 4x slow-motion effect (120 ÷ 30 = 4). You can adjust the playback speed to make it slower or faster.

   • Trim: Shorten the clip to focus on the key moment.

   • Slow-Motion Range: Drag markers to apply slow motion to specific sections of the video.

3. Enhance with Dolby Vision effects or apply filters for cinematic tones, leveraging the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s partnership with Leica for vivid colors and realistic lighting.

4. Save the edited video by tapping Done or Save.

Step 7: Share or Export

1. Share directly from the Gallery app to social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, which support slow-motion playback.

2. Note: Some apps (e.g., WhatsApp) may compress the video, removing the slow-motion effect. To preserve it, export the video as a standard file:

   • In the Gallery app, select the video, tap Edit, and save it as a new file with the slow-motion effect applied.

3. For professional editing, transfer the video to a PC and use software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Filmora for advanced speed ramping and effects.

Pro Tips for Stunning Slow-Motion Videos

• Maximize Lighting: Shoot in bright daylight or use softbox/ring lights indoors. Slow-motion videos at 120fps require more light to avoid graininess.

• Use Audio Zoom: Enable Audio Zoom in the Camera app for directional audio recording, enhancing the cinematic feel of your video.

• Experiment with Focal Lengths: Switch between the 14mm ultra-wide, 23mm main, or 100mm telephoto lenses to capture varied perspectives. The 200MP telephoto lens excels for distant subjects.

• Leverage AI Features: The Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s HyperAI enhances subject-background separation and preserves accurate skin tones, even in complex lighting.

• Keep Clips Short: Record in 5–10-second bursts to manage file sizes and make editing easier.

• Third-Party Apps: For advanced editing, use apps like Filmora Mobile for speed ramping (gradual speed changes) or Movavi Clips for custom slow-motion effects.

• Avoid Flickering Lights: Fluorescent or flickering lights can cause issues in slow-motion footage. Shoot in steady, natural light for best results.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Video Looks Choppy: Ensure you’re recording at 4K 120fps, not a lower frame rate. Choppy slow motion can occur if the playback speed is adjusted too aggressively without sufficient frames.

• Autofocus Issues: In low light, autofocus may be slower. Tap the screen to manually lock focus on your subject.

• File Size Too Large: Reduce resolution to 1080p 120fps if storage is a concern, though this sacrifices some detail.

• Slow Motion Not Applied: If sharing via apps like WhatsApp, save the video as a standard file first to embed the slow-motion effect.

• Flickering in Video: This may occur at high frame rates under artificial lighting. Adjust the anti-banding setting in the Camera app to 50Hz or 60Hz, or shoot in natural light.

Technical Notes

• Frame Rate Details: The Xiaomi 15 Ultra captures slow-motion video at 120fps in 4K, which is played back at 30fps for a 4x slow-motion effect. Unlike some older Xiaomi models (e.g., Xiaomi 12 Ultra, which used interpolation for 1920fps), the 15 Ultra relies on native high-frame-rate capture for smoother results.

• Stabilization: The combination of 4-axis OIS and EIS ensures minimal shake, but a tripod is still recommended for professional results.

• Storage: A 10-second 4K 120fps clip can take up ~100–150 MB. Clear space or use an external drive for longer shoots.

• Battery Usage: High-frame-rate recording and flashlight use can heat up the device and drain the battery faster. Monitor temperature during extended shoots.

With the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s next-gen Leica camera system, capturing slow-motion videos is both accessible and powerful. By following this guide, you can record cinematic 4K 120fps footage, leveraging features like Dolby Vision, AI-enhanced subject tracking, and advanced stabilization. Experiment with different lenses and lighting conditions to create dramatic, professional-quality slow-motion videos that stand out.