Manila shutterbugs test the Leica-powered Xiaomi 13 Series in Pampanga • PhilSTAR Life

Select Xiaomi fans, media, and Leica photo enthusiasts recently tested the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro in a mobile photography expedition organized by Xiaomi Philippines. The photo walk took 16 shutterbugs through the bustling streets of the cities of San Fernando and Angeles in Pampanga, where they immersed themselves in local culture through street photography.

Co-engineered with legendary camera brand Leica, the smartphones used in the expedition feature a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP telephoto camera which boasts 3.2x optical zoom and 70x digital zoom.

**A day of adventure.** With the Xiaomi 13 Series in hand, our photography enthusiasts embarked on a street photography adventure, capturing the vibrant culture and scenery of San Fernando City and Angeles City in Pampanga.

Capturing a city’s hustle and bustle

Starting in San Fernando City, the participants combed through the busy public market and captured images of locals as they bargained with vendors.

**Vibrant and Alive:** A meat vendor at the bustling San Fernando Public Market captured in action with the Xiaomi 13 Series. Using the Leica Vivid style, the photo pops with colors that draw the viewer's attention to the subject, making it stand out from the background. Vincenz Lee

Inside the market, the participants played with the smartphones’ two dynamic photographic styles—the Leica Authentic, which brought out realistic colors, and the Leica Vivid, which amplified saturation levels and made photos truly eye-catching.

**Capturing the magic of a father-daughter bond, one close-up at a time. With the Xiaomi 13 camera phones** in hand, participants in the street photography expedition saw the world as a canvas of endless possibilities.

Telephoto camera in action

After a satisfying sisig lunch at Aling Lucing’s, the shutterbugs next tested their skill at nature photography with a visit to the Clark Safari and Adventure Park. There, the group took photos of lions, tigers, and other exotic animals in their natural habitat.
The photo walk also touched on Pampanga’s history with a visit to the Clark Parade Grounds, which once served as the parade ground for the United States Cavalry at Fort Stotsenburg. The participants made use of the smartphones’ wide-angle camera to capture the field’s entirety, while also using the main camera to catch the intricate details of the monuments and landmarks with different camera settings and shutter speeds.

**Capturing Wildlife Up Close:** The telephoto camera on the Xiaomi 13 Pro comes to life at Clark Safari and Adventure Park, enabling our photographers to capture stunning shots of majestic animals in their natural habitat. With 3.2x optical zoom and 70x digital zoom, every detail is captured, making it feel like the animals were right in front of you. Benjie Manalo

**Can't get enough of these fascinating creatures!** A photo walk participant captures the curious expressions of the majestic ostrich up close.

Tips for sharper, more vibrant images

Throughout the photo walk, participants unlocked the full potential of their Leica-powered camera phones. They learned how to work with exposure settings and lighting to capture stunning images. Exceptional image resolution was achieved through better light absorption courtesy of Xiaomi 13 Pro's 1-inch ultra-large sensor.

**Walking and clicking together.** Participants share with each other the beautiful snapshots they captured together.

The participants were also taught how to use the smartphones’ manual control settings in the Pro mode, such as adjusting the ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. Manual settings allow for sharper and more vibrant images, especially in low-light conditions. Participants were encouraged to try various angles and perspectives to create dynamic compositions.

The photo walk’s Top 10 photos are featured on Xiaomi Philippines' official social media and community pages. The best photos would also be displayed in a public gallery, offering the photographers an opportunity to display their artistry before a wider audience.
The Xiaomi 13 Series is now available for purchase through authorized Xiaomi stores, as well as official online platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. The Xiaomi 13 is priced at P44,999, while the Xiaomi 13 Pro can be purchased for P59,999.

For more information, please visit the official Xiaomi web page.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Xiaomi Philippines.