Adobe’s New iPhone Camera App Uses Computational Photography
▼ Summary
– Adobe released Project Indigo, a free computational photography app for iPhones (12 Pro and newer), developed by Marc Levoy, known for his work on Google Pixel cameras.
– The app captures multiple photos and combines them to reduce noise and improve dynamic range, aiming for an “SLR-like” look with manual controls.
– A detailed blog post by Levoy and Florian Kainz explains the app’s computational photography techniques and image processing pipeline.
– Project Indigo will serve as a testbed for future Adobe features, with plans for Android support, portrait mode, and video recording.
– The app targets both casual and advanced photographers seeking high-quality, natural-looking photos with manual controls or new photographic experiences.
Adobe has launched an innovative camera app for iPhones that leverages advanced computational photography techniques to deliver professional-quality images. The app, called Project Indigo, was developed by Adobe Labs and is currently available as a free download for recent iPhone models, including the iPhone 12 Pro and newer versions. Notably, users don’t need an Adobe account to access its features.
The app stands out by capturing multiple shots in rapid succession and merging them to reduce noise while enhancing dynamic range. This approach aims to replicate the natural look of SLR cameras, appealing to both casual and serious photographers. Users gain manual control over settings like focus, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance, offering flexibility typically found in high-end cameras.
Behind the scenes, Project Indigo benefits from the expertise of Marc Levoy, a former Google engineer known for pioneering computational photography in Pixel phones. Alongside Adobe senior scientist Florian Kainz, Levoy has detailed the app’s technical foundations in a comprehensive blog post. The write-up explores smartphone camera capabilities, the science behind computational photography, and how the app achieves its refined image quality.
While the app is currently exclusive to iPhones, Adobe plans to expand its capabilities. Future updates may include an Android version, portrait mode, and video recording features. Additionally, the team views Project Indigo as a testing ground for new technologies, such as reflection removal, which could eventually integrate into Adobe’s broader product lineup.
For photography enthusiasts, the app represents a step toward seamless mobile photography and editing, combining AI-powered enhancements with manual controls. Whether users seek polished social media shots or professional-grade images, Project Indigo offers a fresh take on smartphone photography.
(Source: The Verge)
