Adobe’s New Camera App Could Revolutionize Phone Photography
▼ Summary
– Project Indigo is a camera app designed by computational photography experts, offering transparent image processing and advanced computational techniques for photography enthusiasts.
– The app provides a more natural, less over-processed look compared to standard phone cameras, with features like dual histograms and gentle subject/sky processing.
– It includes two capture modes (photo and night) with pro controls for shutter speed, ISO, and multi-frame merging, but is resource-intensive, causing overheating and battery drain.
– Indigo’s RAW files preserve more shadow detail and offer greater flexibility for post-processing, even on iPhones that don’t support Apple’s ProRAW format.
– While similar results can be achieved with iPhone’s ProRAW and Photographic Styles, Indigo’s warmer, darker default treatment and less aggressive sharpening provide a distinct aesthetic appeal.
Adobe’s latest camera app, Project Indigo, is shaking up mobile photography with its unique approach to computational imaging. Developed by industry veterans Florian Kainz and Marc Levoy, known for his groundbreaking work on Google Pixel cameras, this iOS beta app offers unprecedented control over image processing while demystifying what happens behind the scenes when you tap the shutter button.
For photographers frustrated with overprocessed HDR effects or excessive sharpening in standard smartphone cameras, Indigo presents a refreshing alternative. The app isn’t for casual users, it’s resource-intensive, slows down your iPhone, and drains battery life quickly. But for those willing to trade convenience for creative control, it delivers one of the most thoughtfully designed mobile photography experiences available.
A Camera App Built for Photography Enthusiasts
The interface keeps things simple with just two capture modes: Photo and Night. Auto mode handles basic shooting, while a pro toggle unlocks manual controls for shutter speed, ISO, and, in night mode, the ability to select how many frames the app merges for the final image.
Balancing Computational Power with Natural Results
One standout feature is computational RAW support on iPhones that don’t normally support Apple’s ProRAW, a capability typically limited to recent Pro models. This makes high-quality editing accessible to a wider range of users.
Real-World Performance: Subtle Yet Significant Differences
Indigo particularly excels in high-contrast indoor scenes, where it maintains richer shadows compared to Apple’s tendency to lift them. Outdoors, while exposures lean slightly brighter, the RAW files provide ample room to adjust contrast and shadow depth, something that might convince even skeptics to shoot in RAW more often.
The Trade-Offs: Power vs. Practicality
These limitations highlight why mainstream camera apps prioritize speed and efficiency. Apple’s native app must perform reliably across all iPhone models, from the latest Pro to devices several years old. Missed shots or processing errors aren’t just inconveniences, they can ruin irreplaceable moments.
(Source: The Verge)
