Your iPhone camera just got a serious upgrade thanks to Adobe’s new app, Project Indigo, which brings the computational photography expertise of Google Pixel to Apple’s platform. This free app, launched by Adobe Labs, promises to help iPhone users capture sharper, clearer photos with ease – no Adobe account required!
Marc Levoy, the mastermind behind Google Pixel’s groundbreaking camera technology, is also one of the key developers of Project Indigo.
Although it’s not available for Android yet (ironic, right?), this app is already a game-changer for iPhone users with models from iPhone 12 Pro and up. For the best experience, Adobe recommends using an iPhone 15 Pro or later.
What sets Project Indigo apart from the standard camera app is its ability to capture up to 32 frames in one shot, merging them into a single, cleaner photo. It’s like HDR and Night Mode on steroids, with more control over the outcome. Yes, you may have to wait a few extra seconds after taking the shot, but the payoff is absolutely worth it with improved shadows, reduced noise, and a better dynamic range.
Adobe also includes a handy feature for photographers to adjust how many frames are taken during each burst, allowing users to find the perfect balance between speed and photo quality. Additionally, a Long Exposure mode gives creative freedom for capturing motion blur effects.
The app uses AI to enhance both regular dynamic range and high dynamic range photos. Plus, it works seamlessly with Adobe Camera Raw and Lightroom for those looking to take their editing to the next level. With hands-on control over focus, ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and exposure adjustments, Project Indigo offers a true pro-level photography experience.
Another impressive feature is the app’s improved digital zoom. Using a multi-frame super-resolution technique, it captures several slightly shifted shots when zoomed in beyond 2×. These shots are then merged to create a clearer, sharper image. Unlike other AI zoom tools that fabricate details, this technique uses actual hand movements to improve image resolution and authenticity.
To top it off, Project Indigo is also serving as a testing ground for future features that could eventually make their way to other Adobe products, including a tool to remove annoying reflections. There are even plans to bring it to Android, add a portrait mode, and enable video capture in the future.
If you’re looking to capture better photos on your iPhone, Project Indigo is a must-try. It fixes common phone photo issues like poor lighting, oversaturated colors, and excessive smoothing, offering images that look sharp even when enlarged on big screens.
However, for those of us with an iPhone 13 mini or other unsupported models, it’s a bit of a bummer. But with its promising features, it’s exciting to think about how Adobe will continue pushing the boundaries of mobile photography with AI and computational techniques.