Project Indigo 1.0.2

Introducing Project Indigo, an advanced camera application developed by Adobe Labs that exemplifies cutting-edge computational photography. Incorporating a customized processing pipeline and emulating a natural image aesthetic, it offers a comprehensive suite of manual controls suitable for both professional and casual photographers. The platform also introduces novel functionalities for computational cameras for the first time, providing insights into emerging AI-driven image processing technologies through its Tech Previews section.

Compatible with iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max, 13 Pro/Pro Max, and all iPhones 14 and newer models. For optimal performance, devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro or subsequent releases are recommended.

A COMPUTATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY PLATFORM

Rather than capturing a single image, Indigo employs a burst capture approach that integrates multiple photos into a single high-quality output, reducing noise and enhancing dynamic range with a simple shutter press.

PHOTO MODE VS NIGHT MODE

The application’s Photo mode is designed for well-lit conditions, offering instantaneous capture without shutter lag to preserve spontaneous moments. Conversely, Night mode is optimized for low-light scenarios; it captures images with longer exposures after pressing the shutter button, resulting in reduced noise and clearer night images despite initial shutter delay.

NATURAL AESTHETIC

Indigo leverages computational photography and AI algorithms to produce images with a natural, DSLR-like appearance. This includes subtle enhancements to subjects and skies that are applied during JPEG rendering and embedded as suggestions within raw DNG files if enabled. Importantly, the raw pixel data remains unaltered to preserve maximum flexibility for post-processing.

PROFESSIONAL CONTROLS

The app grants users extensive manual control over key capture parameters: focus (with an optional magnifier for precision), exposure time, ISO, exposure compensation, and white balance—adjustable by sampling neutral gray objects. In Night mode, users can manually determine the number of frames to be aligned and merged, balancing noise reduction against capture duration. Long Exposure mode enables synthetic effects such as “water-into-silky,” ideal for tripod-based shooting.

SUPER-RESOLUTION ZOOM

To mitigate quality loss during digital zooming, Indigo utilizes multi-frame super-resolution technology that reconstructs higher-detail images. The presence of an ‘SR’ indicator on zoom controls signifies activation and enhanced clarity at higher zoom levels.

VIEWFINDER FEATURES

The viewfinder interface displays critical information including capture parameters, a live scene histogram, zebra overlays indicating overexposure zones, and an electronic level to assist in composing level shots.

LIGHTROOM INTEGRATION

Through direct integration with Adobe Lightroom Mobile, users can effortlessly transfer captured images for further editing. Moreover, optional raw DNG files generated by Indigo ensure compatibility with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom desktop applications, facilitating advanced post-processing workflows.

TECHNOLOGY PREVIEWS

The Tech Previews section offers early access to emerging technological innovations that may influence future Adobe products or appear in differing forms within existing solutions.

• AI Denoise: An adaptation of Adobe’s AI-based denoising technology available in Camera Raw and Lightroom desktop. It operates on raw DNG input to generate a cleaner version saved back to the camera roll.
• Remove Reflections: A specialized tool targeting reflections captured through plate glass windows. It accepts DNG input and produces medium-resolution JPEGs designed to reduce reflections effectively.