Learn about Project Indigo, Adobe’s AI-driven camera app for iOS with burst HDR, reflection removal, manual controls, and upcoming Android support.
A Computational Photography Camera
Unlike traditional smartphone cameras that capture a single image, Indigo captures a burst of photos and intelligently merges them to produce a high-quality image with:
- Lower noise
- Higher dynamic range
All of this happens instantly—just press the shutter button.
Photo Mode vs. Night Mode
Photo Mode
- Designed for daylight and well-lit conditions.
- Zero shutter lag—captures the exact moment you press the button.
- Ideal for fast-moving subjects and spontaneous shots.
Night Mode
- Optimized for low-light conditions.
- Introduces some shutter lag (images are captured after pressing the button).
- Uses longer exposure times for reduced noise and better clarity.
Natural Look
Indigo’s photos leverage computational photography and AI to produce a natural, SLR-like aesthetic, with special attention to:
- Subjects (gentle enhancement)
- Skies (balanced tone and detail)
This look is applied to JPEGs and embedded as a rendering suggestion in RAW DNG files (if enabled). Importantly, RAW pixels remain untouched, ensuring full flexibility in post-processing.
Pro Controls
Indigo offers full manual control for photographers who want precision:
Manual Adjustments
- Focus (with optional magnified loupe for precision)
- Exposure Time & ISO
- Exposure Compensation
- White Balance (tap on a neutral gray object for accurate calibration)
Night Mode Exclusive Controls
- Frame Count Adjustment: Choose how many frames are merged—more frames reduce noise but increase capture time.
- Long Exposure Mode: When the phone is on a tripod, this mode creates synthetic long exposures (e.g., silky water effects).
Super-Resolution for Zoom
Pinch-to-zoom in most camera apps degrades image quality. Indigo solves this with multi-frame super-resolution, which:
- Recovers lost detail in zoomed shots.
- Activates when the ‘SR’ indicator appears on the zoom buttons.
Viewfinder Features
Indigo’s viewfinder provides essential tools for perfect shots:
- Live camera parameters (shutter speed, ISO, etc.)
- Live histogram (for exposure analysis)
- Zebra striping (highlights overexposed areas)
- Level indicator (helps keep horizons straight)
Lightroom Integration
Adobe Lightroom Mobile is the most powerful photo editor on the App Store. Indigo enhances workflow with:
- Direct image transfer to Lightroom for editing.
- Optional RAW DNG output for maximum compatibility with Lightroom & Photoshop.
Technology Previews
This section offers an early look at experimental AI-powered features that may appear in future Adobe products.
AI Denoise
- A variant of the AI denoising in Lightroom & Camera Raw (desktop).
- Requires RAW DNG input.
- Outputs a new, cleaner DNG to your camera roll.
Remove Reflections
- Based on the AI-powered reflection removal in Lightroom & Camera Raw (desktop).
- Requires DNG input.
- Outputs a medium-resolution JPEG after removing reflections.
Best for: Shooting through plate glass windows (common in architecture & travel photography).
Conclusion
Project Indigo is a game-changer in mobile photography, blending computational power, AI enhancements, and professional controls into a seamless camera experience. Whether you’re a casual shooter or a pro, Indigo offers the tools to capture stunning, natural-looking images—straight from your iPhone.
