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Adobe Project Indigo is a groundbreaking computational photography camera app launched by Adobe Labs in mid-2025. Designed exclusively for iPhone models (12 Pro and later, with optimal performance on iPhone 15 Pro and newer), it aims to revolutionize smartphone photography by combining advanced AI and multi-frame imaging techniques to produce DSLR-quality photos with a natural look. This review outlines the full range of AI tools and features that make Project Indigo a significant advancement in mobile photography.

Core AI Tools and Features

1. Multi-Frame Image Capture and Merging

  • Captures up to 32 frames rapidly and merges them into a single high-quality image.
  • Reduces noise and enhances dynamic range, especially in low-light conditions.
  • Eliminates the need for a tripod in most scenarios.

2. Natural, SLR-Like Image Processing

  • Uses Adobe’s Adaptive Color technology for tone mapping and natural lighting.
  • Avoids over-processed smartphone photo aesthetics.
  • Rendering suggestions are embedded in RAW DNG files for non-destructive editing.

3. Full Manual Camera Controls

  • Control over focus, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and exposure compensation.
  • Includes a magnified loupe for precise manual focusing.

4. Night Mode with Long Exposure

  • Combines multiple frames for long-exposure effects without a tripod.
  • Minimizes noise and enhances detail in low-light scenes.
  • Users can cancel capture mid-process.

5. Multi-Frame Super-Resolution Zoom

  • Improves digital zoom quality by merging multiple frames.
  • Preserves detail without hallucinating pixels.
  • Can be disabled, especially on older devices.

6. AI Reflection Removal

  • Reduces glare and reflections on surfaces using AI-powered cleanup.

7. Zero Shutter Lag Photography

  • Captures images instantly in good lighting conditions.
  • Night mode introduces shutter lag due to longer exposure capture.

8. RAW and JPEG Output

  • Supports saving in JPEG and 16-bit DNG RAW formats.
  • RAW files retain full pixel data for advanced editing in Lightroom or Camera Raw.

9. Lens and Zoom Controls

  • Dedicated buttons for physical lenses (e.g., 0.5×, 1×, 5×) and digital zoom levels.
  • Pinch-to-zoom supported with super-resolution applied as needed.

10. Future Features in Development

  • Custom image “looks” and portrait mode enhancements.
  • Panorama and video capture with computational enhancements.
  • Exposure and focus bracketing for advanced photography workflows.
  • Lightroom integration for bracketed image stack editing.

User Experience and Accessibility

  • Free App: Available on the Apple App Store with no Adobe account required.
  • Optimized for iPhone Pro Models: Leverages advanced hardware and AI chips.
  • Balanced Interface: Simple for casual users, powerful for professionals.
  • Seamless AI Processing: High-quality results without manual post-processing.

Conclusion

Adobe Project Indigo is a pioneering AI-driven computational photography app that elevates smartphone photography to DSLR-level quality by combining multi-frame capture, AI image processing, and full manual controls. Its key features—such as 32-frame noise reduction, natural color reproduction, multi-frame super-resolution zoom, and AI reflection removal—address common smartphone camera limitations while maintaining a natural aesthetic. With RAW support and Lightroom integration, it appeals to both casual photographers and professionals seeking creative control on mobile devices. Planned future enhancements promise to expand its capabilities further, making Project Indigo a leading innovation in mobile computational photography.