Overview
Colin introduces Project Indigo, a new camera app from Adobe currently in beta for iPhone, emphasizing its computational photography features and practical advantages over traditional phone cameras. The discussion covers technical improvements, real-world photo quality comparisons, and future directions in mobile photography.
Evolution of Photography Devices
- Film cameras progressed to digital, then DSLRs, and now mirrorless cameras for better video, low light, and dynamic range.
- Point-and-shoot cameras have been largely replaced by smartphones due to convenience and instant editing/sharing.
- Mobile phones offer large, bright screens and the ability to edit and share immediately.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Mobile Photography
- Mobile phones are compact, easy to carry, and capable of instant editing.
- Key limitations are lack of manual controls, reduced image quality on closer inspection, and limited optics compared to dedicated cameras.
Advances in Mobile Camera Software
- Recent improvements in smartphone photography are driven mainly by software, not hardware.
- Computational photography, such as image stacking, noise reduction, and super resolution, significantly enhances image quality.
- Adobe’s Project Indigo app brings similar capabilities as Google Pixel’s software but with Adobe’s unique implementation.
Project Indigo App Features
- In beta, available for free on iPhone only.
- Captures image bursts (up to 30 frames), aligns and merges them for noise reduction and high dynamic range (HDR).
- Allows shooting in RAW, JPEG, and Pro RAW (for compatible devices).
- Applies adaptive profiles for HDR and standard dynamic range, ensuring images look good across devices.
- Processes both JPEG (with HDR profile) and RAW formats for flexible editing in Lightroom or Camera Raw.
- Incorporates AI noise reduction, reflection removal (for shooting through glass), and full manual controls.
- Improves digital zoom quality via super resolution technology.
Usage and Performance Notes
- Native HDR capture ensures vibrant, realistic photos with preserved details in highlights and shadows.
- JPEG files support HDR displays; RAW files can be further edited.
- Zero shutter lag in regular mode; slight delay in night or long exposure modes.
- Long exposures require a tripod for best results.
- App performance and features will evolve as it develops further beyond beta.
Future of Mobile and Traditional Photography
- Anticipates ongoing changes in camera technology, with computational methods closing the gap with dedicated cameras.
- Invites feedback and discussion on preferences for smartphones versus traditional cameras.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Colin encourages viewers to share their thoughts and experiences with both mobile and traditional cameras in the comments.