Photography

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens: The Ultimate Workhorse for Canon EOS R System

Published

1 week ago

July 3, 2025

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM is more than just a lens; it’s a statement. As one of the holy trinity of zoom lenses for the Canon RF mount, this lens is designed to be the go-to workhorse for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts utilizing Canon’s full-frame mirrorless EOS R system. With its constant f/2.8 aperture, exceptional build quality, and integrated image stabilization, it promises to deliver outstanding performance across a versatile focal range. We put this highly anticipated lens through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype.

Build Quality and Ergonomics:

From the moment you pick up the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM, its L-series pedigree is undeniable. The construction is robust, featuring a high-quality blend of metals and composites, and it feels incredibly solid in hand. Canon has ensured that this lens is built to withstand the rigors of professional use, with comprehensive dust and weather sealing that provides peace of mind in challenging environments.

The zoom and focus rings are incredibly smooth, offering just the right amount of dampening for precise adjustments. The lens extends slightly when zoomed towards 70mm, but the balance on an EOS R body remains excellent. A welcome addition is the customizable control ring, a hallmark of RF lenses, allowing users to assign functions like ISO, aperture, or exposure compensation for quick, intuitive adjustments without taking their eye from the viewfinder. While it is a substantial lens, weighing approximately 900g (1.98 lbs) and featuring an 82mm filter thread, its design is well-considered for comfortable extended shooting.

Optical Performance and Image Quality:

This is where the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 truly shines. Canon has packed an impressive optical formula into this lens, comprising 21 elements in 15 groups, including three aspherical elements and three UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) elements. These special elements work in tandem to minimize chromatic aberrations, spherical aberrations, and distortion, resulting in images with exceptional clarity and accurate color reproduction.

Sharpness: The lens delivers remarkable sharpness across the entire focal range, even wide open at f/2.8. In the center, images are tack-sharp from 24mm to 70mm. While corners at 24mm f/2.8 can exhibit a slight softness, they quickly sharpen up when stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6. Around 50mm, the lens reaches its optical sweet spot, exhibiting outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness. For critical work and large prints, the sharpness this lens provides is truly impressive.
Vignetting: As is common with fast standard zooms, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 does exhibit noticeable vignetting at 24mm and f/2.8. While stopping down helps, some light falloff remains visible even at smaller apertures. However, modern Canon EOS R cameras and post-processing software effectively correct this in-camera or in editing, so it’s rarely a practical concern for most users.
Distortion: At 24mm, there’s a degree of complex barrel distortion (often described as “mustache” distortion), which transitions to a pincushion distortion at 70mm. Similar to vignetting, these distortions are easily corrected in-camera or in post-processing, and for JPEG shooters, they are often automatically minimized.
Chromatic Aberrations: Lateral chromatic aberrations are very well controlled, appearing as only minor fringing in high-contrast areas. The UD elements certainly do their job here, contributing to clean, aberration-free images.
Flare and Ghosting: Thanks to Canon’s advanced Air Sphere Coating (ASC), the lens handles strong backlighting remarkably well. Flare and ghosting are significantly reduced, even when shooting directly into light sources, which is a testament to the effectiveness of this coating technology.
Bokeh: The nine-blade circular aperture renders beautifully smooth and pleasing bokeh, making it an excellent choice for portraits and isolating subjects from their backgrounds. Out-of-focus highlights are generally well-behaved, though not perfectly circular at the edges of the frame in some situations.

Autofocus Performance:

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM features Canon’s Nano USM focusing system, which lives up to its reputation for speed, precision, and near-silent operation. Autofocus acquisition is almost instantaneous, even in challenging low-light conditions. Whether you’re tracking fast-moving subjects, shooting video, or simply capturing everyday moments, the AF system is consistently reliable and accurate. The silent operation is a significant advantage for videographers and those who need to remain discreet. Full-time manual focus override is also available for precise adjustments.

Image Stabilization (IS):

One of the standout features of this RF 24-70mm is the inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization, a first for a Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for full-frame cameras. Canon claims up to 5 stops of shake correction, and in our testing, this proved to be largely accurate. When paired with an EOS R body featuring in-body image stabilization (IBIS), the two systems work cooperatively, further enhancing stability and allowing for incredibly sharp handheld shots at slower shutter speeds than previously possible. This is a game-changer for low-light photography, handheld video, and situations where a tripod isn’t feasible.

Versatility:

The 24-70mm focal range is often considered the most versatile zoom range, suitable for a vast array of photographic genres. From wide-angle landscapes and architecture at 24mm to flattering portraits and event coverage at 70mm, this lens truly covers it all. The constant f/2.8 aperture makes it adept in low light and provides excellent control over depth of field for creative selective focus. Its robust build and weather sealing further enhance its versatility, making it a reliable companion for travel, weddings, photojournalism, and everyday shooting.

Value for Money:

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM is a premium, professional-grade lens, and its price reflects that. Currently ranging from approximately $2,100 to $2,300 USD, it’s a significant investment. However, considering its exceptional optical performance, advanced features, robust build, and the sheer versatility it offers, it represents excellent value for serious photographers who demand the best from their equipment. For those already invested in the Canon EOS R system, this lens is arguably an essential addition to their kit.

Pros:

Outstanding Image Quality: Exceptional sharpness across the zoom range, well-controlled aberrations, and beautiful bokeh.
Constant f/2.8 Aperture: Excellent for low-light shooting and depth of field control.
Highly Effective Optical Image Stabilization: Up to 5 stops of correction, significantly improving handheld versatility.
Blazing Fast and Silent Nano USM Autofocus: Reliable and precise for both stills and video.
Robust L-Series Build Quality: Weather-sealed and durable for professional use.
Customizable Control Ring: Enhances usability and workflow.
Versatile Focal Range: Ideal for a wide variety of photographic genres.

Cons:

Size and Weight: It’s a large and heavy lens, which might be a consideration for some, especially during long shoots.
Price: A premium lens with a premium price tag, representing a significant investment.
Vignetting at 24mm f/2.8: Noticeable, though easily correctable in post-processing.
Distortion: Present at both ends of the zoom range, but also easily correctable.

Conclusion:

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is a triumph of optical engineering and a testament to Canon’s commitment to its mirrorless EOS R system. It delivers consistently stunning image quality, boasts incredibly fast and silent autofocus, and benefits immensely from its integrated image stabilization. While its size, weight, and price point may deter some, for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts seeking the absolute best in a standard zoom for their Canon EOS R camera, this lens is an indispensable tool. It’s a truly versatile workhorse that is built to perform and endure, making it an investment that will undoubtedly pay dividends in the quality of your images. If you’re serious about your photography with the EOS R system, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM should be at the top of your wish list.

Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Stars

Photography

Canon PowerShot V1 Review: The Vlogger’s New Best Friend?

Published

7 days ago

July 7, 2025

Dean Iodice

In an increasingly crowded market of compact cameras, Canon has made a bold statement with the PowerShot V1. Positioned as a video-first powerhouse, it aims to be the ultimate companion for vloggers, live streamers, and content creators on the go, while still offering commendable photo capabilities. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

Who is it For?

The Canon PowerShot V1 is unequivocally designed for the modern content creator. If you’re a vlogger looking to upgrade from your smartphone, a live streamer needing a reliable, high-quality camera, or a casual creator who wants excellent video with solid still image performance in a portable package, the V1 is squarely in your sights. Its user-friendly interface and thoughtful design cater to those who prioritize ease of use without sacrificing advanced features. It’s also a strong option for travel and landscape photographers who appreciate a wide-angle lens and a compact form factor.

Key Specifications

Sensor: 1.4-inch CMOS, approx. 22.3 Megapixels (effective)
Lens: Built-in 8.2-25.6mm (16-50mm equivalent full-frame) f/2.8-4.5 zoom lens
Video Resolution:
- 4K UHD (3840×2160) up to 60p (1.4x crop at 60p)
- Full HD (1920×1080) up to 120p (for slow motion)
Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with subject detection (including eye detection for people and animals)
Image Stabilization: Optical IS (lens-based) + Movie Digital IS (electronic)
Display: 3-inch, 1.04M dot fully articulating touchscreen LCD
Connectivity: USB-C (for data, charging, UVC/UAC streaming), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm microphone input, 3.5mm headphone output, micro HDMI output
Audio: Built-in stereo microphones, included windscreen
Other Features: Built-in 3-stop ND filter, active cooling fan, Canon Log 3, multi-function shoe, tally lamp
Dimensions: 118.3 x 68.0 x 52.5 mm
Weight: 426g (approx. 15 oz)
Battery: LP-E17

Strong Features

For Video: A Vlogging Powerhouse

The “V” in V1 truly stands for video. Canon has packed this compact camera with features that make it a dream for videographers:

Exceptional 4K Video: The V1 delivers sharp, oversampled 4K 30p video using the full sensor width, providing excellent detail and clarity. Even at 4K 60p, while a 1.4x crop is introduced, the footage remains impressive.
Unlimited Recording: Thanks to its built-in cooling fan, the V1 can record 4K 30p video for extended periods without overheating, a significant advantage over many rivals.
Advanced Autofocus: Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system is outstanding, offering fast, reliable, and sticky subject tracking with eye detection. This is crucial for vloggers who need to stay in focus while moving.
Superior Audio Capabilities: Unlike many compacts, the V1 includes both a 3.5mm microphone input and a headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring. The built-in stereo microphones are surprisingly good, and an included windscreen further enhances outdoor audio quality.
Effective Image Stabilization: The combination of optical image stabilization (OIS) from the lens and Movie Digital IS provides very stable footage, even when walking and vlogging handheld. Subject Tracking IS further refines stabilization based on subject position.
Wide-Angle Lens: The 16-50mm equivalent lens (17-52mm for video) is ideal for vlogging, allowing you to comfortably fit yourself and your surroundings into the frame even at arm’s length.
Canon Log 3: For more advanced users, the inclusion of Canon Log 3 allows for recording with a wider dynamic range and 10-bit color depth, offering greater flexibility in post-production.
Built-in ND Filter: A 3-stop built-in ND filter is incredibly useful for shooting in bright conditions, enabling wider apertures for creative depth of field without overexposure.
Vari-Angle Touchscreen: The fully articulating touchscreen is perfect for self-shooting, allowing you to easily monitor your framing and settings.

For Photos: More Than Just an Afterthought

While video-centric, the V1 is no slouch when it comes to still photography:

Large Sensor for a Compact: The 1.4-inch sensor (roughly equivalent to a Micro Four Thirds sensor in area) delivers excellent image quality, particularly in good light, with good detail and pleasing colors.
Good Low Light Performance: The larger sensor helps the V1 perform well in lower light conditions compared to smaller-sensor compacts, with manageable noise levels up to ISO 3200.
Fast Burst Shooting: With up to 30fps burst shooting using the electronic shutter (and 15fps with the mechanical shutter), it’s capable of capturing fast-moving subjects.
RAW Shooting: The ability to shoot in RAW (C-RAW) provides greater flexibility for editing and recovering detail in highlights and shadows.
Optical Image Stabilization: The optical IS in the lens benefits still photography, helping to achieve sharper images in challenging handheld situations.
Versatile Focal Length: The 16-50mm equivalent range is great for landscapes, street photography, and general travel, offering a wide perspective.

Limitations

For Video: A Few Hiccups

4K 60p Crop: While 4K 60p is available, it comes with a noticeable 1.4x crop, which can limit your wide-angle perspective, especially for vlogging.
Rolling Shutter: At 4K 30p, rolling shutter can be quite significant, leading to a “jello” effect when panning quickly. The cropped 4K 60p mode helps mitigate this due to sampling a smaller sensor area.
1080p 120p Softness: While 120p Full HD is available for slow motion, some reviews indicate the footage can be a bit soft.
No Weather Sealing: The presence of cooling vents means the camera is not weather-sealed, requiring caution in adverse conditions.
Zoom Noise: When using the power zoom during video recording, some electronic whirring and clicking sounds can be picked up by the internal microphone.

For Photos: Not a Photographer’s Primary Tool

No Viewfinder or Built-in Flash: The absence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) can be a drawback in bright sunlight, making framing difficult. There’s also no built-in flash, requiring an external unit for low-light stills.
Limited Telephoto Reach: The 50mm equivalent at the long end of the zoom is relatively short, making it less suitable for tightly framed portraits, wildlife, or sports photography.
Slower Maximum Aperture at Telephoto: The f/4.5 maximum aperture at the telephoto end limits low-light performance and background blur compared to faster lenses.
Photography Options Buried: While it has a mode dial for traditional exposure modes, some photography-specific settings can be less intuitive to access compared to its video features.
Fixed Lens: As a compact camera, the fixed lens limits versatility compared to interchangeable lens systems.

Conclusion

The Canon PowerShot V1 is a highly compelling option for its target audience: content creators who prioritize excellent video quality, robust autofocus, and superior audio in a portable, easy-to-use package. Its strengths in 4K recording, unlimited shooting times, and comprehensive audio features truly set it apart in the compact vlogging camera segment, giving rivals like the Sony ZV-1 II a serious run for their money.

While it makes some compromises on the still photography side, particularly with the lack of a viewfinder and limited telephoto reach, its photo capabilities are still more than adequate for casual use, travel, and landscapes. If your primary focus is creating high-quality video content and you want a camera that can keep up with your creative flow without the bulk of a mirrorless system, the Canon PowerShot V1 is an exceptional choice and well worth the investment.

Photography

The 5 Best Sony Cameras for Street Photography

Published

1 week ago

July 4, 2025

Dean Iodice

The 5 Best Sony Cameras for Street Photography

For the modern street photographer, Sony’s mirrorless cameras offer a compelling blend of compact size, blistering-fast autofocus, and superb image quality. From the bustling avenues of New York to the quiet alleyways of Tokyo, capturing the decisive moment requires a tool that is both discreet and powerful. In this in-depth review, we at www.thetechreview.com break down the five best Sony cameras for street photography, helping you choose the perfect companion for your urban explorations.

We’ll delve into the features and specifications that matter most to street photographers: sensor performance, autofocus capabilities, size and weight, and unique features that give you an edge on the streets. After dissecting the pros and cons of each, we’ll crown our pick for the ultimate Sony street photography camera.

1. Sony Alpha a7 IV: The All-Around Powerhouse

The Sony a7 IV is a master of all trades, making it a formidable choice for street photographers who demand versatility. It strikes an exceptional balance between high-resolution stills, advanced video capabilities, and robust handling, ensuring you’re ready for any scenario the streets might throw at you.

Features:

33MP Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS Sensor: This sensor delivers stunning image quality with excellent detail and low noise performance, even in challenging low-light conditions. The high resolution offers ample cropping flexibility, a key advantage for reframing street scenes in post-production.
BIONZ XR Processor: The powerhouse behind the a7 IV’s speed, this processor enables fast autofocus, quick image processing, and a responsive overall user experience.
Advanced Autofocus System: With 759 phase-detection AF points covering 94% of the sensor, the a7 IV’s real-time tracking and Eye AF for humans and animals are incredibly reliable. This means you can trust the camera to lock onto your subject’s eye and hold focus, even in a crowded, fast-moving environment.
5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS): Offering up to 5.5 stops of compensation, the IBIS is a game-changer for handheld street shooting, allowing for sharp images at slower shutter speeds, especially as the light fades.
Fully Articulating Vari-Angle LCD Screen: This screen provides excellent flexibility for shooting from high or low angles, allowing for more creative compositions without drawing attention to yourself.

Specifications:

Feature	Specification
Sensor	33.0MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
Processor	BIONZ XR Image Processor
ISO Range	100-51200 (Expandable to 50-204800)
Autofocus	759-Point Fast Hybrid AF, Real-time Eye AF
Continuous Shooting	Up to 10 fps
Video	4K 60p in Super35, 4K 30p from 7K oversampling
Viewfinder	3.68m-Dot Quad-VGA OLED EVF
LCD	3.0″ 1.03m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
IBIS	5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE (up to 5.5 stops)
Weight	Approx. 658g (1.45 lbs) with battery and memory card
Dimensions	131.3 x 96.4 x 79.8 mm (5.17 x 3.80 x 3.14″)

2. Sony Alpha a7C II: The Compact Full-Frame Marvel

For the street photographer who prioritizes a low profile without sacrificing full-frame quality, the Sony a7C II is a dream come true. It packs much of the power of the a7 IV into a significantly smaller and lighter body, making it an ideal companion for all-day shooting excursions.

Features:

Compact and Lightweight Design: The rangefinder-style body is exceptionally discreet and easy to carry, allowing you to blend into the crowd and capture candid moments without intimidation.
33MP Full-Frame Sensor and BIONZ XR Processor: Sharing the same sensor and processor as the a7 IV, the a7C II delivers identical image quality in a more portable package.
AI-Powered Autofocus: Inheriting the latest AI-driven autofocus enhancements, the a7C II boasts impressive subject recognition and tracking capabilities, ensuring your shots are consistently sharp.
Improved Grip and Handling: Addressing feedback from its predecessor, the a7C II features a more substantial grip, providing a more secure and comfortable hold.
Vari-Angle Touchscreen: The fully articulating screen is perfect for discreetly composing shots from the hip or other unconventional angles.

Specifications:

Feature	Specification
Sensor	33.0MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
Processor	BIONZ XR Image Processor
ISO Range	100-51200 (Expandable to 50-204800)
Autofocus	AI-Powered Real-time Tracking and Eye AF
Continuous Shooting	Up to 10 fps
Video	4K 60p in Super35, 4K 30p
Viewfinder	2.36m-Dot OLED EVF
LCD	3.0″ 1.03m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
IBIS	5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE (up to 7.0 stops)
Weight	Approx. 514g (1.13 lbs) with battery and memory card
Dimensions	124 x 71.1 x 63.4 mm (4.88 x 2.8 x 2.49″)

3. Sony Alpha a6700: The APS-C Speed Demon

The Sony a6700 is a testament to the power and potential of the APS-C format. Combining a compact form factor with blazing-fast performance and advanced features, it’s a top-tier choice for street photographers who value speed and agility.

Features:

26MP APS-C Exmor R CMOS Sensor: This sensor provides excellent image quality with rich detail and impressive low-light performance for its size.
AI-Powered Autofocus from High-End Models: The a6700 inherits the sophisticated AI-driven autofocus system from Sony’s full-frame cameras, offering exceptional subject recognition and tracking for stills and video.
Compact and Lightweight: The classic rangefinder-style body is easy to carry and handle, making it a discreet option for street photography.
Impressive Video Capabilities: With the ability to shoot 4K video at up to 120fps, the a6700 is also a very capable hybrid camera for those who want to capture street scenes in motion.
Vast E-Mount Lens Selection: The APS-C E-mount system offers a wide array of compact and affordable lenses that are perfect for street photography.

Specifications:

Feature	Specification
Sensor	26.0MP APS-C Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
Processor	BIONZ XR Image Processor
ISO Range	100-32000 (Expandable to 50-102400)
Autofocus	AI-Powered Real-time Tracking and Eye AF
Continuous Shooting	Up to 11 fps
Video	4K 120p, Full HD 240p
Viewfinder	2.36m-Dot XGA OLED EVF
LCD	3.0″ 1.03m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
IBIS	5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE
Weight	Approx. 493g (1.09 lbs) with battery and memory card
Dimensions	122 x 69 x 75.1 mm (4.8 x 2.72 x 2.96″)

4. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII: The Pocket Rocket

For the ultimate in portability and discretion, the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII is in a class of its own. This premium compact camera packs a surprising amount of power into a genuinely pocketable body, making it the perfect “always with you” camera for street photography.

Features:

20.1MP 1-inch Stacked Exmor RS CMOS Sensor: This advanced sensor delivers impressive image quality for its size, with fast readout speeds that enable remarkable performance.
*Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 Lens:** This high-quality, versatile zoom lens covers a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to telephoto, making it suitable for a variety of street shooting styles.
Blazing Fast Autofocus and Burst Shooting: With 357 phase-detection AF points and the ability to shoot blackout-free at up to 20fps, the RX100 VII can capture fleeting moments with ease.
Pop-up Electronic Viewfinder: A clever design feature that provides a clear and bright viewfinder when you need it, and retracts into the body to maintain the camera’s sleek profile.
Tilting LCD Screen: The screen tilts up 180 degrees and down 90 degrees, facilitating high and low-angle shooting.

Specifications:

Feature	Specification
Sensor	20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS Stacked CMOS Sensor
Processor	BIONZ X Image Processor
ISO Range	100-12800 (Expandable to 64-25600)
Autofocus	357-Point Fast Hybrid AF
Continuous Shooting	Up to 20 fps with AF/AE tracking
Video	4K HDR (HLG), Full HD 120p
Viewfinder	Pop-up 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF
LCD	3.0″ 921.6k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen
IBIS	Optical SteadyShot
Weight	Approx. 302g (10.7 oz) with battery and memory card
Dimensions	101.6 x 58.1 x 42.8 mm (4 x 2.29 x 1.69″)

For the street photographer who craves ultimate image quality and cropping power in a compact form, the Sony a7C R is an exceptional choice. It takes the compact body of the a7C series and marries it with the high-resolution sensor of the acclaimed a7R V.

Features:

61MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor: This powerhouse of a sensor captures an incredible amount of detail, allowing for massive prints and extreme cropping flexibility without a significant loss in quality.
Compact and Discreet Body: Sharing the same small form factor as the a7C II, the a7C R allows for inconspicuous shooting, a major advantage for candid street photography.
AI-Driven Autofocus: The advanced autofocus system, powered by a dedicated AI processing unit, ensures that even with such high resolution, your subjects will be tack-sharp.
Pixel Shift Multi Shooting: This feature combines multiple exposures to create a single, ultra-high-resolution image, perfect for static street scenes where maximum detail is desired.
Enhanced Ergonomics: Like the a7C II, it features an improved grip and a front dial for better handling and control.

Specifications:

Feature	Specification
Sensor	61.0MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
Processor	BIONZ XR Image Processor
ISO Range	100-32000 (Expandable to 50-102400)
Autofocus	AI-Powered Real-time Tracking and Eye AF
Continuous Shooting	Up to 8 fps
Video	4K 60p, Full HD 60p
Viewfinder	2.36m-Dot OLED EVF
LCD	3.0″ 1.03m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
IBIS	5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE (up to 7.0 stops)
Weight	Approx. 515g (1.13 lbs) with battery and memory card
Dimensions	124 x 71.1 x 63.4 mm (4.88 x 2.8 x 2.49″)

Our Pick for the Best of the 5

While each of these cameras is an outstanding choice for street photography, the one that stands out as the most well-rounded and versatile option is the Sony Alpha a7C II.

It encapsulates the essence of what a modern street photography camera should be: a full-frame sensor in a compact, discreet body. The a7C II doesn’t force you to compromise on image quality for the sake of portability. Its 33MP sensor provides the perfect balance of resolution and manageable file sizes, while the cutting-edge AI autofocus ensures that you’ll nail the shot, no matter how fleeting the moment.

The improved ergonomics and the fully articulating screen make it a joy to shoot with for extended periods, and its robust build quality means it can handle the rigors of the urban environment. While the a7 IV offers a more traditional DSLR-style experience and the a7C R provides incredible resolution, the a7C II hits the sweet spot for the vast majority of street photographers. It’s a camera that you’ll want to take with you everywhere, and it has the performance to back it up when inspiration strikes.

For the street photographer looking for a powerful, portable, and future-proof tool to document the world around them, the Sony a7C II is our top recommendation.

Photography

Adobe’s “Project Indigo” is the iPhone Camera App We’ve Been Waiting For, and It’s Awesome

Published

1 week ago

July 4, 2025

Dean Iodice

Adobe's "Project Indigo" is the iPhone Camera App We've Been Waiting For, and It's Awesome

A new, free computational photography app from Adobe Labs is here to challenge the iPhone’s native camera, offering professional-level control and stunning, natural-looking images that will make you forget you’re shooting on a phone.

San Jose, CA – In a move that has sent ripples of excitement through the mobile photography community, Adobe has quietly launched “Project Indigo,” a new, experimental computational photography camera app for iPhones. Available now and completely free, Project Indigo is not just another filter-heavy photo app; it’s a ground-up reimagining of what the iPhone camera can be, and frankly, it’s awesome. For anyone serious about mobile photography, this app is a game-changer, offering a level of control and image quality that leaves the standard iPhone camera app in the dust.

Unlocking the True Potential of Your iPhone’s Camera

At its core, Project Indigo is built on the principle of “computational photography,” but with a philosophy that diverges significantly from the often over-processed look of many smartphone images. Instead of the overly bright, heavily saturated, and artificially smoothed aesthetic, Adobe is aiming for a more natural, “SLR-like” quality to its images.

To achieve this, Project Indigo employs a sophisticated multi-frame merging technique. When you press the shutter button, the app captures a burst of up to 32 underexposed frames. These frames are then intelligently aligned and merged to create a single image with a significantly higher dynamic range, reduced noise, and a remarkable level of detail, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

What’s truly revolutionary is that this powerful processing is applied even when shooting in RAW (DNG) format. This gives photographers the best of both worlds: the immense flexibility of a RAW file for post-processing, combined with the computational benefits of multi-frame imaging right at the point of capture.

Specs and Features that Impress

Project Indigo is packed with features that will appeal to both photography enthusiasts and professionals:

Full Manual Controls: Take complete creative control with manual adjustments for focus, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, and white balance (with separate temperature and tint sliders).
Superior RAW Capture: The app’s ability to create computationally enhanced DNG files is a standout feature, preserving more data for editing in apps like Adobe Lightroom.
Multi-Frame Super-Resolution: This innovative feature significantly improves the quality of digital zoom, producing sharper and more detailed images than the native camera’s digital zoom.
Zero Shutter Lag: In its standard “Photo” mode, Project Indigo offers zero shutter lag, ensuring you never miss the perfect moment.
Dedicated Night Mode: For stunning low-light photography, the dedicated “Night” mode optimizes settings to capture incredible detail and clarity.
AI-Powered Tools: As an Adobe Labs project, the app also includes experimental AI features, such as “Remove Reflections,” which can intelligently eliminate distracting reflections from your photos.
Seamless Lightroom Integration: As expected from an Adobe product, Project Indigo offers tight integration with Adobe Lightroom, allowing you to send your images directly to the powerful editing app.

A Clear Cut Above the Standard iPhone Camera

While the native iPhone camera app is excellent for point-and-shoot simplicity, Project Indigo operates on a different level. Here’s how it stands out:

Feature	Project Indigo	Standard iPhone Camera App
Manual Controls	Full control over focus, shutter speed, ISO, exposure, and white balance.	Limited to exposure and focus lock.
RAW Capture	Computationally enhanced DNG files with higher dynamic range.	Standard RAW files without multi-frame processing.
Image Philosophy	Aims for a natural, “SLR-like” look with less processing.	Often produces a more processed, brighter, and saturated look.
Digital Zoom	“Multi-frame super-resolution” for sharper zoomed images.	Standard digital zoom with noticeable quality degradation.
Advanced Features	AI-powered tools like reflection removal.	Lacks advanced experimental features.

It is worth noting that the intensive processing of Project Indigo can cause some iPhones to run warm, an issue Adobe is likely to address in future updates.

Who is Project Indigo For?

Project Indigo is designed for a broad spectrum of users. Photography enthusiasts who have felt constrained by the limitations of the native camera app will revel in the newfound creative freedom and manual controls. The ability to fine-tune every aspect of a shot and capture high-quality RAW files will undoubtedly elevate their mobile photography.

Professional photographers will find Project Indigo to be an indispensable tool for scouting, quick captures, and even for producing high-quality images when their primary camera isn’t on hand. The “SLR-like” image quality and Lightroom integration make it a seamless addition to their workflow.

Even casual shooters who simply want better-looking photos without much effort will benefit. The app’s intelligent processing delivers more natural and pleasing results straight out of the camera, making their everyday snaps look more professional.

Currently, Project Indigo is available for iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max models and newer, as well as non-Pro iPhone 14 models and newer. As an experimental app from Adobe Labs, it is available for free and does not currently require an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.

In a world where the smartphone has become the camera of choice for millions, Adobe’s Project Indigo is a powerful statement. It’s a testament to the fact that with the right software, the pocket-sized device we all carry can produce truly breathtaking images. If you’re an iPhone user with a passion for photography, downloading Project Indigo is a no-brainer. It’s a glimpse into the future of mobile imaging, and it is, in a word, awesome.