SEATTLE — Developers at Lux Optics, the creators of the popular iPhone camera app Halide, have rolled out a public beta for their upcoming Mark III update, introducing significant enhancements to the app's Process Zero feature. First launched last year, Process Zero aims to deliver images with minimal computational processing, countering the aggressive sharpening and shadow lifting typical of Apple's native iPhone camera. The new version, available as of this week in beta form, adds support for HDR and Apple's ProRAW format, features that could appeal to photographers seeking more control over their mobile shots without relying on heavy post-editing.
According to a hands-on review published by The Verge, the update transforms Process Zero from a purist tool into a more versatile option. "Process Zero promises to strip away the excess processing the native camera pipeline applies to images, resulting in photos with deeper shadows and less aggressive sharpening," the review states. This mode, initially met with some skepticism by users accustomed to the benefits of modern computational photography, now incorporates elements of that technology to improve usability.
The beta release comes amid growing interest in third-party camera apps that offer alternatives to Apple's built-in processing. Halide, which has been a staple for iPhone photographers since its debut in 2015, positions Process Zero as a way to achieve a more natural, camera-like output. Last year's introduction of the feature allowed users to bypass much of the iPhone's automatic enhancements, appealing to those frustrated by what they see as over-processed results. With the Mark III beta, Lux Optics is testing these upgrades on iOS devices, though the company notes that final details may evolve before the full release.
One key addition is HDR support, which the review describes as enhancing contrast without the overly vibrant, painterly effects often associated with mobile HDR. "Adding HDR support doesn’t mean it’s going to turn your photo into a Thomas Kinkade painting," the Verge piece explains. "It means that the brightest areas of your photo can be brighter, creating a greater contrast between light and dark areas of the image." This approach contrasts with the typical iPhone HDR output, which aims for a balanced, SDR-friendly look but can result in flatter tones.
The update also enables shooting in Apple's ProRAW format alongside Process Zero images. ProRAW combines multiple frames to reduce noise while preserving raw data for editing, a feature introduced by Apple in iOS 14. Users can toggle this on or off without impacting the primary Process Zero JPEG or HEIC output, providing a safety net for further adjustments. "Apple’s ProRAW format combines multiple frames to reduce noise, but retains all of the extra data you’d expect a RAW file to contain so you can apply your preferred tone mapping," according to the review.
To further refine outputs, Halide introduces Tone Fusion, a new in-app tool for adjusting shadow brightness. Unlike Apple's more aggressive shadow recovery, which can alter colors dramatically—such as shifting a blown-out sky to blue—Tone Fusion offers subtler control. The Verge reviewer notes, "Even when I crank it all the way up, it doesn’t try to shift a blown-out sky blue the way the native iPhone processing does, and I appreciate that." This feature underscores the app's goal of empowering users with on-device tweaks rather than mandating desktop software like Adobe Lightroom.
The enhancements address common pain points in iPhone photography workflows. Transferring files via AirDrop often leads to issues with HDR gain maps, and edits in professional software can yield unexpected results due to the iPhone's proprietary processing. Process Zero, even in its original form, simplified this by producing appealing images straight from the camera. The reviewer highlights a psychological shift: "I think an underrated benefit of Process Zero... is what it does for your mindset as you take photos." Knowing the output will align with personal preferences encourages more intentional shooting, akin to using a dedicated camera.
This sentiment played out during a recent photo walk in Seattle's Pioneer Square and International District neighborhoods, as detailed in the review. The areas, known for their historic architecture and vibrant street life, provided a testing ground for the beta. Outside Union Station—an early 20th-century Beaux-Arts building now serving as a transit hub—the reviewer spotted a public access sign for the great hall, a space rarely entered by locals. "I’m not sure I would have bothered if I was just out wandering around, but with a specialized camera app on my phone I felt more like I was out doing photography, so I went in," the piece recounts. Inside, late afternoon sunlight streamed through massive windows, creating dramatic lighting that Process Zero captured effectively.
The resulting images showcased the HDR benefits, with bright windows clipping naturally while golden light filtered against the walls. "The HDR gain map lets the brightest parts of the scene pop, creating contrast between the fully illuminated windows and the slightly-less-bright golden sunlight filtering in against the wall," the review observes. ProRAW backups were shot but left untouched, as the default JPEGs proved satisfactory. This real-world application in Seattle, a city where the reviewer has lived for over a decade, illustrates how the feature fosters discovery and creativity.
Expert input bolsters the technical merits. Marc Levoy, a pioneer in smartphone computational photography during his time at Google, is referenced in the review for validating HDR's role in enhancing dynamic range without excess processing. While Levoy did not provide a direct quote for this piece, his foundational work on mobile imaging underscores the balance Process Zero v2 strikes between minimalism and modern capabilities.
Halide's updates arrive as the smartphone photography landscape evolves. Apple's iPhone 15 series, released in September 2023, continues to push computational boundaries with features like improved Night mode and Photographic Styles—pre-set looks such as Rich Contrast that mitigate over-processing. Third-party apps like Halide and Adobe's Lightroom Mobile compete by offering RAW capture and manual controls, catering to enthusiasts who want DSLR-like flexibility on the go. Process Zero fits into this niche, providing a "no-AI" alternative that now selectively embraces AI-driven tools like noise reduction in ProRAW.
Not all users may embrace these changes. Skeptics of Process Zero, including the Verge reviewer initially, preferred the noise-free results of full computational pipelines, a legacy of the pre-2010s era when phone cameras struggled in low light. The original feature's appeal lay in its raw, unpolished aesthetic, reminiscent of early digital sensors. By adding HDR and ProRAW, Halide risks diluting that purity, though the modular design—allowing users to opt in or out—mitigates concerns. "If those sound antithetical to Process Zero’s whole deal, well, maybe they are," the review concedes, noting that some baseline processing is inevitable to render sensor data usable.
Beyond Halide, similar initiatives like Adobe's Project Indigo explore de-processing for creative control. These tools reflect broader industry trends toward user agency in an era dominated by automated enhancements. As smartphones surpass point-and-shoot cameras in sales— with over 1.2 billion units shipped globally in 2023, per IDC data—apps like Halide democratize professional techniques for everyday users.
Looking ahead, the Mark III beta invites public feedback, with Lux Optics expected to refine features based on tester input. A full release could coincide with iOS 18 later this year, potentially integrating deeper with Apple's ecosystem. For photographers weary of the "processed-to-death phone camera look," as the review puts it, Process Zero v2 represents a compelling evolution. It honors the triumphs of computational photography—decent low-light shots from tiny sensors—while restoring a sense of authorship to mobile imaging.
In Seattle's Union Station great hall, where sunlight danced across ornate details unseen for years by the reviewer, the app proved its worth. As mobile photography continues to blur lines between casual snaps and artistic pursuits, updates like this could inspire more users to see their iPhones as true cameras, not just convenient devices.