Lux Optics, a name synonymous with cutting-edge photography apps, has announced its latest venture, Halide Mark III. This eagerly awaited update promises to introduce several groundbreaking features including colour grades, high dynamic range (HDR) photography, and a revamped user interface. With its planned release in 2025, Halide Mark III aims to enhance the mobile photography experience significantly.
A New Era of Mobile Photography
With over 15 years of experience in the photography industry and a recent stint as a deals writer for The Verge, Antonio G. Di Benedetto brings a wealth of knowledge to his coverage of Halide’s latest development. According to Di Benedetto, Halide 3.0 will not only uphold Lux Optics‘ reputation for innovation but also push the boundaries of what mobile photography apps can achieve.
Lux Optics’ approach to Halide Mark III is notably transparent. In a move reminiscent of indie game developers on platforms like Steam, Lux has opted to involve its user base directly in the development process. Through a dedicated Discord server, subscribers will get the chance to try out new features, provide feedback, and influence the final product, starting with early access to colour grades, HDR photos, and the redesigned app interface.
Key Features to Look Forward To
Colour Grades Inspired by Cinematic Tools
One of the most anticipated features of Halide Mark III is the introduction of colour grades. Similar to the capabilities seen in Lux’s award-winning video app, Kino, this feature allows users to apply a variety of aesthetic looks or colour palettes quickly. These can be based on Lux’s designs, classic film stocks, or even user-generated recipes. This innovative tool draws inspiration from Fujifilm’s film emulations, providing users with a rich array of visual expressions.
Enhanced HDR Photos
The integration of HDR photography in Halide Mark III comes at an opportune time, with iOS 18’s Adaptive HDR feature improving HDR display across multiple platforms. This will enable Halide users to capture photos with stunning clarity and detail, elevating the visual quality of their mobile photography to new heights.
A Redesigned, User-Centric Interface
Although specifics about the new interface have yet to be fully disclosed, Ben Sandofsky, cofounder of Lux Optics, hints at a user-friendly design where functionality leads form. The interface redesign will likely make selecting and applying grades intuitive and central to the user experience as seen in Lux’s Kino app.
