Epson takes on Aperture

Epson today unveiled Imaging WorkShop, a new workflow application designed for use with high-end printers that will compete with Apple's Aperture post production photography software. "Imaging WorkShop is a software package designed to greatly enhance the efficiency of the printing workflow of advanced amateur and professional photographers, who handle a tremendous volume of photographs as a result of the growing use of digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras." Imaging WorkShop is scheduled for release at the end of this month, requiring Mac OS X 10.4.3 or later. The software is priced at $200 until July 31st of this year, after which pricing will rise.

"This software provides a seamless workflow that enables the user to browse, layout, and print photos, making it possible to easily, reliably, and efficiently process a large volume of images. Moreover, Imaging WorkShop is also capable of editing or making adjustments to images, whenever the necessity arises."

Imaging WorkShop supports the RAW formats from various DSLR cameras and employs various technologies such as internal 16-bit image processing and nondestructive image processing -- which keeps degradation of the image quality during editing to a minimum and does not alter any part of the original image.

Imaging WorkShop features include the ability to handle multiple images, simple functions exclusive to Epson printers, color management without the need for specialized knowledge, and the ability to print with various layouts. Further features include photo selection tools, image editing tools, a movie guide "how to" video on using the software, and integration with Photoshop as well as other image editing applications.

by MacNN Staff