LightCrafts has released LightZone 3.0, the latest version of its photo-editing package aimed at rapid stylizing and presentation. The new release includes a new function dubbed "intelligent styles" that offers instant application of filters as well as other modifications to create one-click photo representations, and in a shot across the bow at rival Adobe, the developer of LightZone says that Photoshop has managed less than 4 percent market penetration among SLR photographers. The software author also noted that "after 20 years of Photoshop development, fundamental capabilities such as native RAW editing, integrated noise reduction and operational layers are still missing." The software is priced at $250, and requires Mac OS X 10.4.3 or later.

LightZone 3.0 also features a "Re-light" tool that replaces the ToneMapper and allows for greater re-lighting control. The update also includes a 'History Pane' offering access to intermediate editing steps, as well as support for the latest RAW dSLR cameras such as the Canon 1D Mark III.

"Light Crafts is committed to putting advanced photo-editing capabilities in the hands of everyone," said Georges van Hoegaerden, CEO of Light Crafts. "LightZone 3.0, with its intelligent styles, gives photographers instant access to the most powerful photo editing capabilities available, at a price one third of its closest competitor."

The software edits RAW natively; RAW adjustments are always live and are changeable at any point during the editing process.

LightZone 3.0 incorporates an open, file-system based digital asset manager and integrates with proprietary databases such as Apple Aperture, iPhoto and Adobe Lightroom.