Adobe posts free Lightroom 3 beta
updated 11:10 am EDT, Thu October 22, 2009
Adds noise reduction, watermarking options
Adobe has posted a free beta of Lightroom 3, the next version of the company's photo workflow software. Mainly intended for professionals, the software handles the import, export and organization of various filetypes, as well as some limited image editing tasks like exposure, colors and curves. Version 3 is said to be a major revision of the software, rebuilt with a new import dialog, new architecture for handling of large libraries, and a new RAW processing engine for enhanced sharpening and noise reduction.
Users can also travel in the opposite direction, deliberately simulating film grain. Other changes concentrate primarily around exports; a new watermarking tool has been added, along with the option of creating video slideshows, which can be viewed independently of Lightroom and assigned audio tracks. Customized print packages can be designed, and images can now be uploaded directly to some sharing websites.
The Mac software is a 68.1MB download, and requires an Intel Mac with Mac OS X 10.5, 2GB of RAM and 1GB of hard drive space. Users are cautioned that the beta will not upgrade catalogs from Lightroom 1 or 2; only the final version of the app will. The beta is free to use until April 30th, at which point it is set to expire.
won't get fooled again
10/22, 11:58am reply
I downloaded the original beta for Lightroom, got heavily hooked and was utterly disgusted at the ludicrous price they sought for it on release, not to mention that they refused to include it in the Creative Suites that I've consistently paid honking money for. It was the bridge too far although I far preferred Lightroom over Apple's dog.
Feathers
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 1999
Ludicrous price?
10/22, 12:18pm reply
It was $99 (I bought it too). It's professional, specialized software. Seems reasonable to me. And significantly better supported than Apple's abandoned Aperture.
andrewbw
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2001
Apple, where is Aperture 3.0?
10/22, 01:38pm reply
Aperture 3.0 is not only needed as an answer to Adobe's Lightroom 3 beta but also to give consumers a credible choice. Apple appears to assume the role as follower and not the role as innovative leader.
schwanzer
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2009
.
10/22, 02:08pm reply
h***, I already want Aperture 4!
bluejammm
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2006