Significant under-the-hood changes to Lightroom ready to be put to the beta test
Lightroom 3 system requirements
Adobe has announced the start of a beta trial period for Photoshop Lightroom version 3, Adobe's successful and popular workflow-oriented image enhancement, RAW conversion, and asset management application. This echoes similar exercises that heralded Lightroom versions 1.0 and 2.0, beta release. Lightroom 3.0 will be available for anyone to download and use for a limited period prior to the final release of the commercially chargeable version. If you are an existing Lightroom users, you can install the version 3 beta in parallel with your regular version.
Adobe points out very clearly that the version they are releasing does not contain all the features they are aiming to include in the final release version, and that there are likely to be some rough edges to contend with – after all, it's a beta release. I would strongly urge anyone who is considering the use of the Lightroom 3 beta for critical use instead of a shipped stable version of version 1, or 2, to think again.
What's new in Lightroom 3?
Unfortunately, we haven't yet had a chance to try the beta for ourselves. Instead we've had an interactive introduction and tour of Lightroom 3 from Adobe's Lightroom Guru, Tom Hogarty.
Improved speed and image enhancement quality
For a start, we can expect less waiting around with Lightroom 3. Much of the performance-related code in Lightroom 3 has been re-programmed. Not only is increased speed a goal of Lightroom 3, but also improved results. In fact Adobe has addressed the potential scenario where an image rendered in a previous version of Lightroom actually looks noticeably different when rendered in Lightroom 3. So you can choose which Lightroom version of the rendering system you wish to use.
Better colour noise management and sharpening
For those who stretch their cameras via high ISO settings, we can look forward to improved colour noise management, designed to retain more image detail. Lightroom has been criticised in the past for its sharpening performance. Adobe has recognised this and made changes to its sharpening algorithms, aiming to deliver more natural sharpening.
Vignetting and grain
There are now more options for using vignettes for artistic effect. A new option enables you to add grain to your images – and old photographers' trick for adding depth to images.
Video slide shows and multiple image printing
You can now export slide shows to video format for playback on a variety of devices and media. Printing has been updated to enable the flexible layout of multiple images for printing onto a single sheet. And you can use a new contact sheet layout for printing multiple images.
Online sharing connectors
Another new feature that many people will find handy is support for connecting Photoshop to a variety of popular image-sharing websites, like Flickr, etc. Developers if such sites will also be able to develop plug-ins to connect Lightroom 3 to their sites. Collections can be exported more flexibly, say, to folders shared with your iPod, for example.
Revised import screen
Even the image importing process has had a makeover, which Adobe says is more intuitive than before. You can now create import presets and re-use them at the click of a mouse.
Watermarking
A personal favourite on the list of new features for me is a much more comprehensive image watermarking system. Watermarks can now use the identity plate, other graphics, or simple text; you can easily adjust the size, position and opacity of the watermark; and watermarking is easily available in the Print and Web modules, as well as the Export dialog.
Beta download availability
If you're interested in downloading and installing the Adobe Lightroom 3 beta release, check out the Adobe Labs web page.
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