Lightroom 3 is designed with keen amateurs and pro photographers in mind, offering a package capable of converting and processing RAW files, organising and archiving large batches of photos, and providing an array of post-processing tools for tweaking and finishing shots.Lightroom 3 includes everything you need when tackling digital photography, including archiving files, RAW conversions and final image presentation. Start by importing your files into the Library to sort, colour tag and star rate your work ready for developing. Next, move across to the Develop module – via the clearly indicated tabs at the top – to start adding adjustments to your work, with each group of sliders neatly listed into eight separate categories.
Alongside a list of creative presets there are also more advanced options available, such as Lens Correction, Camera Calibration and Tone Curve, which will benefit seasoned digital editors. Output options consist of a Slideshow that can be exported to video, Print with a variety of templates and grids, and Web that includes uploading directly to online galleries such as Flickr and Facebook.
Lightroom 3 follows its digital darkroom ethos with a slick and stylish monotoned interface, mapping out the various adjustment sliders and preset options to either side of the large central workspace.
The sliders are smooth and accurate with little time spent waiting around for the image to refresh. A large selection of additional third-party plug-ins are also available so there’s plenty of room for expansion and customisation.
With a street price of £215, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. Add to that the fact that Adobe will allow you to upgrade from past editions of Lightroom for a reduced price, and you’re looking at a sound investment for the future.
With Lightroom giving you a complete photographic workflow package from a single piece of software, it certainly makes for an attractive piece of kit. Having the convenience of everything to hand in one place is a great time-saver and provides a seamless operation. It’ll also save you the hassle of having multiple programs open at the same time, slowing you, your computer and your work rate down. Lightroom 3 is certainly one to consider.
Minimum specHD Space: 1GB
RAM: 2GB
Operating System: XP (SP2 & above), Vista, Win 7 or Mac OS X 10.5 and above
Processor: Pentium 4 or better / Intel Mac
PC & Mac
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