Adobe team has officially released “Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4” photo management software. The company had very recently this year released a beta version of the software and now has rolled the final version. I’ve have used Lightroom 3 (LR 3) for my Post Processing and been quite happy with its extensive image management tool which lets you easily import, view, edit and organize your photographs. Adobe is offering the full version with all its features and future updates for less than $150. You can actually download a full-featured 30 day trial and try before you buy.
Here’s a quick peep on the new features of Lightroom 4 (LR 4) compared to the LR 3, and why you should consider upgrading to LR 4.
1. If you own LR 3, then you pay only $79 for an upgrade, this itself is a teaser to upgrade.
2. LR 4’s new image processing engine, Process Version (PV) 2012 gives more flexible improvement in the Develop module’s panel which enhances the editing work-flow.
3. Module (on top left) has 2 new entries – Map and Book. This means better GPS integration with maps and the ability to create Photo Books/Albums respectively.
4. The Basic panel is almost re-designed with better highlight and shadow recovery.
5. Smart and Improved White Balance capability, addition of White Balance brush to change selective area on image. Introduction of new brush for noise reduction and moiré removal.
6. Integrated Soft Proofing capability, giving an onscreen preview of the image before its printed in terms of brightness, contrast and saturation.
7. LR 4 offers a Create Proof Copy which creates a Virtual Copy so that any editing made in Soft Proofing mode will not alter your Original image
8. Can convert LR 3 and earlier catalogs.
9. Ability to share photographs directly from Lightroom via email, as well more integrated online sharing options.
10. Slideshow to Export to PDF/ Export Video options.
11. Improved Lens correction and one click Chromatic Aberration removal.
12. Introducing Video support, Now Playback and Edit video in Library module. Image enhancement edit is possible in the Library module’s Quick Develop panel.
13. Support for several new and upcoming cameras such as Canon 1Dx, Nikon 800 and Nikon D4.
Finally, one Purchase License for MAC and PC, support for both 32/64 bit environment. Unfortunately, LR 4 doesn’t support Windows XP.
Good Review. Is the video feature on a professional level
Hi Royston, thank for the visit here. LR 4 introduction to support Video is in the right direction from Adobe Team. I feel the Video editing tool is basic which may improve in future releases.
Thanks for the info mate. How do you rate Aperture to Lightroom
Thanks Rafeeq, appreciate you liked the info. Aperture is an Apple proprietary professional photo management application running only on MAC. I haven't used the application yet, hence wouldn't be able to give any info on the same.