by A.J. Wood

Aperture 3 vs Lightroom 3(beta)

UPDATE 04/26/2010 – I have written an updated feature comparison of Aperture 3 vs Lightroom 3 Beta 2.

You couldn’t have gotten too far into your day without hearing the announcement that Apple released Aperture 3 for photographers. I received a number of messages today, some asking if I heard the news, and many others asking “Should I get Aperture 3 now, or Lightroom 3 later?” My immediate reply to the Aperture vs Lightroom debate has been, “I don’t use Aperture, therefore no comment.” However, since people seem eager for my opinion (you know who you are) let me give you my initial thoughts on how the latest Apple release stands up:

Aperture 3 touts over 200 new features. I can say that photographers who already enjoy this product will find it a worthwhile upgrade. Looking through the list I saw many UI enhancements, but I also noticed many features already available in Lightroom 2, or set for release in Lightroom 3. But what about those new features?

== Aperture 3 New Features ==

Aperture Brushes vs Lightroom Adjustment Brush
Aperture 3 finally adds some targeted adjustments via the Brushes tool. Lightroom users have been enjoying this capability for over a year, and at first glance the differences appear only in the execution of how to apply adjustments. Both products offer an overlay mode to see where adjustments are painted. Both products offer a form of edge detection/masking to allow for clean lines when you paint. Aperture’s Brushes have a setting to either “brush in” or “brush away” an adjustment. Based on my initial assessment there may be additional tweaks you can apply using Aperture Brushes vs Lightroom’s Adjustment Brush.

Sharpening
The Aperture demo includes a quick video on Edge Sharpening using the Brushes tool. As a comment, sharpening in Lightroom via the Details panel or the Adjustment Brush appears to allow more control. Both programs allow you to brush in sharpness, but Lightroom’s Detail panel can quickly setup an edge mask without brushing.

Presets
Both products come ready with adjustment presets. Lightroom may have a slight edge for being out longer with more presets in the wild. Of course, Chase Jarvis thinks highly of the presets in Aperture 3.

Faces & Places
I have to admit Faces has a hip factor given you can find/sort photos visually using face recognition technology. Everyone I talked to is amazed by the possibilities, but I don’t know any pros taking advantage of it for tracking images. However, a big plus to this feature is the ability to tag friends on Facebook AND have new Facebook tags sync back to your Aperture library.

Places is pretty cool as well. Geotagging images has become more common, and Aperture has a variety of enhancements that utilize GPS image data for tagging, sorting & organizing. Lightroom can access GPS data, but my initial thought is Aperture makes it easier to use.

Full Screen Mode
Aperture 3 has a new UI mode that allows for full screen images with image controls available via HUD (Heads Up Display). Anyone stuck with one monitor that loves using LOTS of screen real estate will enjoy this feature. Lightroom has the ability to hide panels, but they do not float as in other Adobe products.

Slideshow
OK. I have to say this is the single feature that definitely beats Lightroom 2 & 3. Simply put, more options for slideshow creation including the ability to add video within the slideshow. Lightroom users have to wait until version 3 is released to get music back into their slideshows, Aperture does music and much more.

== Overall Evaluation ==

As I mentioned above, if you’re already an Aperture user this is a must upgrade. The question for photographer’s on the fence is “Which product do I buy?” Lightroom 2 was a leap ahead of Aperture 2 by adding targeted adjustments among other improvements. Aperture 3 closes that gap. My initial thought is the products are evenly matched at this point. I still prefer how Lightroom handles image/database management (a subjective opinion yes), and Aperture’s new Faces & Places technology or even its Slideshows might sway public opinion. However, I have more faith in Adobe to update Lightroom on a regular basis. Aperture 2 was a long time coming.

Bottom line is you should try out both products and see which one best fits your needs. For every argument I give you that Lightroom is the best choice, an Aperture enthusiast will counter with some cool feature they like.

In the end, remember it’s not the tool you choose, but how you choose to use those tools.

Look for a more detailed breakdown of feature comparisons as I get Aperture 3 loaded on my studio workstation in the upcoming week.

UPDATE 02/17/2010 – As noted over at Ars Technica some users are experiencing hard disk issues with Aperture 3.

UPDATE 02/21/2010 – Gene McCullagh grabbed Aperture 3 before me and provides his expert insight to the product. Also, Sean McCormack & Matt Kloskowski weigh-in on the debate.

UPDATE 03/22/2010 – Lightroom 3 Beta 2 has support for importing DSLR video files.

in Adobe / News 13 comments
 by A.J. Wood

Adobe Software Updates – Camera RAW 5.6 & Lightroom 2.6

Adobe released updates for both Camera RAW 5.6 & Lightroom 2.6 yesterday. Lightroom users, you did install the Camera RAW update right? The following link to the camera raw support page provides the appropriate download links for both Mac & PC computers. Here are some additional tips when updating your software:

Camera RAW 5.6 – This update applies if you run Photoshop CS4, or Photoshop Elements 7 or 8. You’ll want to install this update if you also use Lightroom to ensure file compatibility.

Lightroom 2.6 – This update simply installs on top of your current version of Lightroom. There is no need to use your installation CDs UNLESS you’re upgrading from version 1 (but then where have you been?)

The latest camera support has been added to these updates, and a full list is available on the camera raw support page.

Known Issues According to the Read Me file:

  • Burning exported images to disc is not available for the Lightroom 64-bit Windows application.
  • Upgrading a Lightroom 1 catalog during a catalog import can create multiple temporary copies of the catalog while upgrading.
  • Lightroom performance can be impacted when the Window’s Recycle Bin contains thousands of files.
  • Lightroom may not automatically launch an import dialog when a memory card is attached to a Windows Vista computer. Please select the Import button in the Library and select the attached card reader to begin the import.
  • Lightroom 2.6 will not automatically migrate plug-ins located in the following directory: C:Program
  • FilesAdobeAdobe Photoshop Lightroom 2Modules. Any plug-ins in this folder should be moved to: XP: C:/Documents and Settings/{your_username}/Application Data/Adobe/Lightroom/Modules/ | Vista: C:/Users/{your_username}/AppData/Roaming/Adobe/Lightroom/Modules/

The Lightroom 2.6 update fixes known issues with Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) including visual artifacts in the Develop module, edit errors when handing files off to Photoshop, and the dreaded PowerPC problem that affected folks using LR 2.5.

in Adobe 3 comments
 by A.J. Wood

Adobe Releases Lightroom 3 Public Beta

If you haven’t heard by now then you must be sleeping… Adobe released the public beta for Lightroom 3. While this is one AWESOME moment for photographers and photo enthusiasts everywhere, let me repeat the mantra used by many of my colleagues today:

This is BETA software!

This is BETA software!

This is BETA software!

While I’m all for being on the cutting edge of technology, I’m not looking to get knicked anytime soon either. If you want to be the envy of all your buddies at least take a few precautions before firing up LR3. Use copies of images for the LR3 catalog. Keep in mind any changes may not work with the final release. Be prepared for wonky behavior on your computer while using BETA software.

Lightroom 3 is going to be a great release, Adobe having improved areas at customer request, e.g., noise reduction, file importing, printing, and added new features such as the Publish Services & Watermarking for improved workflows. You can check out Gene McCullagh’s blog for a quick summary of features or watch some videos over at NAPP’s Lightroom 3 Learning Center.

in Adobe 3 comments
 by A.J. Wood

Adobe Releases Photoshop Elements 8 & Premiere Elements 8

This week Adobe announced the release of Photoshop Elements 8 & Premiere Elements 8:

http://www.adobe.com/digitalimag/consumer/

Terry White has this to say on his tech blog:

This new version continues to refine the great user interface and feature set of versions 6 and 7. Mac users will be happy to see this new version on the Mac (skipping version 7). While there is a lot to like in this consumer photo editing app, here are a few of my favorites:

• Mac users get the full Bridge CS4 app included with all the benefits of Adobe Camera RAW plus the ability to create panos and access to the new Photomerge Scene Cleaner and Photomerge Exposure

• On the Windows side instead of Bridge CS4 there is a new Organizer that works with both Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements.

• Photomerge Exposure is amazing!

You’ll want to check it out Terry’s video review, and watch for my presentation of the new features of Photoshop Elements 8 next month after returning from Photoshop World.

Have a happy Wednesday, and don’t forget the best camera is the one you have with you.

in Adobe 0 comments
 by A.J. Wood

DFW Events – Week of June 15th

Greetings dear readers!

We’ve hit our mid-month stride. Summer will be over before you know it, best get out there. Here are your events happening in Dallas/Ft. Worth this week:

DFW Social Media -Monday, June 15th at 7pm: THAT TONIGHT FOLKS!!! Shama Hyder will be talking Facebook & marketing. Everything you need to know to build your brand. Cost $3.

Richardson Internet Entrepeneurs – Tuesday, June 16th at 7pm: Another evening of Social Media conversations. Cost $5.

Digital Photography Club – Wednesday, June 17th at 7pm: Photo Share & Critique Night. Join the guys as they discuss the good, the bad & the ugly when it comes to photography. Cost $5.

NTPC – Thursday, June 18th at 7:30pm: Topic for the evening will be on & off camera flash. Cost $10.

Texas Glamour Club – Friday, June 19th at 6pm: guest model for the evening will be Playboy model Danielle Trixie. Cost $99.

DFWAUG – Saturday, June 20th at 11am: YOU could win a copy of the Creative Suite 4! Come on by for this special Q&A Adobe session. Cost $5.

Texas Glamour Club – Saturday, June 20th at 1pm: Encore session with Danielle Trixie. Cost $99.

That’s the wrap for this week folks. Feel free to contact me if you have future events planned, or if you would like me to add your usergroup to my community page.

in Events 0 comments