I've now processed several hundred images with the Beta Lightroom, and I have to say I'm very impressed overall: for those interested, here are my thoughts. For: Very simple and intuitive interface: the separation between the various processes (Library, Develop etc.) helps with a logical sequence of treating with the images, and the inclusion of a fairly sophisticated Print interface is excellent. Smart treatment of the image one is working on: every change is implemented on the reference image, without affecting the original in any way. Reasonably powerful editing tools, which will be enhanced with the release of version 1.0 to include red-eye removal tool and other useful stuff. Ability to convert and save the image being worked on in several formats, including JPG and DNG: this also includes the ability to save to a different format and folder, with resize using different parameters all at the same time, eg save the master copy as a DNG in a permanent folder, save another copy as a JPG, resized for web and with size parameters specified, to a different location, all from the same starting point. Batch exporting (equivalent to "Save As" if you want to convert at the same time) of image files in the Library module. Repeatability of changes from the last image worked on to the next - very useful when dealing with shots exposed under very similar conditions.
Against: Can be a little slow on some machines: I've been using it on my laptop, with an external drive as the file location. No doubt it would be faster with a more powerful CPU and a more grunty HD. Resource hogger: don't try this with a small memory machine! At the moment, the Beta version lacks some tools, such as red-eye removal. This will improve. No perspective control. No layers, no selective editing possible. No shadows/highlight control, although "Fill Light" and "Recovery" work well and are nearly equivalent. I think I've decided on a new workflow: previously, because of the size of PSD or TIFF files, I had been saving completed images as large JPEGs, while storing the original PEF file on CD. I think now I will change to saving the completed image as a DNG file, which will allow me to carry out further editing if needed without any degradation caused by additional manipulation of a JPG file, while still keeping the PEF storage going. I will then only need to create JPEGs if I want to have an image available on the web, or for sending to family, etc, who may not be able to use anything else. Anyone else thinking along the same lines? John Coyle Brisbane, Australia -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
