I have been using the beta version of Lightroom 3 for about three months now, but it wasn’t until I downloaded the Beta2 version that become available last week that I began to become excited. The Beta2 version had some enhancements that make this upcoming upgrade in my opinion an easy decision. Before I get into any details, I must say that I am a Nikon shooter and think CaptureNX2 raw converter is a superior converter for Nikon NEF files. I also believe that Capture NX2 has better editing capabilities and editing tools, but a very clunky workflow and almost zero compatibility with Lightroom. Hence; Photomechanic. (another blog for another time).
Getting back to Lightroom, the Beta 2 version boasts a camera tethering feature to capture files directly your computer screen, a noise reduction, that is much better than previous versions and a much (and I mean much faster) browser. The Beta 2 version also has a completely new RAW converter. While I am impressed with the raw converter I have not used it enough to give an opinion although it does seem to be improved over the previous versions.
There still few things I would like to see on a new Lightroom version such as a circular gradient tool, a black point setting (black slider not accurate enough) and additional sliders such as noise reduction and white balance for the adjustment brush. There are other too like a Gaussian blur adjustment but then I may be really trying not to use Photoshop at all.
Here are a couple of links to find out more about Lightroom 3 Beta 2. Here is a link to Terry White’ blog and one to Adobe Lab’s
It appears that April 12 will be the announcement date of the release date. Go figure that.
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