Lightroom Update Offers New Functionality, Improved Raw Processing and Support for Windows Vista

I thought you’d like to know that Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 1.1 is now available as a free upgrade for existing users, with added functionality and support for Windows Vista. Lightroom 1.1 adds a flexible image management system for multi-computer workflows, improved noise reduction and sharpening, and raw file support for 13 additional digital cameras from leading manufacturers including Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Phase One.
 
“Although the beta period has ended, we are happy to say that Photoshop Lightroom continues to incorporate user feedback with this latest update,” says Tom Hogarty, product manager for Photoshop Lightroom. “We are committed to continuing this partnership with our customer base by working together to make a program that best suits their digital imaging workflow needs.”
 
Lightroom enables professional photographers to import, manage and present large volumes of digital photographs helping them spend more time behind the lens and less time at the computer. Improvements in Lightroom 1.1 include a new image management system that allows flexible multi-computer workflows. A catalog-based system means photographers now can move images and information quickly between their computers. Lightroom 1.1 further streamlines the digital photography workflow with the addition of a convenient way to synchronize folders in the program with new or changed photos. Other changes include improved noise reduction and sharpening functionality, utilizing customer feedback and technology from industry-standard Photoshop.
 
High-Quality Raw Processing
 
Lightroom leverages Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw technology and also supports JPEG and TIFF file formats, bringing raw conversion into a single workflow experience. Lightroom 1.1 adds support for 13 additional digital cameras including the Canon EOS-1D Mark III, Fuji FinePix S5 Pro; Nikon D40x; Olympus E-410, and Olympus SP-550 UZ; Ricoh Caplio GX 100; Sigma SD 14; Phase One H 20, Phase One H 25, Phase One P 20, Phase One P 21, Phase One P 25, Phase One P 30 and Phase One P 45. This support means that photographers can use Lightroom with even the newest cameras on the market, knowing that the image files will be recognized today and in the future.
 
Upon import, files can be converted to the Digital Negative specification (DNG) or renamed and segmented by folder or date. DNG is an industry-wide initiative to create a universal file format for solving workflow and archiving issues. It aims to eliminate barriers to new camera adoption while giving professional photographers the confidence that their digital body of work is securely archived and will remain accessible as digital imaging technology evolves.
 
Pricing and Availability
 
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 1.1 update is available as a free download for existing customers on www.adobe.com. Photoshop Lightroom can be purchased in the United States and Canada through the Adobe Store at www.adobe.com/store and at major photo and software retailers for a price of US $299. Minimum system requirements are Macintosh OSX 10.4, 1 GHz PowerPC G4, or Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise, Intel Pentium 4 processor, 768 MB RAM and a 1024x768 resolution screen. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is a Universal Binary application that will run natively on PowerPC and new Intel-based Macintosh systems.