The San Jose-based software developer is particularly proud of the accomplishment given that Lightroom's main competitor, Apple's Aperture, has yet to see native 64-bit support.
Adobe has committed to delivering 64-bit versions of Photoshop and its other Creative Suite applications, but said earlier this year that those updates will take considerably longer due to Apple's decision to scrap plans for a 64-bit version of its Carbon developer tool set.
For Lightroom 2.0, 64-bit support will allow the application to address large amounts of memory in excess of 4 gigabytes, which will speed up overall performance for photographers dealing with large scale images that must be swapped into and out of memory during processing-intensive operations.
The software also aims to streamline and accelerate photographersâ workflows through an enhanced Library module featuring the ability to visually organize images across multiple hard drives. A Library Filter Bar and Suggested Keywords feature work towards simplifying the search and retrieval process.
Two other highly touted features of Lightroom 2.0 are dual-monitor support for maximizing workspace and more efficient printing tools. For instance, the software now arranges photos of multiple sizes on one or many pages with customizable templates to maximize paper and ink. Intelligent algorithms then automatically determine optimal sharpening for screen or print, producing crisper images faster.
Adobe is also rolling out new RAW technology that gives photographers access to flexible camera profiles that will help reduce unexpected changes in the quality of their photographs.
"Camera profiles are the visual starting point for the raw processing workflow, but image preferences vary for every photographer," the company siad. "To minimize surprises, Adobe is supplying default camera profiles that closely emulate the visual looks that photographers are used to seeing from their favorite camera, while also providing the ability to create highly customized profiles to suit different tastes."
Camera profiles are available for immediate download on Adobe Labs for use with Lightroom 2 and Camera RAW 4.5, along with a DNG Profile Editor for the community to test and create their own profiles. The tools currently support over 190 camera models including the Olympus E 420 and E 520 models.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 is available for immediate download (or shipping) through the Adobe Store in English, French and German with the Japanese language version planned to be released at a future date. New licenses cost $299 and upgrades fetch $99.
34 Comments
Cool. I can't wait to gauge the performance impact of 64-bit. Problem is that current 32-bit apps from Adobe are pretty slow to begin with. I *really* look forward to the next iteration of Creative Suite, not from a feature standpoint, but from a performance standpoint. Adobe can (should) do better.
I *really* look forward to the next iteration of Creative Suite, not from a feature standpoint, but from a performance standpoint.
You are aware that the next iteration of the Creative Suite, CS4, will still be 32 bit on the Mac? Only the version after that, CS5, will be 64 bit. CS4 will be available as a 64 bit version for Windows (XP and Vista, I guess), but it requires the installation of the 64 bit version of Windows. Few people currently run the 64 bit version of Windows (XP or Vista) as by far not all software (all vendors combined) runs on it smoothly.
Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) can run 32 and 64 bit applications side-by-side without any problems whatsoever.
You are aware that the next iteration of the Creative Suite, CS4, will still be 32 bit on the Mac? Only the version after that, CS5, will be 64 bit. CS4 will be available as a 64 bit version for Windows (XP and Vista, I guess), but it requires the installation of the 64 bit version of Windows. Few people currently run the 64 bit version of Windows (XP or Vista) as by far not all software (all vendors combined) runs on it smoothly.
Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) can run 32 and 64 bit applications side-by-side without any problems whatsoever.
Yep one wonders what Adobe have against Apple lol, one would have thought 64 bit development would have made more sense on Mac first. Personally I'm more excited about utilizing all 8 cores on my Mac Pro hopefully coming in some part with Snow Leopard and thereafter from developers of pro apps. A friend of mine owns a color scanning software company and they are already hiring experts in multi core development as they see that as crucial for near future.
Yep one wonders what Adobe have against Apple lol, one would have thought 64 bit development would have made more sense on Mac first.
Adobe has committed to delivering 64-bit versions of Photoshop and its other Creative Suite applications, but said earlier this year that those updates will take considerably longer due to Apple's decision to scrap plans for a 64-bit version of its Carbon developer tool set.
Adobe doesn't have anything against Apple as far as developing 64-bit applications. It's just that Apple threw Adobe a curveball by beginning the process of eliminating Carbon-developed applications (such as the entire Creative Suite).
Adobe doesn't have anything against Apple as far as developing 64-bit applications. It's just that Apple threw Adobe a curveball by beginning the process of eliminating Carbon-developed applications (such as the entire Creative Suite).
Is there a reason (I have no clue, not my area of knowledge) why Adobe are not developing using Cocoa?