Adobe launches Photoshop Lightroom 1.0 in Middle East

Photoshop Lightroom leverages Adobe Camera Raw technology and supports over 150 native raw file formats, including DNG, JPEG and TIFF - bringing raw conversion into a single workflow experience for Windows® and Macintosh operating systems.

"Over the last 12 months, we have had more than 500,000 photographers globally participate in Lightroom's public beta program. This has helped us develop a solution that not only provides greater versatility and convenience for demanding photographers, but also effectively supports their workflow needs," said Jacob Alex, Channel Manager, Middle East, Adobe Systems.

"With regional demand rising for latest photographic equipment, technologies and services, photographers across the Middle East, a majority being Windows Users, can benefit from Lightroom's tight integration with Photoshop software now supported by the latest cameras on the market."

Camera models currently supported include the Nikon D40 and D80 and the Pentax K10D. Once imported, files can be converted to the Digital Negative specification (DNG) - an industry-wide initiative to create a universal file format for solving workflow and archiving issues - or renamed and segmented by folder or date.

"With DNG, we aim 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," added Alex.

Photoshop Lightroom includes new functionalities added since beta 4.1, with significant changes to its Library and Develop modules and complementing improvements to the Slideshow, Print and Web components.

"It's an unlikely scenario that professional photographers would moonlight as software developers," said John Loiacono, senior vice president, Creative Solutions Business Unit at Adobe. "Fortunately for us, they were willing to give it a shot. Everything, from image viewing and evaluation tools to timesaving editing features, was developed with the help of photographers. This was truly a collaborative effort and we extend our thanks to everyone who provided invaluable feedback to help us deliver a powerhouse professional photography tool."

While in the Library module, new advanced keywording tools help photographers filter through large collections, and an improved import dialogue with more flexible file handling allows more choice when determining file location. The new Key Metadata Browser provides quick access to key information tags with an improved ranking and rating system that now incorporates colour labels and a pick/reject system that swiftly sorts and locates photographs.

New to the Develop module, Virtual Copies and Snapshot tools help present multiple versions of the same image, providing the most choice to clients without the confusion of saving separate physical versions.

Additional tools include a Hue, Saturation and Luminance targeted adjustment tool for precise and intuitive image edits. Clone and Healing features provide non-destructive edits to eliminate sensor dust across one or many images.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is now available in the Middle East.