Lightroom 2.0 Public Beta released

[KdLaneJr]

Read about it here. It is supposed to load separately from 1.3.1 so you can work with it during the Beta testing period.

[darktiger]

Man that retouch brush is awesome, and the cloning/burning/masking is just reason enough to buy the upgrade.

[KdLaneJr]

I downloaded it last night and went to bed. If I had installed it I never would have got any sleep.
I subscribe to Adobe Photoshops Lightroom Killer Tips and recieve regular RSS feeds put out by Matt Kloskowski.
Here is a bit of what came in yesterday evening tip.
" First, the top 10 list1) Localized Corrections (AKA: Dodge and Burn) - If Lightroom 2 came out and this was the only new feature I’d upgrade in a heartbeat. Localized Corrections is the non-destructive dodging and burning that we’ve all wanted for so long. But I have to say this - it’s so much more. It goes WAY beyond what I expected from dodging and burning in Lightroom (which is why it’s called Localize corrections and not just dodge and burn) and I think you’re going to love it.
2) Better Photoshop Integration - Now you can open your files as Smart Objects, Merge to Panorama or even export straight to Photoshop’s HDR from Lightroom.
3) Post-crop vignetting - if you’ve ever tried to darken the edges of a cropped photo with the lens vignetting slider you’ll know it doesn’t really work. That’s where the post-crop vignette comes in.
4) Multiple Monitor support - can you say “Finally!”?
5) Picture Packages in the print module.
6) Output Sharpening in the print module and it really works this time around. I’ve seen tests compared to Lightroom 1 and the print sharpening is noticeably better.
7) Smart Collections - Collections were great in LR 1 but smart collections make using collections a lot easier.
8.) Printing directly to a JPEG file in the Print module. So if you send your photos off to a lab now you can save the files right from within Lightroom’s Print module.
9) Suggested Keywords - Get this… Lightroom will start suggesting keywords to you once you start keywording your photos. It’s weird to explain so make sure you stop by NAPP’s learning center to see it in action.
10) OK, I’m going to give you two here. First there’s a new filter panel in the Library module that makes getting to your photos easier and faster because it’s right there with your photos (instead of tucked away on the left side panels). Next, the Slideshow and Web modules both have Content panels as well as Collection panels. So now you can very quickly switch slideshows without having to jump back to the Library module and choose different photos. "

[venchka]

Interesting. Hot on the heels of the busted 1.4.1 we have an upgrade to 2.0 already.

[CincoJoe]

Sweet! I'm all over this when I get home.

[Steelsun]

Kick butt!
I've been using LightRoom for only about a month, and it has already replaced Photoshop in most of my work flow (in fact I seldom have to use PS now).
This will decrease PS use even more!

[BrianY]

I just started using the beta this morning, and wow, imo this update is awesome with tons of useful new features.

[Paulo]

Sweet! Thanks for posting.

[SCone]

Would have thought there'd be an option to set my own screen colors. But no, it's the same gray with black and more black. Makes it hard for my eyes to read.

Anyone found a way to change this "feature"?

[KdLaneJr]

Originally Posted by Steelsun

Kick butt!
I've been using LightRoom for only about a month, and it has already replaced Photoshop in most of my work flow (in fact I seldom have to use PS now).
This will decrease PS use even more!

I'm really curious what they are up to here. They've added better correction features that could keep you out of photoshop and also increased photoshop compatibility yet their original premise is that LR is not a standalone program.

As long as it works and speeds up the workflow...

[jeffkohn]

I heard the local corrections are limited to simple dodge and burn? That's disappointing, I was thinking maybe they had implemented sometihng similar to the Nikon/NIK control points.

[venchka]

I'm using Lightroom as a standalone product. I don't need nor I do I want Photoshop.

[canoflan]

I am definitely upgrading when it comes out (I have been on LR since beta 1.0); however, I am finding my time better spent on business than learning the tools in a beta version that isn't final and will probably get tweaked quite a bit before release. Just my preference.

For those that posted a comprehensive review in this thread; thank you very much! I have learned much from the time well spent by those in this thread. Forums are wonderful.
Pat

[AndrewSA]

I'm thinking about getting a RAW converter...Lightroom seems to be the front runner. Not sure if I need it though, I have CS3 / Bridge, I shoot mainly RAW, but might do some jpgs for weddings, events. I normally don't shoot a ton of images, which is what it seems a lot of people are using LR for (organization)?

Does LR (or any other RAW converter) let you do a white balance on JPG's?

What are the main reasons to get LR as opposed to using CS3?

[KeithnFW]

What are the main reasons to get LR as opposed to using CS3?

I keep asking myself this also. . . I have CS3, why would I need LR?