Image Database Software | TestPhotoshop Lightroom is Adobe’s all-in-one
solution that offers non-destructive JPEG and
RAW image processing and an effective
SQLite database in the background.
Adobe gives its users the choice of using
conventional static folder views or its own
more flexible logical views. After import,
Lightroom only displays (and issues error
warnings) for files that it recognizes as images.
During our test, it failed to recognize BMP, GIF
and PNG files.
RAW support is generally very good, but
still doesn’t cover legacy formats such as
Kodak DC 120 from 1997. Lightroom
effectively manages physical folders as well as
its own virtual collections, which don’t alter
the underlying folder structure. Like other
image database applications, Lightroomdoes
its best to avoid data redundancy, and only
allows you to create virtual image copies.
The program is extremely agile and stays
up to speed by writing adjustments to the
catalog instead of embedding them in the
image file. This default behavior reduces the
number of write cycles, but necessitates
regular catalog backups. You can use the
Ctrl+S keyboard shortcut or the Save
Metadata to File command (in the context
menu) to write metadata to selected image or
sidecar files. Instead of a conventional search
mask, the program offers a powerful, intuitive
Library Search feature, that helps even
beginners to navigate quickly and easily
through large collections of images.
The program includes support for IPTC
Core and Extension metadata and you can use
metadata presets to simplify batch
keywording processes. You can also set up
your own hierarchical thesaurus. We were
slightly surprised to find that the latestLightroom release still doesn’t include face
recognition functionality – a feature that is
obviously still reserved for Photoshop
Elements.
However, version 4 scores highly with its
new, improved getoagging tools. Whereas
version 3 could only display geotags as
text, version 4 has built-in Google Maps
functionality and a broad range of
geotagging features and options. Better late
than never!
Comprehensive search functionality, a
smooth, integrated workflow, simple
handling and a balanced feature set make
Lightroom perfect for single-user home
installation. Multiple users are not supported
in any form. Lightroom 4is more powerful
and cheaper than its predecessor, tipping
the scales at a highly reaonable price of
US$149.Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4
Lightroom 4 introduces comprehensive geotagging functionality, but still doesn’t include face
recognition – a feature that has been included in Photoshop Elements for some time