Apple releases Aperture 3

[Mayareira]

Apple says there are 200+ features (they've actually listed them all on their website). Couple of ones I've noticed in the demo..

- New filmstrip interface is excellent.

- Face Recognition feature is very convenient especially if you've got a huge library like I do.

- Brushes work great.

- Vanishing HUD is a simple, late but an awesome new feature.

- GPS integration sounds pretty nice.

Very solid update overall. 99$ to upgrade, 199$ for retail.

[wyrmtung]

I have a friend who only knows Photoshop. What is the learning curve on Aperture? Easy (aka "It just works") or would she need to take some tutorials to get proficient?

[Darus Grey]

I had no issues "Switching" it's as intuitive as PS.

Granted Aperture is not as powerful as PS simply because it lacks the plugin support that PS gets.

But it's a much better piece of software for the price, somewhere between PS and PS Elements, but much closer to PS., for 1/3 the price.

[Mayareira]

You need tutorials, but the curve is not too steep. Its a software strictly for photography and a great asset for any semi-pro&pro photographers.

Great value for 199$ as well.

[Tyche]

A better comparison is to Lightroom, not Photoshop. Photoshop isn't really photography specific, although, as Darus said, Photoshop is a bit more powerful. It's not near as difficult to learn though, and adjustments can typically be made with more ease and better flow in Lightroom/Aperture unless you have a ton of photograph specific actions saved.

[Tyche]

It should also be said that Picasa is awesome and free.

[Blabj]

It's all about Capture One Pro.

[Doombear]

I have Capture One Four, that came with my camera but haven't tried it. I tend to use Lightroom for imports/cataloging and then PS for full on post processing.

I have read mixed reviews on all three programs, but Lightroom seems to update camera models a bit faster. LR3 is coming out in a few months, and I have yet to try the beta there... we shall see.