The first commercial version of Photoshop Lightroom 1.0 has been released by Adobe.

For more than a year, the photographic software has been available as a free downloadable beta. The current beta 4.1 is due for expiry on Feb 28, after which users will have to purchase the full version if they want to continue using it.

The 1.0 version is an improvement over the 4.1 beta in terms of advanced keyword tools in the library module that help photographers filter through large collections; more flexible file handling in the import dialogue that allows greater choice while determining file location; and a new and improved key metadata browser that offers quick access to key information tags, with color labels plus a pick/reject system.

This apart, the develop module now features virtual copies and snapshot tools for providing multiple versions of the same image for comparison, sans the need to save physical versions. Besides, a new tool gives precise control over hue, saturation, and luminance; and Clone and Healing brushes are provided for sensor dust removal.

In Photoshop Lightroom 1.0, support for a number of raw image formats has been added, including those used by Nikon D80 and D40 and Pentax k10D.

The new version runs under Mac OS X 10.4 or Windows XP, and requires: a 1GHz Power PC or an Intel Pentium processor, 768MB RAM, and a 1024 by 768 resolution screen.

The Mac version of Photoshop Lightroom is a universal binary application that runs natively on PowerPC and Intel-based Macs.

The software is available in the US for $199 (Rs 8,955) initially; after April 30, the price will rise to $299 (Rs 13,455). Lightroom will not be included in the current or next versions of Creative Suite, Adobe said.

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Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 1.0