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The original Lightroom was released as a public beta at the beginning of 2006. Almost a year of free use and testing entailed, resulting finally in the full version 1.0. Shortly thereafter version 1.1 appeared, with quite a few startling and useful improvements. In fact v1.1 was almost a new version altogether.

I've been a massive fan of Lightroom since it launched, though continued use over the last couple of years has pointed out a few flaws and quirks that can be frustrating. Version 2.0 will hopefully solve those, but for the moment we only have the beta to play with.

It needs to be stressed that this a very early version of the software, designed for testing only. The idea is for users to try it for free and report back to Adobe any problems or bugs. Adobe is also, very sensibly, keen to ensure that the software fits easily into working practices. Because of this, the current form is still full of bugs and glitches. Also the compatibility of catalogues between v1 and the v.2 beta has been ‘switched off', but they should work in the final release.

Adobe are also keen to recommend that you work with copies of your original files, and also point out that current users of Lightroom 1, continue using that for your important work. It's available as a download for Windows and Mac users, and Adobe are currently offering free use until the end of August 2008.

New Features

Let's begin looking at the overall changes, then look at the major changes to the modules.

Firstly the new version is 64-bit enabled, meaning it can take advantage of the latest 64-bit enabled processors and operating systems, and utilise RAM over 4GB. By default it operates in 32-bit mode, so you'll need to change this in the preferences if using Vista-64 or an Intel Mac with Leopard.

The Export dialogue now allows you to export files (for example, JPEGs from the Raw original) to the original folder, and then stack those with the originals, making file organisation much easier.

The next major and useful new feature is the ability to edit files in Photoshop without first making a TIFF or PSD file. Whilst this was a sensible way of working and keeping destructive and non- destructive editing separate, it was slow. Lightroom 2 now offers the option to open the file as a Smart Object and appears to be a much quicker way of working. Incidentally it also now allows you take multiple files and automatically merge them in Photoshop as a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image or to merge images directly into the Panorama tool in Photoshop.

Finally Lightroom 2 has multiple display support, something longed for by users of dual displays, and already available in the major competitor of the sector, Apple Aperture.