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New version of Aperture introduces plug-ins

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

March 28, 2008, 11:28 AM

Apple's latest release of Aperture adds functionality that allows third-parties to extend the photo editing suite's functionality.

The move could be seen as a warning to Adobe, whose Photoshop application has long supported third-party plug-ins. It also signals that Apple is serious about Aperture providing an alternative to the popular program.

Users of Aperture will be able to download the new version for free through Software Update. While no third-party plug-ins are available yet, Apple is shipping its own, called Dodge & Burn, along with the update.

Apple expects to have additional plug-ins available in the coming months, it said in a statement. Among those expected soon will allow for the adjustment of color and light, noise reduction, HDR tools, and fisheye lens distortion correction.

Effects from the plug-in are applied by clicking on the image and then choosing the desired effect from a menu. Apple hopes that the new technologies added through these plug-ins will negate the need to leave the application to edit images.

Such a move will also help push Aperture's market share higher as users will no longer need to have both Photoshop and Apple's application.

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By tscar13

edited Mar 29, 2008 - 8:50 PM

The problem here is , this time, not with Apple but with the lack of significant advancement in Photo editing software that would basically allow you to use your computer as a darkroom.
The best B&W image format is RAW but both with the high end Digital cameras and the software, you still don't have settings that allows serious photographers to use.
I use to be a professional photographer back in the late 70;s and early 80's, having photo spread in various photo mags. But this was during the time when 35mm film ruled and shooting B&W, you could add filters and underexposed and then go to your local photo shop and tell them what you exactly wanted done to enhance shading and texture.
This can't be done yet both from the camera end and photo editing end. Also, since most the makers of 35 mm film have stopped, your screwed if you want to buy a 35mm camera (which they still sell). Good luck finding quality film at various speeds.
Now if your just one of those point and shoot type of people then,heck, just use Wal-mart. It is limited but it does do the basic corrections on color shots such as redeye and cropping.
I will say that there is more advancement on the camera end than on the editing end. So don't waste your on these products. If you are a serious photographer than wait. If you are a causal user than just use places like Wal-mart.

Score: 0

By dhjdhj

posted Mar 31, 2008 - 6:31 AM

You must be at least 100 years old....

Serious photographers, almost ALL of them, have embraced this stuff.
Having used film-based SLR for many years growing up, the switch to digital, particularly with the current high resolution sensors available, has been a boon.

Score: 0

By bousozoku

posted Mar 28, 2008 - 4:38 PM

Here is where it becomes interesting. Aperture reminds a film photographer of a real-life environment (and takes 3D power to do it) but it's had some rough going, especially with Adobe pushing their own RAW image processing application.

If Apple can get support from Photoshop plug-in makers, they can provide some balance in the market and once again, keep Adobe on their toes.

Score: 0

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