Apple has released a new version of Aperture, powered by a totally new image processing engine. Aperture 2 boasts over 100 new features, sports a better-looking and more approachable user interface, while the software is now overall faster, easier to use and of course more powerful. Highlight recovery, color vibrancy, local contrast definition, soft-edged retouching, vignetting and RAW fine-tuning are just a few of the newly-introduced imaging tools.

"Many of the most respected photographers on assignment all over the world trust Aperture to organize, edit and deliver their images," said Rob Schoeben, Apple's vice president of Applications Product Marketing. "With its simpler interface and lower price, anyone can take full advantage of Aperture's power."

Aperture's UI is quite different from most OS X applications. Small font sizes and narrow scrollbars were commonly criticized, at the time Apple launched the app designed to assist professional photographers in post-production work, in November 2005. Aperture 2 should appeal photographers, who can now post their portfolios directly on the Mac Web Gallery for viewing on the web, iPhone, iPod touch and Apple TV.

"At the end of the day, it's all about the quality of the image," said Sports Illustrated contributing photographer David Bergman. "Even before I begin making adjustments, Aperture's new RAW processing gives me better images with more visible detail and better color rendering than any other program I've tested."

"I used to have so much stress about post-production on a shoot, having to juggle multiple applications to make sure they all worked," said Bob Davis, PDN Top Knots Wedding Photographer 2007. "With Aperture that's no longer a factor. I can do everything all in one application."

Aperture 2 is now available for $199 for anyone looking to organize, edit and publish photos like a pro, while previous owners of Aperture will be charged only $99 for the upgrade. Of course, as it always goes with nifty apps, there's also the option to download and try out Aperture 2 for free. The 30-day trial version is available right HERE.