Following a public beta program that provided Adobe with "valuable feedback," Lightroom 2 has been released, adding new raw technology, dual-monitor support, enhanced non-destructive localized image correction, and better search features. Adobe Lightroom is a powerful competitor to Apple's own photography software, Aperture.

Lightroom 2 is Adobe's first application for Mac OS X 10.5 which boasts full 64-bit support. Tom Hogarty, senior product manager for Lightroom and Camera Raw at Adobe, noted in an official report that "a worldwide community of photographers provided valuable insight and feedback, as part of the Lightroom 2 public beta program, ultimately helping [Adobe] deliver a better product." Lightroom 2 also has improved memory performance aimed at the manipulation of large scale images.

"We've considered their requests which helped us develop useful features that make it easier than ever for our customers to quickly refine, enhance and present brilliant photographs," he added.

Adobe's new raw technology found in Lightroom 2 gives photographers access to flexible camera profiles, which are "the visual starting point for the raw processing workflow," according to the company. Adobe points out that image preferences vary for every photographer. Therefore, to minimize surprises, Adobe provides default camera profiles that emulate the capabilities of their favorite camera to great extent. Users also have the ability to create highly customized profiles.

"One of the big reasons why Lightroom has become such a phenomenon among serious photographers is that Adobe built it with the input of a very vocal user community," said Scott Kelby, president of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP). "Adobe really listens to the issues and challenges today's photographers face and they've built a complete solution that not only meets the needs of photographers; it really feels like it was made just for us. The enhancements to Lightroom 2, combined with the power of Photoshop, give photographers the ultimate freedom to produce professional images quickly."

Adobe says that Lightroom 2 sports an enhanced Library module, which helps streamline and accelerate photographers' workflows, while the Library Filter Bar allows users to find the images they need in no time. A Suggested Keywords feature has also been introduced to help photographers keyword their images by making intelligent suggestions based on their own criteria.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 is available through the Adobe Store in English, French and German for an estimated street price of USD$299. If you are already using Adobe's software, an upgrade costs USD$99. The Japanese language version is also planned for release. Recommended Mac requirements call for Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5, 1 GHz PowerPC G4 or G5 or Intel based processor, 1 GB RAM and a 1024x768 resolution screen.

A 30-day trial version of Lightroom 2 is available for free download HERE.