I’m usually a flag waver for artistic vision rather than gear or the tools of our craft, but this calls for an exception: just minutes ago Apple announced the much anticipated Aperture 3.0. And it’s the bomb. I’m lucky enough to have been using it for several months now.
There’s few things I think photographers will want to know about this new release. First, and most importantly, driving this software feels like you’re driving a German sports car. Aperture 3.0 has the power and grace that we’ve come to expect from Apple. Second, it’s got new features for days…
My favorites off the top of my head:
_Brushable, scalable, adjustments. Yep. They nailed it. Full selective controls on every adjustment you want.
_Video. Apple nailed this too. Aperture 3.0 has full multi-media capabilities. That’s right. Finally something that handles all those video files from your HD dSLR. Import, rate, scrub video, trim your clips. Add audio. Make a full-on MOVIE within Aperture or export to Final Cut Pro. Insanely cool. (Update: FYI it supports Nikon D300s files, D3 files, Canon 7d and 5d files, you name it, and a range of audio files from all manufactures as well.)
_Adjustment presets on import. Also seriously cool. Fast. Shoot tethered in your studio and want the photos to look sexy before the model or art director can see the RAW file? No problem. This kicks ass.
_Customizable. I’m a whiner when I can’t configure my software the way I want it. No worries, here. Fully customizable.
_Best little hidden nugget you wouldn’t know? The skin smoothing feature is absolutely unbelievable. When we need to smooth the skin of a model, it’s usually quite a process. Now it’s so damn easy, I’ll probably even smooth my skin up before I send pictures to my mom.
For the full kahuna, check out Apple’s Aperture page here. Since I’ve been using this software for a while, I’ve got a cameo video at Apple.com that features my Songs For Eating and Drinking series. Check it out if you’ve got time today. And of course, holler at me with questions or comments. I had a blast playing with this stuff, and I’m not shy on opinions.
Aperture is available today for $200 for the full version, or $100 to upgrade, with a 30-day free trial here.
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Hey,
I recently purchased Apeture 3 and am loving it, however i recently did a few Monochrome photo shoots and have imported the photos into Apeture, now the photos have shown in colour, i have tried to work out the problem my self but…well no luck so far…:( anyone able to help me out?
Do you mean you shot with the monochromatic setting in your CAMERA? It’s hard to tell what your issue is without knowing what equipment/settings you used.
Hey so I have aperature3 on my macbook pro. I am selling it to get a Imac for the house. I just upgraded aperature3. Is there anyway to deactivate it on the macbook and activate it on a new Imac when I get it? Thanks!
@ Rob, You can just install Aperture on the new machine after deleting it from the old machine. No need to deactivate it. It’s looking for concurrent uses, so as long as it’s deleted from the laptop, that will never happen. And you’ll be all set on the new iMac.
Chase,
Should I get Aperture 3 or should I wait and get Lightroom 3?
Francesco B.
Although I really like Lightroom the video in Aperture is appealing considering this is where photography is headed (if that makes sense) into this photo/video hybrid mode. And although i'm just starting in video I would like to learn it ASAP to stay ahead. I just get a little overwhelmed adding more and more software that can get out of hand keeping things organized. Probably just me but…
Do you think their is use for Aperture and Lightroom? I'm a big fan of lightroom and see leaving it but wonder an effective way to work with both? (vague question but…)