Adobe Labs has provided access to ‘release candidate’ versions of its latest raw-compatible software: Camera Raw 8.2 and Lightroom 5.2.
The ‘release candidate’ label indicates the updates have been well tested but would benefit from additional community testing before being distributed automatically to customers. The Camera Raw plug-in is available for both Photoshop CC and Photoshop CS6. However, the version supplied for Photoshop CS6 only includes updated camera and lens profile support, which adds the following new cameras: Canon EOS 70D *, Casio Exilim EX-ZR800, Fujifilm FinePix HS22EXR, Fujifilm FinePix HS35EXR, Fujifilm FinePix S205EXR, Fujifilm FinePix F805EXR, Fujifilm X-M1, Phase One IQ260 *, Sony DSC-RX1R and Sony DSC-RX100 II*. (* Denotes preliminary support.) The Camera Raw plug-in for Photoshop CC includes the following features:
1. The Histogram is now interactive with click and drag adjustments for the Blacks, Shadows, Exposure, Highlights and Whites sliders.
2. A Colour Smoothness adjustment slider has been added to the Detail Panel for removing mottling artefacts.
3. Separate Auto Temperature and Auto Tint controls.
4. Workflow presets are now available and can be selected on context-clicking the workflow link.
5. Refinements to the Spot Healing Tool include a new Feather control and improved auto find source method.
6. Refinements to the Local Adjustment Brush include enhanced click and drag facilities with brush adjustment pins.
The Lightroom 5.2. release candidate is available free to current users of Lightroom 5. It offers the same camera support and improved functionality as the Camera Raw plug-in for Photoshop CC. Visit http://labs.adobe.com/ for full details and downloads for Windows and Mac o0peratign systems.
