Adobe has announced a free update to its Lightroom application to version 1.1 for existing users.

The new update adds functionality and support for Windows Vista, a flexible image management system for multi-computer workflows, improved noise reduction and sharpening, and raw file support for 13 additional digital cameras from leading manufacturers including Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Phase One.

"Although the beta period has ended, we are happy to say that Photoshop Lightroom continues to incorporate user feedback with this latest update", says Tom Hogarty, product manager for Photoshop Lightroom. "We are committed to continuing this partnership with our customer base by working together to make a program that best suits their digital imaging workflow needs."

For those not in the know, Lightroom enables professional photographers to import, manage and present large volumes of digital photographs helping them spend more time behind the lens and less time at the computer.

Improvements in Lightroom 1.1 include a new image management system that allows flexible multi-computer workflows. A catalog-based system means photographers now can move images and information quickly between their computers. Lightroom 1.1 further streamlines the digital photography workflow with the addition of a convenient way to synchronize folders in the program with new or changed photos. Other changes include improved noise reduction and sharpening functionality, utilizing customer feedback and technology from industry-standard Photoshop.

Lightroom 1.1 adds support for 13 additional digital cameras including the Canon EOS-1D Mark III, Fuji FinePix S5 Pro; Nikon D40x; Olympus E-410, and Olympus SP-550 UZ; Ricoh Caplio GX 100; Sigma SD 14; Phase One H 20, Phase One H 25, Phase One P 20, Phase One P 21, Phase One P 25, Phase One P 30 and Phase One P 45. This support means that photographers can use Lightroom with even the newest cameras on the market, knowing that the image files will be recognized today and in the future.

Upon import, files can be converted to the Digital Negative specification (DNG) or renamed and segmented by folder or date. DNG is an industry-wide initiative to create a universal file format for solving workflow and archiving issues. It aims to eliminate barriers to new camera adoption while giving professional photographers the confidence that their digital body of work is securely archived and will remain accessible as digital imaging technology evolves.

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