Pixiq

CyberLink just introduced a beta version of its professional photo editor PhotoDirector 2011, a program that offers features for managing, editing, and sharing images and that, once you start using it, looks very much like Adobe Lightroom.

Things like the creation of virtual copies, Export as the only option to save files and even the use of controls like the Lightroom TAT (Targeted Adjustment Tool) are present in the program. After a few minutes using, if you're familiar with Lightroom, you'll feel a bit like a déjá vu

One aspect that sound interesting is the use of the native rendering of RAW files from Canon and Nikon cameras, something that allows the user to experience the original "way they're meant to be" when decoding RAW file formats. CyberLink seems to have arranged with the camera makers to use their code. It will be interesting to see if RAW from other cameras will be present on the final version of the program.

With a vast array of dynamic features, PhotoDirector is engineered to bring out the absolute best of your photography, they say. But CyberLink wants people to try their program and so they're distributing the beta freely, so users can experiment with a vast array of photo workflow, editing and management tools before the official release version is launched in June, 2011.  And the good news is that any user who downloads the beta version and provides valid feedback of their experience by June 20th will receive the official release version for free.

So what are you waiting for? Get your copy and give it a try.