Lightzone

[chauncey]

I got an e-mail today offering a discount on the new edition of Lightzone. Anyone use it?

[jnev]

I've used it, and really didn't like it. the interface seemed very cluttered and it was pretty slow on my desktop (though I should mention that I was using the linux version and my desktop is a 3.4ghz p4 with 1gb ram).

[rzych]

Yes, I have used LightZone since the beginning of this year - relighter tool is excellent. To me, it does a good job - it is what I have chosen to use (in conjunction with DXO for optical correction) over other converters. All you can do is try it and see for yourself.

Version 3.1 for Windows and Mac is much improved over v2.4 which was the last Linux version. I use it on a Pentium 2.8D with 1 gig of ram for 5D files and it can be "pokey" at times - LZ will be happier with 2 gigs.

[stasber]

LightZone is addictive. A bit quirky at first - takes some getting used to - but very effective, and it has some neat tricks up it's sleeve. I like it a lot.

The relight tool is one of it's secrets and was much improved for version 3.1. I also like the way Regions work (i.e. localized changes), which are effectively highly customizable layers, and you can have as many or as few as you need. You can re-order the tool stack, or go back to any point in history and make further adjustments very easily and quickly.

It's not so hot on the DAM and metadata side unfortunately. But they're making progress.

Prior to version 3.1 it was clunky and very slow on my G4 PowerBook with 1.25Gb RAM. 3.1 is significantly improved, and now 'workable' (RAW files from 20D) but can be a bit of a hog at times. Per rzych, it will be happier with 2 gigs.

And it's cheaper than LR!

[drmanolo]

Last version 3.1 works great with Windows.... fast, easy and realiable. If you trust your EYES ... go for it. Trial versions are all over the net. Somebody said this program is to work like the old days... just for the Zone Mapper that work very nice with his 16 White-Gray-Black options. I like it a lot.