Is Lightroom worth it?

Roy Mathers wrote in post #7980760
Actually, I think the short answer to the thread's title is 'yes'.

Straight and to the point.

tim wrote in post #7981198
Get the trial and see if you like it compared with bridge.

probably the best answer

JeffNKC wrote in post #7980137
The brush tool is pretty flexible and something that isn't available in ACR.

False.

tonylong wrote in post #7980890
but I hear that LR2 actually has some tools that CS4 lacks

No. ACR 5 and LR2 share the same tools. Some small UI differences, but functionality is just about identical.

René Damkot wrote in post #7982438
False.

No. ACR 5 and LR2 share the same tools. Some small UI differences, but functionality is just about identical.

OK, thanks, René, just needed that cleared up. But I did notice the missing Targeted Adjustments in CS3 ACR -- is that just a gap in the process, or am I missing something in ACR?

Couldn't do without either. LR doesn't have the editing power I often need and PS doesn't organise photos very well

I use it, but I convert my Raw's in DPP. I believe it does a better job with 50D RAW's. I don't use it for my wife's 40D files however. Those are straight into LR.

Hell YES!

I hated the complexity of PS/Bridge/ACR and LR is simply the condensed version of most used tools by photogs.

www.jkost.com for fantastic online video tutorials. I got hooked and converted by watching these videos.

My understanding is this:

LR was developed by photographers FOR photographers.

PS was originally more of an artist's tool that was ADAPTED for photographers.

Every image I have is first "developed" in LR, and for 99% this is adequate.

I use PS to remove a unwanted object from an image. For example, to remove an out of focus bug on a flower closeup requires PS.

To me, they are complimentary.

Glenn

tonylong wrote in post #7982529
OK, thanks, René, just needed that cleared up. But I did notice the missing Targeted Adjustments in CS3 ACR -- is that just a gap in the process, or am I missing something in ACR?

ACR 4.6 = Lightroom 1.4 (PSCS3)
ACR 5.3 = LightRoom 2.3 (PSCS4)

René Damkot wrote in post #7984791
ACR 4.6 = Lightroom 1.4 (PSCS3)
ACR 5.3 = LightRoom 2.3 (PSCS4)

Right. What I mean is that I use LR 1.4 and CS3 with ACR 4.6, and the Targeted Adjustment tools that are in LR 1.4 don't appear to be in ACR 4.6. I can't comment on the tools in LR2/ACR5.3

Ah. My bad. I think you're right.
LR 1.4 does have TAT, and ACR 4.6 probably not. Don't have CS3 at home, so not that familiar with ACR 4.

I just bought LR and I must say the FM is very nice. I'm watching Chris Orwig's LR 2 essentials on lynda.com now as I wait for LR to read all of my files. I'm very much looking forward to using LR.

What's 'FM''?

Roy Mathers wrote in post #7996227
What's 'FM''?

I was going to ask that last night, but my eyelids were getting too heavy.

File Management/Manager?