Manipulate and correct photos using this semi-professional tool, new from CyberLink
Photo correction tools aren’t exactly thin on the ground, and while there are tools unashamedly aimed at beginners (Google Picasa) and high-end users (Adobe Photoshop Lightroom), most products attempt to straddle the middle ground, offering powerful manipulation and correction tools wrapped up in a user-friendly interface.
CyberLink is entering this crowded marketplace for the first time with PhotoDirector, and positions itself firmly towards the higher end user, marketing it as a product for photo enthusiasts as opposed to the more casual user, highlighted by its support for a wide range of RAW photo formats, including native support for Nikon and Canon RAW images.
The program can basically be split into three sections: Library (photo management), Adjustment and Slideshow, all part of the program’s attempt to create an intuitive workflow system for importing, managing, correcting and finally outputting finished photos. The Adjustment section is where Photo Director will stand or fall, and it offers the stock range of tools, wrapped up in a non-destructive environment, meaning you can experiment to your heart’s content before either applying or rejecting your changes. These can be manually applied using the various controls – adjustment, white balance, colour, tonal and lighting tools sit side-by-side with fix-it brushes like red eye and spot removal.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy fix, check out the Presets tab. This contains a range of preset lighting and colour tools, which can be previewed simply by running the mouse over each one. You can download more presets from CyberLink and create your own too.
Despite its positioning as a semi-pro tool, there are plenty of ways in which you can share your finished photos with the rest of the internet: Flickr, Facebook, CyberLink DirectorZone and even YouTube via the Slideshow tab.
The program is refreshingly quick and reasonably intuitive, meaning you shouldn’t take too long to get to grips with its interface.
Important: buy PhotoDirector 2011 (v2) now, get PhotoDirector 2012 (v3), FREE, when it's released in February 2012!
Review by Nick Peers.
