Let’s get snap happy with CyberLink’s
workflow package.
It’s worth getting this out of the way from
the start: PhotoDirector 3 isn’t a rival to Adobe Photoshop. It is a good photo
workflow package in its own right, but the level of functionality doesn’t match
up to what you’ll find with Adobe’s software.
PhotoDirector
3
Of course, PhotoDirector 3 is considerably
cheaper than Photoshop, costing $175, yet it still offers users a high level of
functionality that you’d expect at this price point. When combined with an ease
of use that is fast becoming the company’s hallmark, PhotoDirector 3 marks a
genuine leap forward for CyberLink.
The company has already developed a solid
reputation in the movie editing space, thanks to steady progression in its
PowerDirector suite in recent years. Adopting a similar approach, PhotoDirector
benefits from a similar presentation.
The
core UI takes its cues from CyberLink’s other software
Based on five modules – Library, Adjustment,
Edit, Slideshow, Print – you can take a photo from import to print stage, with
plenty of editing and optimising along the way, in a matter of clicks. As with
PowerDirector, what makes PhotoDirector 3 a success is the confidence the
software has in its approach. The interface is wonderful to look at, and the
clear tabbed layout along the top and side of the screen means that whether
you’re a seasoned photo editor, or a relative beginner, the software will work
for you.
Naturally, the workflow approach has much
to do with its success, bringing photo library management, enhancements and
publishing out of the box. A workflow concept can only work providing the
software itself can drive it, however, and the power behind the package is
worth applauding. Everything just works, with no hang-ups or confusion over
what to do next.
As for the key feature additions, the new
Editing module is fantastic. Opening up with the People Beautifier tool, which
cleaned up portrait shots to good effect during testing, the module also
consists of practical, usable object and background removal tools which again
worked as well as promised.
Before the editing process comes the
adjustments, and with batch processing included, you can render your tweaks in
good time. A raft of presets with titles such as ‘80s’ and ‘Golden Harvest’ are
included, and more can be downloaded from CyberLink’s DirectorZone online
resource, giving access to the best efforts users have put together. Specific
adjustments can also be made to your photos using the adjustment brush, and
options like spot removal and gradient masks are present, as you’d no doubt
expect.
Sharing destinations includes YouTube,
Flickr or Facebook, while slideshows can be stored locally in H.264 format,
alongside MPEG-4, and WMV. Photo export options are slight, however, with only
JPG and TIFF included, while watermarks can be added to printed images.
CyberLink has successfully pushed its
PhotoDirector package forward with this year’s release. There are enough
professional features to keep more seasoned users happy, while the excellent
workflow approach will keep you coming back for more. All-in-all, it’s a
value-for-money offering that’s well worth a trial at least.
The
object removal tool is one of the package’s editing highlights
Details
Price: $175 (free trial also available)
Manufacturer: CyberLink
Website: cyberlink.com
Required
spec: Intel Pentium D 3.0GHz processor with Hyper-Threading or equivalent,
2GB RAM, 1GB HD space, Graphics card with 128MB VRAM and above, Windows 7/Vista/XP
|
Verdict
Excellent photo workflow package with
strong features
