Just getting into photography. Aperture 2? or wait for 3?

[iBunny]

I have used a free trial of Aperture 2 and liked it, but it was awhile ago. I know Aperture 2 came out a while ago... I know in the world of Mac we never know when a product is going to be released but is Aperture in time for a update? If so I might just wait a few months...

Thanks

 

[illegallydead]

Well, Aperture 1 was released back in November, 2005. Aperture 2 was released a little more than a year ago, in February 2008. If that timeline is at all indicative of their update schedule, then you will be more than fine to buy 2 now. Apple's Pro software like that doesn't see nearly as many updates as, say, even OSX itself.

I would say now is a great time to buy. As you said though, you can never be 100% sure, so the decision is up to you.

One thing to consider is that there is a remote possibility that they will move to Aperture 3 some time after the release of Snow Leopard to optimize it for the use of Grand Central and OpenCL and such, but again, no one really knows.

 

[John T]

I shouldn't worry - just go ahead and buy it - it's a great programme! Since it's introduction, Aperture 2 has been updated, via Apple's software update, to version 2.1.2.

 

[bindigok]

I just upgraded in Jan. from Aperture 1 to Aperture 2; and I freakin' love it!!! It's a great program. I rarely use Photoshop any more, and I've stopped using Bridge except at work on Windows. I've always stopped using iPhoto for the most part. I think you should go ahead at get A2; you can always upgrade when A3 comes out. But in the meantime, A2 is a great program!!!!!! Like others have said, it will probably be awhile before A3 comes out. Apple is now mostly focused on Snow Leopard; and even after it comes out they will be focused on working out the bugs - then it will take everyone a while to switch over - then there are all the bugs with other programs that will come up - then new iPod and iPhones will be due - then maybe they will get to updates for the Pro Apps. But they may surprise us all. I would bet we have at least 6 months if not another year before A3 gets released.

 

[Cromulent]

Apple is now mostly focused on Snow Leopard; and even after it comes out they will be focused on working out the bugs - then it will take everyone a while to switch over - then there are all the bugs with other programs that will come up - then new iPod and iPhones will be due - then maybe they will get to updates for the Pro Apps. But they may surprise us all.

You do realise that Apple has more than one group of programmers don't you? I mean they can work on Snow Leopard, new iPods and the pro apps simultaneously.

They would be a rather poor company if they couldn't manage to do that.

 

[bindigok]

I realiZe this, but they usually spread releases out a bit. So while some software and some hardware and some ipod stuff may come out at the same time; they usually don't release new versions of everything at one time. My point was just that they have a lot of releases that they MAY prioritize over Aperture, and that it is not due for an update.