I'm amused by the publication/available date of 7/4/2012 (m/d/y) which is of course a holiday in the US.
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Aperture 4 Out Soon?
- Thread starter SayCheese
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I think this decision of waiting or switching just got easier for me. I just checked the Adobe website as I will soon be upgrading to Photoshop CS6. Well, two things. First, Adobe will price LR4 at only $99 if I purchase it with the upgrade to CS6. Second, I am a NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals) member and gives me another 15% discount off all Adobe products. So that makes LR4 cost only $85. Compare that to the suspect price of $79 for A4 and the upgrade price for LR at only $79 (same as Aperture).
So price is out of the equation - pretty much the same for anyone that will be upgrading to CS6. Only a new learning curve. My fear with Apple is that one never knows the direction they will take and this feeling will never go away unless they state a commitment to the product and that is just not their thing. With Adobe their direction is a known quantity - software for photographers like myself.
I'm in no rush but my bias is now on the side of Adobe, especially since for Pro's and semi-Pro's all roads eventually lead to Photoshop. Adobe makes the decision easy, Apple makes people wonder.
So price is out of the equation - pretty much the same for anyone that will be upgrading to CS6. Only a new learning curve. My fear with Apple is that one never knows the direction they will take and this feeling will never go away unless they state a commitment to the product and that is just not their thing. With Adobe their direction is a known quantity - software for photographers like myself.
I'm in no rush but my bias is now on the side of Adobe, especially since for Pro's and semi-Pro's all roads eventually lead to Photoshop. Adobe makes the decision easy, Apple makes people wonder.
Attachments
Agreed.... I've installed LR 4. I will keep Aperture 3 on my MBP in case I want to process some of the images already there but starting from today I will use LR on my masters.
Is it challenging to switch and re-learn how LR4 does things?
I've considered this too, but on the other hand, I feel like Aperture's not holding me back (my photography skills are)... so from that perspective, I don't see a need to change even as Aperture 3 gets long in the tooth. And it's familiar, and the only real shortcoming I had with it was noise reduction which I've solved through a plugin which works fantastic (Nik DFine).
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you are not having issues with Aperture, then why switch?
Having said that, you could install the LR4 trial and give it some pictures separate from your Aperture library to play with.
And of course there's the question of masters and versions. What happens with existing edits when you switch to LR4?
Pretty simple really. You don't delete Aperture. You maintain the library but from the moment you decide to switch, you don't import any more photos into the Aperture library. Use LR instead. Of course your edits will remain in Aperture but they will not import into LR which is why you don't delete it. Your masters do not matter to either LR or Aperture. You can export all of them so that either program can use them.
Here's to hoping that Adobe's move to bring LR4 to the Mac App Store will light a fire under Apple to release a major update to Aperture. Only time will tell though since we'll never know until it happens...
Although, Sadly, if Apple now makes 30% on all LR4 sales from the Mac App store, they will probably make way more on LR4 (without lifting a finger) than they would from a new version of Aperture. There's certainly no financial incentive there, just a matter of pride now.
Mad Mac Maniac
macrumors 601
You would think Aperture 4 would be coming out soon.
It took 2 years and 2 1/2 months from 1 to 2....
It took a couple days under 2 years from 2 to 3...
Now 3 has been out for just over 2 years and 3 months.
Although based on all historical data, iWork is a couple years overdue, Aperture is due at this moment, and iLife should be due within the next few months.
But due to the expansion of iOS and the creation of iWork, iMovie, iPhoto, and Guitar Band for iOS, Apple has expanded into many other avenues than they used to work in, spreading themselves thin. Therefore, historical data won't necessarily be accurate and Apple will resort to prioritizing what has the greatest need or based on the future direction of the company.
Aperture: photography professional/enthusiast users. Fights this space against Adobe
iWork: for consumer and professional users alike. Fights this space with Microsoft
iLife: Consumer media consumption/creation. No singular major competitor
Honestly, when viewed from that perspective, Aperture seems like the lowest on the totem pole (in my opinion), because it is the most niche area and Adobe isn't really a competitor to Apple. It would make the most sense for Apple to beef up iPhoto a bit to appeal more to the enthusiasts, and leave the high end professionals to Adobe.
Although, that being said, I'm sure Apple has been working on Aperture and will at some point in the next year or so release "Aperture X" which I believe could easily be the final major paid upgrade. FCPX could possibly be the final paid upgrade also. That would make sense, given the "X".
It took 2 years and 2 1/2 months from 1 to 2....
It took a couple days under 2 years from 2 to 3...
Now 3 has been out for just over 2 years and 3 months.
Although based on all historical data, iWork is a couple years overdue, Aperture is due at this moment, and iLife should be due within the next few months.
But due to the expansion of iOS and the creation of iWork, iMovie, iPhoto, and Guitar Band for iOS, Apple has expanded into many other avenues than they used to work in, spreading themselves thin. Therefore, historical data won't necessarily be accurate and Apple will resort to prioritizing what has the greatest need or based on the future direction of the company.
Aperture: photography professional/enthusiast users. Fights this space against Adobe
iWork: for consumer and professional users alike. Fights this space with Microsoft
iLife: Consumer media consumption/creation. No singular major competitor
Honestly, when viewed from that perspective, Aperture seems like the lowest on the totem pole (in my opinion), because it is the most niche area and Adobe isn't really a competitor to Apple. It would make the most sense for Apple to beef up iPhoto a bit to appeal more to the enthusiasts, and leave the high end professionals to Adobe.
Although, that being said, I'm sure Apple has been working on Aperture and will at some point in the next year or so release "Aperture X" which I believe could easily be the final major paid upgrade. FCPX could possibly be the final paid upgrade also. That would make sense, given the "X".
What I find amusing (and possibly detrimental) about Apple's behavior is that they think being secretive and cryptic makes the reveal even better.
No true confirmation that a new version of Aperture is in the works.
just like
No true confirmation new revamped desktops are in the works.
All it's doing lately is breeding uncertainty and doubt among their loyal customers to the point they are re-directing their entire workflow to a competitor.
I tried the free 30 days of Aperture 3 and LR 3. I liked the way Aperture worked better, and when it went to $80 it was no contest.
A simple statement of "Yes we are still actively developing product X, but can not comment on features or any release dates at this time" would be good enough for me instead of the silent treatment.
Like others here I am seriously considering LR4 simply because any information about Aperture 4 has been confined to rumors and guessing. I'm in no rush to upgrade, but I'm getting a little restless for an up-to-date software application that is actively being developed.
No true confirmation that a new version of Aperture is in the works.
just like
No true confirmation new revamped desktops are in the works.
All it's doing lately is breeding uncertainty and doubt among their loyal customers to the point they are re-directing their entire workflow to a competitor.
I tried the free 30 days of Aperture 3 and LR 3. I liked the way Aperture worked better, and when it went to $80 it was no contest.
A simple statement of "Yes we are still actively developing product X, but can not comment on features or any release dates at this time" would be good enough for me instead of the silent treatment.
Like others here I am seriously considering LR4 simply because any information about Aperture 4 has been confined to rumors and guessing. I'm in no rush to upgrade, but I'm getting a little restless for an up-to-date software application that is actively being developed.
Well, I think it's part of their strategy to appear customer-oriented. I'll admit I'm being somewhat cynical, but this is what I suspect could be going on: Apple neglects a product that they do not wish to support, letting it languish to the point that people stop buying it. Then they discontinue it, with the excuse that "nobody was buying it." That way they don't look like they purposefully turned away from the professional market. The 1U servers they used to sell followed this sort of path to oblivion.
I imagine Apple will put out at least one more version of Aperture, however. It seems too soon for them to "evolve" out of the pro market, but I suspect that shift is inevitable.
Gotta love rumors .. the App Store people won't even have a clue as to when the next version of Aperture is released until the morning it goes live. LOL
I'd like to think that the next release of Aperture is being deliberately delayed as upgrades to iCloud and a possible iOS app is finalised (It's also been rumoured that Apple are working on integrating photosharing into iCloud, and the typical solution would be to make this compatible with Aperture, iPhoto, and and iOS version at the same time).
Whether you want iCloud or not, it seems inevitable that it's going to be a large part of the future for Apple and you.
The better file handling and the possibility of sharing a library between workstations could be massive, and the potential for better non destructive editing tools built in could change the way a lot of photography professionals work.
I don't think they're EOLing aperture just yet, and the pro market should probably take it easy.
True, Apple have dropped the ball when it comes to keeping these users up to date and informed, and they could do with a roadmap ideal, but if a few users 'abandon' Aperture for the alternatives, it's probably not going to worry Apple inc too much.
Just hang on.
Whether you want iCloud or not, it seems inevitable that it's going to be a large part of the future for Apple and you.
The better file handling and the possibility of sharing a library between workstations could be massive, and the potential for better non destructive editing tools built in could change the way a lot of photography professionals work.
I don't think they're EOLing aperture just yet, and the pro market should probably take it easy.
True, Apple have dropped the ball when it comes to keeping these users up to date and informed, and they could do with a roadmap ideal, but if a few users 'abandon' Aperture for the alternatives, it's probably not going to worry Apple inc too much.
Just hang on.
Lightroom is not available on the Mac App Store outside of the US. It look alike it's only a test for Adobe.
more links to unreleased book:
http://www.gabrielponzanelli.com/bl...pple-aperture-4-book-rumoured-for-july-4.html
http://www.gabrielponzanelli.com/bl...pple-aperture-4-book-rumoured-for-july-4.html
Mad Mac Maniac
macrumors 601
Hmmm.... I think you may be on to something here. If iCloud does get the update that is expected this summer, it would make sense that all future Apple apps will be upgraded to heavily involve the new iCloud. Not just Aperture, but iWork and all the iLife apps... This could be a big 6 months...
I came this morning to post this very same hypothesis to this thread. Here's to hoping that the new iCloud updates will bring an A4 update in the wings.... (and I'm not talking a point release either!).
not so simple in real life. in a few years Aperture 3 won't run on the newest version of OS X or on the current hardware anymore. Then you are stuck with the decision to lose all your edits and move your old pics to Lightroom or buy an Aperture update and keep your old pics and edits.
It's a risky thing to have your pics and edits in one proprietary data format where you can't get them out easily. The problem with Apple is that they are not very good in supporting those legacy formats (Appleworks, Clarisdraw, iWeb, .mac, mobileme, final cut, maya, imovie, iDVD come to mind)
If it is true then it seems to be a great news for all the photographers. It'll definitely improve the image quality of the photography.
but that's never an issue for people who use these programs on a daily basis. If in three years Aperture 3 doesn't work on the latest hardware it simply won't matter. If you're a professional and you're upgrading your hardware, you'll inevitably be using the up to date software (in this case, Aperture 4,5,6, X) that you need to - it's simply part of the cost of a new computer. Let's say a Mac costs £$1000, and the software (upgrade) you need costs £100. Ergo your actual spend is £1100. Software never stands still and upgrades are part of the tax of keeping up with technology. If those costs are a problem to you then you have to question whether or not the software is enhancing your productivity enough to make it financially viable. Otherwise you stick with free or very cheap consumer software such as iPhoto.
Also, if you haven't exported or Archived your RAW files or Masters, or edits from three years ago, then you've got some work to do there!
People seem to be basing their predictions of Aperture 'not existing' in a few years on things like Apple discontinuing their server racks and a lack of info on the Mac Pro line, citing the idea that Apple doesn't care about it's Pro Market, or the apparent focus on iOS etc.
The truth is that the current Mac Pros are *More than* capable of running pro apps. High-end video, pro level photographers have never had it so good. And it's open enough for there to be a choice. You can use Lightroom if you want to, Capture One Pro is another outstanding piece of software. It just doesn't make sense when people complain about Aperture not being as great as Lightroom. Here's an idea: use Lightroom! Nobody cares if you abandon Aperture. *It doesn't matter*
Aperture is currently a very useful tool for categorising, editing, and archiving libraries of thousands of high resolution photographs. It does some things better than Lightroom, and it does some things not so well. It does need an upgrade to bring it up to date, but the core functionality is pretty sound. And when the next iteration of Aperture is released there will be the usual chorus of upset users ("they didn't add the xxx reduction that I've been moaning about on these forums for 100 years"). This feature, that feature and so on. Tip: You don't have to use faces and places, btw. Just switch it off.
If you're a serious user and you have some genuine, original, or positive ideas for the program then feed back to Apple via the menus in Aperture/Provide Aperture Feedback.
Then carry on taking pictures with whatever system works for you.
My comment was more directed towards the people who now switch to LR and want to keep their old edits by leaving Aperture 3 installed. Those will eventually have to pay for the upgrde to Aperture 4 or lose their edits.
I'm becoming restless with Aperture 3. I split my single 400GB Aperture library into themed libraries (weddings, corporate events, etc) when Aperture caved into sluggishness but then this made finding my photos, syncing top shots to my iPad and online albums very difficult and confusing.
Recent point updates seem to have addressed sluggish large libraries so I'm merging my libraries back to one as I need them. In the meantime, I am lured in by the prospect of working fast in LightRoom where all my photos will be stored under one library.
Aperture needs a major MAJOR rewrite of its core engine and an update of the UI to fall in line with FCPX. It also needs an iPad companion app. LightRoom is kicking Aperture's ass all around the Photography Industry.
Photokina is an obvious candidate to release Aperture at but Apple has shown that they don't need major events to launch their products. They make their product launches major events. I sure hope so because I don't want to wait until September for Photokina. Aperture 4 was needed months ago.
Recent point updates seem to have addressed sluggish large libraries so I'm merging my libraries back to one as I need them. In the meantime, I am lured in by the prospect of working fast in LightRoom where all my photos will be stored under one library.
Aperture needs a major MAJOR rewrite of its core engine and an update of the UI to fall in line with FCPX. It also needs an iPad companion app. LightRoom is kicking Aperture's ass all around the Photography Industry.
Photokina is an obvious candidate to release Aperture at but Apple has shown that they don't need major events to launch their products. They make their product launches major events. I sure hope so because I don't want to wait until September for Photokina. Aperture 4 was needed months ago.
For now I've switched to LR4 and feel happy and productive again, as LR4 addressed some of the things I used Aperture for, like maps and photoalbums. I haven't tried LR's albums feature yet, so can't compare that yet. But I've standardised on DNGs, and Adobe has THE implementation of dng conversion and LR does it natively on import. Maps in Aperture was painfully slow for me, along with a lot of Aperture at times, not so in LR4. I still have a lot of photos in Aperture and like its workflow better, so I am heartened by the mention of an upcoming Aperture 4 book for July, which gives me hope. And the delay strangely gives me heart that a major overhaul is in the works, not just a tit-for-tat with Lightroom, something along the lines of FCPX (hopefully they won't blow the launch like they did FCPX; I hear it is a very good program now, not that I have any need of it). So I will definitely give A4 a good go once it arrives, and be patient with any major changes that might require some relearning. In the meantime, LR4 suits me well and like how it does some things better.