In recent years, Lightroom has fallen behind programs like DxO PhotoLab and Topaz Lab’s DeNoise AI when it comes to reducing image noise. This is about to change with Lightroom Classic 12.3 and Lightroom CC 6.3: the new versions of the two sister programs use artificial intelligence to reduce image noise in raw files from Bayer and XTrans sensors. The Details palette contains a simple Denoise button for this.
One click is enough and Lightroom Classic gets to work. It may take a few minutes before a result is available. The program uses the GPU for the computationally intensive operation. Lightroom shows the result in a modal dialog. The strength of the noise reduction can be determined via a controller. In the end, Lightroom writes a DNG file with reduced image noise. The enhanced digital negative will then appear in the Library, denoted by a three-star icon.
Mask faces, hair and clothing
Adobe has continuously expanded the masking tools in the past. Linear and radial masks as well as mask brushes have recently been supported by AI-supported selection of motif and sky. Lightroom Classic 12.3 and Lightroom CC 6.3 now also recognize people.
Lightroom automatically marks people in the photo and displays them as icons in the mask palette. After selecting a person, the program provides checkboxes for selecting different areas, including iris and pupil, eyebrows, lips, skin on the face, skin on the body, facial hair and clothing. The mask can be further processed with manual tools in the mask palette.
Lightroom Classic marks eyes, lips, clothes or facial hair separately with checkboxes.
(Image: Adobe)
Gradation curves for selective editing
It’s a minor innovation, but one that photo professionals in particular will appreciate – and that’s what Adobe wants to achieve, after all. Gradation curves can now also be used for selective editing. Previously, curve values could only be set for the entire image. Exposure corrections can now be applied to image areas in more detail than before. Ideally, retouching is less obvious.
Tone curves can now also be applied to masked areas of an image instead of just the entire photo as before.
(Image: Adobe)
Prices and Availability
The update to Lightroom Classic 12.3 is now available to registered users on Windows and macOS. Lightroom Classic is part of the Creative Cloud. In the Creative Cloud photo subscription, Lightroom Classic costs 11.89 euros a month together with Photoshop.
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