The 2007 POP Awards: Software

Adobe Lightroom 1.1

For power Photoshop CS3 users, Lightroom 1.1 ($299, direct) is the perfect workflow accessory. It's an advanced image organizer, but can also speed up RAW file conversion, basic editing and retouching, printing, and resizing of photos. Best of all, it works on both PCs and Macs. (www.adobe.com)

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Kodak Custom Creations

PC owners with a creative streak are downloading this free software by the thousands. No wonder. Its innovative 3D engine automatically organizes your favorite images into live versions of photo books, mugs, T-shirts, posters, and several other neat projects. Rearrange, add text and special effects, then order your completed projects online through Kodak's affiliated network of photo labs. (www.kodak.com)

Mpix Books

Start by downloading the free Mpix book software for PC or Mac, choose a format (size, hard or soft cover, color, etc.), drag in some images, and you're nearly finished with your coffee table masterpiece. Borders, text, and special effects are easy to add, and the bound volume (20 pages start at $20) arrives in just a few days. (www.mpix.com)

Nik Dfine 2.0

Low-light and sports shooters contend with noisy images when they boost their camera's ISO setting to the ceiling. Nik's Dfine 2.0 software uses its U Point technology to let you selectively target grainy areas (such as shadows), and takes the grain pain away. (www.niksoftware.com)

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The 2007 POP Awards