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Editor's Choice 2006: Imaging Software

Digital photographers like to say that correcting shooting defects with software is bad practice, the equivalent of compensating for a flawed negative in the darkroom. These programs make us beg to differ.

Aperture 1.0 was the first of its kind: a pro-grade photo app that seamlessly integrated Photoshop-style image adjustments with power tools for handling large image collections, both within a single, streamlined workspace. Equally revolutionary was its ability to handle RAW files from import to final output-no other software required. But the debut release had uneven output, missing functions, voracious hardware demands, and a steep price. Aperture 1.1 is a substantial upgrade, offering much better RAW quality and significantly faster operation, particularly on Intel-based Macs. New features include a digital color meter, more RAW adjustments, better noise reduction and sharpening, and improved support for Photoshop layers. But the best thing about it may be the $200 reduction in its original $500 cost. (Version 1.0 adopters get a $200 Apple Store coupon.) About $300.