Skylum Software announces Aurora HDR 2018 1.2, promising improved features and performance

posted Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 1:00 PM EDT

Skylum Software has updated their popular HDR-editing software, Aurora HDR 2018, to version 1.2. The latest update promises dramatically increased performance. On MacOS, Aurora HDR 2018 promises to be up to twice as fast as the previous version. For Windows users, the results are even more dramatic, offering up to four times faster performance. Further, the software is now compatible with the brand-new Loupedeck+ photo editing console.

Looking more specifically at performance improvements, the MacOS version is up to 180 percent faster than working with bracketed shots and 175 percent faster when editing single images. On Windows computers, the software is 500 percent faster when working with bracketed shots and 400 percent faster when editing single images. Further, Aurora HDR 2018 1.2 has been revised to make better use of memory, which should deliver improved stability.

Of the update, Dmitry Sytnik, co-founder and CTO of Skylum Software said, " The team at Skylum has worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to bring massive speed and performance improvements to the Aurora HDR 2018 update for both MacOS and Windows computers. Combined with the support for recently-launched Loupedeck+, photographers who use Skylum’s products will be able to edit photos more efficiently than ever before. The faster photographers can import, process, and edit their photographs, the more time they can spend in the field or studio capturing shots."

HDR image after processing in Aurora HDR 2018. Image credit: Dmitry Sytnik

Windows users also receive a new batch processing tool, which has been available in the Mac version of Aurora HDR since earlier versions. Windows users will also see a new revised user interface, the ability to rename layers, histogram functionality in the tone curve filter, improved dodge and burn stability and a flip/rotate tool. Both versions of the software have also received support for new cameras, including the Sony A7 III, Fujifilm X-H1, Panasonic GX9 and more.

Regarding the new Loupedeck+ photo editing console support, users will be able to edit and process images using the deck's dials, knobs and keys. Mikko Kesti, founder and CEO of Loupedeck, says, "With similar goals to make the photo editing process more creative, intuitive and efficient, Loupedeck is thrilled to partner with Skylum on our journey to launch the Loupedeck+ editing console. We’re confident the support of Skylum’s editing products will further enable today’s photographers to enjoy enhanced editing experiences and we look forward to continued delivery on this mission moving forward together."

Aurora HDR 2018 1.2 user interface. Image credit: Trey Ratcliff.

Skylum CEO Alex Tsepko added, "Skylum and Loupedeck share the same vision. “We want to help photographers create great photos, differently. When I discovered that the new version of Loupedeck keyboard is coming out, I knew Skylum software should be the first to support it. This is the kind of innovation modern photographers really need."