Lightroom 3 beta vs 2.x experience

[Per Zangenberg]

So you have been running LR3 beta for a while? Are you using it as primary over 2.x?

I have a wedding coming up and wonder if I should try using the 3 beta?

I take it it wont affect my 2.x installation?

How can I later import the files to 2.x? Do I need to convert to DNG to retain settings?

[john beardsworth]

Do not use it if it's an important wedding. The beta is for playing with, not for proper work.

John

[tomrock]

John's advise is good advise but if you do decide to play...

Installing the beta won't affect your 2.x installation but double-clicking any catalog file will try to open in Beta 3.

If you have files in 3 that you then want to move to 2 with your adjustments, select the files and press Cmd (or Ctl on Windows) +s to save an xmp file of your changes. Keep in mind that some adjustments in 3 probably won't directly translate to 2 but you'll be "OK". Then you can import into 2 with adjustments, ratings, etc intact.

I like 3. It's a little rough right now but it's pretty good.

[David Hufford]

So you have been running LR3 beta for a while? Are you using it as primary over 2.x?

I have a wedding coming up and wonder if I should try using the 3 beta?

I take it it wont affect my 2.x installation?

How can I later import the files to 2.x? Do I need to convert to DNG to retain settings?

You can import the Raw files worked on in 3 into LR2, but the new LR3 improvements won't be readable in 2---at least that's my experience.

In theory, you are supposed to keep LR2 and 3 files separate, making duplicates for use in 3. I have been doing that, though many don't. If you are worried, just make the duplicates. You can also work on a set in LR2 and import into LR3 and simply update the image to LR3. I do that with copies of selects that need no luminous noise reduction because of the reported improved conversion in LR3.

[Per Zangenberg]

ok, my reasons for wanting to try 3 was speed and better IQ.

[rdonson]

ok, my reasons for wanting to try 3 was speed and better IQ.

Both are true for me but the beta has its fair share of bugs and it really shouldn't be used for production work.  Its great to play with and even do some work that you don't have to count on.

[Per Zangenberg]

Ok thanks. I think I will just stick with 2.6 then because I have seen enough bugs and crashes in earlier lightroom versions and it almost drove me insane