A new photo editing console specially designed to work with Adobe Lightroom has been announced by Loupedeck. It features scrolling wheels, dials and buttons that replace keyboard and mouse for editing. It is supplied with custom software and will work with both Windows and Mac systems.

Loupedeck will be shipping from 19 July, priced at $299.

Press release

Loupedeck Photo Editing Console Launches in US

Former Nokia Development Team Releases Intuitive, Ergonomic Solution, Available at Select Retailers

LONDON, UK – 28 June 2017 – A team of former Nokia product developers announced today the US availability of Loupedeck, a photo editing console to control Adobe Lightroom. The console, perfect for beginners or serious photographers and graphic designers, is currently available for purchase from B&H Photo Video and Adorama.

Designed to work with both Mac and Windows-based computers, Loupedeck is a custom-built hardware console that provides total control of Adobe Lightroom. Akin to a DJ’s mixing desk, it features scrolling wheels, dials and buttons that enable users to edit photos and images without the distraction of a keyboard or mouse.

Key benefits of Loupedeck are:

• More creativity – users can experiment with new editing techniques. Making adjustments to photos has never been easier
• Improved ergonomics for faster editing – we live in an age of ‘mouse shoulder’ where repetitive use of computers and mice are the root cause of shoulder and back pain. The Loupedeck console throws mice out the window; improved ergonomics means users can edit thousands of photos without breaking the flow
• Increased output – A more continuous workflow means eyes can stay on the image and hands on the console, speeding up the overall editing process. Users can then spend time doing what matters most – taking photos
• Complete control – Each of Loupedeck’s buttons, dials and scrolling wheels correspond exactly to Lightroom’s interface. Pro or beginner, achieving the perfect edit becomes second nature and puts the fun back into photo editing. Loupedeck is the only editing hardware designed specifically to control Adobe Lightroom
• Software - Loupedeck comes with custom-made software that ensures seamless, accurate and stable control of Adobe Lightroom. Loupedeck is configurable, letting you personalize tools and program preset buttons

Loupedeck is the brainchild of Finnish entrepreneur Mikko Kesti, a mechanical engineer and photographer. In February 2016, Kesti presented his idea to former senior Nokia developers. Soon after, the company set up operations, with support from Finnish state funding for R&D.

In November 2016, the Loupedeck team ran a month-long Indiegogo campaign to encourage financial support and backing for its photo-editing console. Approximately nine out of 10 Indiegogo campaigns fail to reach their goal. In the first day alone, Loupedeck generated half of its goal of €75,000 and by the close of the campaign, had raised a whopping €366,000.

“Loupedeck is a peripheral created by photographers, for photographers so there was never any doubt that what we’d conceived wouldn’t be relevant or game changing for our target audience,” said Mikko Kesti, CEO of Loupedeck. “But to see the amount of backing and support we received through the initial Indiegogo campaign was exhilarating and encouraging after years of honing the prototype, countless long meetings and the usual challenges that start-ups today experience. We’re looking forward to hearing more feedback as our product becomes available across the globe and users get to touch and feel the console for themselves.”

The current retail price for Loupedeck at B&H Photo Video and Adorama is $299. Loupedeck is available for pre-order, with expected availability on July 19th.