suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I have tried recent versions of DXO, Luminar and Affinity and don't find them to be at all intuitive. As a matter of fact I sat there stating at the DXO screen for 5 minutes trying to figure out how to load a photo to edit and it was downhill from there.

I don't enjoy post processing and would rather be taking pictures than learning new from scratch, complicated, editing software. So for now I will keep on using Bridge, Camera Raw, PS, (and OnOne) and pay the fees. My fees haven't risen more than 2.00 a month (if that) over the past 5 years. There is no guarantee that the aforementioned companies will still be around 5 years from now anyway and if they are, who knows what their fees will end up being. Or they could decide that the lease option is the way to go too.

And there is always PS Elements (with video editing) as a stand alone to purchase.

Anyone else feel the same?

Idaho

As a non professional, I agree. Elements if fine for me and to struggle through the learning curve of something new isn't worth it just because it might be a little better in some ways. I realize professionals have different needs but when we get different opinions and reviews of a product we frequently don't know how they are using it. Even though I just ordered a D850, I'm a casual photographer with less demanding requirements in some regards.

louparker Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

You need to use the tutorials that come with those programs if you can't figure out how they work on your own. That's what they're there for. You might also try ACDSee, which has several different programs you can try out for free to see if any of them are more "intuitive."

photodoc16

Suntouched,
What amazing timing. I am going through the same evaluation of photo editors right now and it certainly is not easy. Since ON-1 RAW 2018 is a possibility, I was interested that you are looking for something that offers more or performs better. Could you enlighten me about your dissatisfactions? If you read the comments on DPReview about ON-1 it seems as if no one is completely happy with anything. I have been using Elements 13 for a while and it does a decent job but lacks features that I am ready for.
Thank you,
Photodoc16

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Unfortunately, processing is part of photography. In the truest sense, to be a complete photographer, one should process their own work. There are those who rely on others. In cases such as Kodachrome users, they had not choice but to have the film processed by a competent processing house.

The aspect of this new level of digital photography requires one to be competent with a number of electronic devices, cameras, card readers, computers, storage systems, and networking. As with any new technology, there are learning curves and obstacles. However, the web is replete with tutorials and literature to assist in learning.

I, too, enjoy the taking photographs part of the experience. However, sitting the the comfort of "my lab", is just as pleasant and enjoyable. It's even somewhat more peaceful enveloped by music, and my cat's occasional loud meowing for attention. Though, that is restricted to only the dry parts of the lab.

It's just part of being a photographer.
--Bob

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

I felt the same--very frustrated.
Stick with it, watch tutorials over and over again, and it will slowly evolve, and will continue to evolve. When that happens, it becomes worth the effort.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I don't know enough about the updated version of OnOne editing software to answer your questions. I do know that it has been a good product in the past and probably even better now. The software can do local adjustments as well as global similar to Nik. I did not get far enough in to DXO, Luminar or Affinity to judge the advantages or disadvantages to help you out.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

So long as my computer lives my copy of Photoshop CS4 will work excellantly for what I want to do. But I spend much more time, if not almost all, on the iPad on which I have the PS Express free app for which I just mess around with the pre-sets just for fun. As the years have passed I have lost most of my serious moral fiber.

whwiden

I am slowly making the change to Darktable. I had gotten very comfortable with LR 5.7 but never upgraded, and now probably will not do so. With a new system, there seems to be a learning curve, particularly if the system is powerful, no matter what.

I have devoted more time to getting the shot right in camera. I found that many photos which needed a lot of post processing were not that good to begin with.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I agree, one should always use what he/she is comfortable with, which is easy to learn, in fact, what is fun to use! If it is not fun to use, it isn't worth it!!

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

You make a most valid point. It takes a lot of time to become proficient using software to maximize our images. I don't want to be 'changing up' just because the grass seems greener over there, for whatever the reason. Regardless the software title, it seems proficiency using that software should be the major impetus.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I think I sent the wrong message :)

I found myself reacting to the mass "panic" about Adobe's model and business practices (especially with recent changes) and started looking for new editing software. And realized the learning curve in doing so. And made the decision to stay with Adobe products until reality, not rumors, prove that it is no longer a good option.

I post process. I have to with Raw files. I am capable of learning new editing software but I choose not to invest the time to do so.


While everyone else (it seems) is busy learning new, complicated, editing software I will be out taking pictures :)

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

You said it better than I.

charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.

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Try giving Corel Paint Brush Pro a try first.
It's pretty intuitive and then go to something higher level if necessary.

Just my opinion.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

I have found that Linux offers a whole host of post processing programmes. Darktable workflow, The Gimp and either UFraw or Rawtherapee. Dlaboratory etc. There are also a range of newer lightweight programmes too. Whether these are cross platform I don't know. But they do accept my Sony Raw and more modern cameras. You can run Linux on a seporate partition with Windows. That way you can use the freeware.

Having learned on PSE, I find that I do a minimal amout of PP. - rarely using layers for example. Not that I am a purist....It is just that I don't do the types of images that demand a lot of work, beyond the simple tools. I also had LR5 but it simply had very little to offer me as I don't add key words to my images, I simply look for them.camera/D/M/Y./ works for me!

It is worth noting that file formats are pretty universal, so using several PP software on a single image isn't an issue. Buying all 'the whistles and bells' in one programme may be easier, but is not always a requirement.

The only requirement is the need to do it.....however little or much you do.

I am sure that in the near future 'The Cloud' thingy will give us a whole new raft of software as well as new headaches when it screws up...Don't think I will go there either...I have my head firmly stuck up my A.....as it is.

Have fun