Peter Franck

I know, that my question is not formulated correctly, because "different strokes for different folks".
I'm new to "real" editing and currently use Capture NX-D by Nikon, which was free of charge and I downloaded it from the Nikon site.
Before I get too familiar with NX-D, I'd like to here your take on editing software. I do look for something that is user friendly, even if it only available for a one time charge or a monthly user fee.
Thanks, Peter

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Lightroom/Photoshop for $10 a month.

The "keep it simple" basics with Lightroom will come in a couple days, provided you approach it logically. Then you can spend a lifetime learning bits and pieces of the techniques as you need them or find them interesting.

No other photo editing software has such a huge third party system of training and learning opportunities.

lsimpkins Loc: SE Pennsylvania

User friendly and "best" are almost mutually exclusive when it comes to post production software. Many will consider the Photoshop/Lightroom combination the best, but it comes with a steep learning curve. It is what I use, but I am still a neophyte when it comes to PS.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Industry Standard Photoshop & Lightroom both for $10 / Month!

You might want to keep the Nikon app. on your computer for (future) format issues with Raw files.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

I also use the Adobe CC Photography Bundle (Lightroom CLASSIC CC 2018, Lightroom CC 2018, Photoshop CC 2018, and Bridge).

Affinity Photo ($50) gets rave reviews, too, both for power and ease of use.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

One question, 100 different answers.

papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

Photoshop Elements 2018 for the beginner. Lightroom and Photoshop are the "gold standard" but Elements does almost everything they do with a much easier learning curve. You can always move on to Lightroom and PhotoShop if you feel the need.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

There is no "BEST"! There are programs that fulfill a users needs. The question then becomes, what are your needs, today and down the line? Find one that you can grow with.

You will lots of opinions. If nothing else, you will hear about 10-20 edit tools from free to monthly costs to cloud your evaluation. It's like asking, what car should you buy?

Martin Loc: Long Island NY

I've been using Photoshop elements,started with 7 and now up to 13. Easy to work with and does everything light room does . Learning curve very easy. I would try it before going to much more expensive software... a lot of people in my camera club are using Pacassa.

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Recently after using PS - LR (regular then subscription CC) professionally for many years I decided to "just use PSE with the Organizer in my retirement years. I found it next to impossible to go back to driving a Ford after driving a Cadillac for so many years. I decided that $10.00 per month is cheap compared to the cost of other things we find "necessary" in our lives. Go for the Cadillac and learn how to drive it! I think, in the long run you'll be glad you did. Take care & ...

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

There are enough choices to make one's head spin! There are a lot of free software, and a lot of ones you pay for. The Adobe CC subscription is VERY good, including both LR [choose LR Classic] and PS, with a few other things thrown in. You can concentrate on learning LR first, as it has a lot of editing features, and a lot of people use it exclusively. Once you feel fairly competent with LR, if you decide that you want to use features in PS, then tackle that. I used LR for several years before feeling limited by it, and when the subscription came out I jumped right in because I wanted to use "layers". The best way to get into PS is to take it step by step, tool by tool. There is too much there to try to learn it all at once!

There are various other programs that can be used as "plug-ins" which many use because they offer some things that are either different from or better than what is found in LR or PS. But in general, the Adobe CC subscription may be all you need.

Most programs offer free trials. I recommend starting with the trial, so you can search around and learn how it works, before starting to pay. And moving from the trial to the subscription is quite easy. And remember, no matter what program you choose, there will be a learning curve, so if you want the best software for editing, in my opinion the Adobe CC subscription is the way to go.

Hope this helps.
Susan

bikertut Loc: Kingsville, MO

I am a Nikon and Mac user and a total newbie to Post Processing. I have the Nikon program and can muddle my way through but I don’t really understand it fully.
I looked at a trial version of Affinity and was impressed.

Then found a trial of Luminar 2018 and the veil was lifted. Bought it and had my first photo adjusted in 20 minutes. Luminar is full of “presets” and you can see what each does quickly. Adjustments seem to be much faster in Luminar and the presets can be fine turned further.

Love this program! I am sure there are “better” systems, but for now this is my solution.
Best of luck in your search.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Hope you don't mind me messing with your image. Toned it down in post processing. Left the hand and the beer stein unretouched.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

And once you are used to PSE, for a mere US$12 you can add "Elements+", opening in PSE a number of features of PhotoShop.
See: < http://elementsplus.net/ >