DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

There are a lot of programs that you "only have to pay for once".
The only problem is that they are tied to a particular OS. Times change and operating systems have to change with them. That means that eventually the antique programs will no longer work.

Typically, these programs will work for a few years, but you will eventually have to update things and pay for the newer version.

And, of course, you never own the program. You own a license to use the program. Slight difference but the software company retains all rights, including the right to terminate your license for infractions of the EULA. Doesn't happen often, but it's there.

That doesn't mean that you shouldn't use these programs. Only that you should understand the limitations.

azemon Loc: Saint Charles, MO, USA

rondog,

You have lots of suggestions for excellent software. I encourage you to also take a look at a piece of free software, digiKam. You can download it here: https://www.digikam.org/

digiKam is a combination of photo organizing software with medium photo editing software. It has pretty strong features for collecting photos (and videos), tagging them, grouping them, searching them, etc. It also has a pretty decent editor, if what you want to do is basic stuff like exposure correction, cropping, resizing, rotating, sharpening, etc. It is not a Photoshop replacement.

For a better overview, see https://www.digikam.org/about/overview/

I think that I have been using digiKam for better than 20 years. I have over 25,000 images in it. It just works.

Imagemine Loc: St. Louis USA

what I would suggest is Light Room then I would suggest a subscription because you get automatic up dates & Photo Shop , it will cost you a little over $100.00 per year and will read every digital camera , but on the other hand if you are on a budget get the latest stand alone version . Hope I helped you an answered your question . Be safe

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

It depends on the type of editing your want to do. There is plenty of good advice in this thread. If you shoot raw, also consider DXO PhotoLab Elite 3.2

Ruedrich Loc: Hampshire, UK

I couldn't agree more/ I have used all of the main packages and for good, all-round ease of learning combined with good results - and at a really good price - you'll have to go a long way to beat Paintshop Pro. one of These two pics came of the camera in Raw - and was very dull. The other one was the result of a single click.

The results do not reflect the learning curve and you'll be up and running in very short order

(Download)

roadsideron Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

I tried the one click in PSP on the dull photo but I had to also use viveza to get this. My photos may look washed out on many of the viewers' monitors. I have my monitor set to 30% brightness because I edit them to match what I see on the screen. When I had my monitor set to normal every one of my printed photos were too dark and with current settings my photos look normal when printed.

(Download)

Tonyf1234 Loc: Hyattsville, MD

I have used (and still have) Picasa 3, but I've used Jasc/Corel PaintShop Pro and AfterImage 3 for many years (have 2020 now). However, I tried ACDSee Ultimate, 2019, and just upgraded to 2020. I really like this program. It does RAW as well as jpeg, and does focus stacking very nicely and easily. I have never got into the Lightroom/Photoshop, though my son uses these. I guess I tend to go with the non-mainstream, since I've used WordPerfect rather than Word since - well, I guess the last century!

Good luck with your selection process, and may the learning curve not be too steep.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

I would start with Photoshop Elements, and add the free version of NIK. NIK is still available as a free plugin, but you have to look for it.

https://nikcollection.dxo.com/nik-collection-2012/