LauraGail

I'm a newbie here. I've been reading all of the Lightroom topics and have found them to be very helpful. I would like your input on updating Lightroom. I am running Lightroom 5. I don't like to learn new programs unless I get enough good stuff to make up for the pain of the learning curve, not to mention the monthly fees. I have the entire CS 6 suite which includes Photoshop and am not planning on upgrading until far in the future. I do like Lightroom for post processing and organization (now that I have moved all my photos to an external drive, thanks to you guys), rarely using PS.

Thanks for your help.
LG

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

So you are upgrading to LR6?

LauraGail

I wasn’t clear. I’m asking what more do I get if I do upgrade from LR 5. I didn’t know there was a LR6 still available. I’m seeking opinions and information about my upgrade choices or if it is worth upgrading from LR 5.

Bill_de Loc: US

Since neither 5 nor 6 are supported anymore, unless there is something you can't do with 5, I would stay with it.

I still use PhotoShop CS5 on 2 computers with no issues. It may not be the latest and greatest, it is more than I need.

--

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

You could sit down at my machine with the very latest update to LR and feel right at home. There are some nuances, but you could work.

There are several improvements to a lot of the tools, plus a new processing version. I don’t remember my LR5, but I know the last year has brought a lot of new stuff. It’s a more powerful piece of software.

BTW, welcome. ☺️

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

"Since neither 5 nor 6 are supported anymore"

They are no longer updated with new features. There are still support options. You can still buy LR6 on a perpetual license.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Yes, you weren't very clear. Everyone thinks you are going to go from 5 to 6.

What do you get. Well, if you buy Photoshop CC for Photographers for $9.99/month you get Photoshop CC, Lightroom CC, Lightroom Classic CC, Bridge CC, and a few more things. But the major improvements are that they are always kept up to date for the monthly subscription price of $9.99/mo. As far as Lightroom Classic is compared to LR5, the brush is improved, selections with brush improved, adjustment algorithms are improved, Dehaze added, faster processing, just to name a few.

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

Here is a link of "Whats new" in Lightroom 6. This is from when LR6 first came out, and it has been updated since. Current version is LR6.14. It has some very useful features that LR5 does not have, that is if you need them, such as HDR Merge and Panorama Merge.
https://fstoppers.com/apps/hands-lightroom-6-new-features-mobile-apps-and-performance-bumps-bring-joy-back-68462

You can still buy the stand-alone version of Lightroom, just google it and it will bring up a number of vendors selling it. And you can still update it to the newest version. Or you cna go the subscription route for $9.99 a month and get the Creative Cloud suite which will include Photoshop and Lightroom.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

Same here. Photoshop CS5 has not failed me. Of course, I do also have Elements, it has a better camera raw.

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

I guess it all depends on why you want to upgrade. It sounds as if LR5 is working for you and you don't use PS much. There are a lot of new features in the CC Photography package. I like them and don't mind learning new things. But if what you have works for you there's only one reason to upgrade. That reason is GAS. If you buy a new body it will not be supported by ACR versions compatible with LR5 (or LR6 for that matter).

There are a lot of people who complain about the monthly charge for the CC photography package. Put it in perspective. All hobbies cost some money. If you are used to doing your hobby with practically no expenditure, the monthly charges will seem high to you. If you buy new gadgets, take trips with a photographic focus, things like that will cost you a bit. The CC package is less than $10/month (plus sales tax if applicable). It will cost you more to get one cup of fancy coffee a week. At the end of the week you won't have anything to show for that coffee (other than possibly an expanded waistline) but you will still have the program.

As far as learning new things, the new CC programs will essentially work just the way your current programs work. There may be a few differences but nothing difficult to overcome. The learning curve from LR5 to LRCCClassic is really minimal.