Macphun Luminar vs Photoshop
Feb 11, 2017 14:08:09 #
This post is directed at those fairly proficient with Photoshop that have also taken a serious gander at this photo editing software Luminar.
I am fairly proficient with Lightroom and can therefore identify feature differences as compared to Luminar, but am at a point where I am beginning to learn Photoshop, and to be painfully honest find it to be rather complicated and hard to learn. Recently came across Luminar and at first glance it appears to possess many of the same layers and mask functions of PS, but appears more user friendly.
I searched this topic within UHH and surprisingly there is very little discussion on the topic. Therefore, could those of you who are proficient with PS who have also researched and/or tested Luminar please provide your first impressions and identify any shortcomings Luminar may possess as compared to PS?
Thank you in advance!
P.S. - For those not aware, Luminar is currently only available for Mac users. This $140 software is currently being offered for $59.
I am fairly proficient with Lightroom and can therefore identify feature differences as compared to Luminar, but am at a point where I am beginning to learn Photoshop, and to be painfully honest find it to be rather complicated and hard to learn. Recently came across Luminar and at first glance it appears to possess many of the same layers and mask functions of PS, but appears more user friendly.
I searched this topic within UHH and surprisingly there is very little discussion on the topic. Therefore, could those of you who are proficient with PS who have also researched and/or tested Luminar please provide your first impressions and identify any shortcomings Luminar may possess as compared to PS?
Thank you in advance!
P.S. - For those not aware, Luminar is currently only available for Mac users. This $140 software is currently being offered for $59.
Feb 11, 2017 14:16:43 #
Luminar and other MacPhun products have been discussed on the UHH Forum many, many times. Suggest you try searching under "MacPhun", "post-processing editors" or other such combinations.
Feb 11, 2017 14:29:45 #
rjaywallace wrote:
Luminar and other MacPhun products have been discussed on the UHH Forum many, many times. Suggest you try searching under "MacPhun", "post-processing editors" or other such combinations.
I did search "Macphun Luminar" but the posts were either rather dated (many updates are being made to Luminar), or not very specific.
Feb 11, 2017 14:58:13 #
Lazy J wrote:
This post is directed at those fairly proficient w... (show quote)
Check this:
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/macphun_luminar_review/
Feb 11, 2017 15:08:58 #
Lazy J wrote:
I did search "Macphun Luminar" but the posts were either rather dated (many updates are being made to Luminar), or not very specific.
Try separating the words. Search separately on MacPhun, Luminar, editor, etc.
Feb 11, 2017 15:23:50 #
rjaywallace wrote:
Try separating the words. Search separately on MacPhun, Luminar, editor, etc.
I know you are just trying to help, but I attempted to prevent responses such as this by stating in my original post that I had already searched the forum. While I did not specifically state so trying to keep this issue to a minimum, I searched "Macphun Luminar," "Macphun," and "Luminar." All of these provided responses from several months ago (prior to many recent Luminar updates) or did not reach the level of detail to address my specific post.
So please let the search issue go. I did. Now looking for responses to the specific question posted. Thank you!
Feb 11, 2017 15:42:16 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
Luminar is good but it's not a replacement for PSCC. I use them in conjunction. p.s. I think you should ask any question you want. I've been around for a while. Search is sometimes helpful and more often it isn't. If anyone doesn't like repeat inquires they should just go to the next posting they find interesting instead of pretending to be a superior poster.
Feb 11, 2017 15:51:25 #
DavidPine wrote:
Luminar is good but it's not a replacement for PSCC. I use them in conjunction.
Thank you for your feedback David! But here is the thing. I am wondering if I could use Luminar as a replacement to PS. I have no desire to become a graphic designer or even come close to that level of expertise with PS. Nor do I want to expend the numerous number of hours to become proficient at PS if I do not need to. My goal and priority is just to take pictures, not spend any more time than necessary processing them. I want my photos to look good, but do not need to make every one an award winning piece.
So, if you do not mind, can you elaborate a bit more on why you do not think Luminar could replace PS? Thank you!
Feb 12, 2017 06:44:16 #
This is a discussion I've been looking forward to. I'm hoping it's substantive and informative as I am ready for the next step (post-processing) of my own developmrnt in photogtaphy before diving into LR. I can use some guidance since I'm not yet sold on LR or PS (only because of the time commitment to learn it well) but i'm very comfortable with anything Mac.
Feb 12, 2017 07:25:49 #
Lazy J wrote:
I did search "Macphun Luminar" but the posts were either rather dated (many updates are being made to Luminar), or not very specific.
The UHH Search feature is less than ideal, and as you implied, it's nice to get more recent reviews. From what I've read online, and considering the price, Luminar seems like a very good program.
http://www.macworld.com/article/3152728/photography/luminar-review-a-serious-challenger-to-the-reigning-pro-apps-for-photo-editing-mastery.html
Feb 12, 2017 07:29:18 #
I've used PS since it's inception and have just tried Luminar... it's wonderful and probably more than any of us need. It will take a while to learn layers, masks, etc. Buy it!
Feb 12, 2017 07:35:13 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
You can try anything. Nothing developed as yet can seriously replace PSCC, imho. On1 is close. If you'll notice, the challengers offer to be a plug in to LR and PSCC. If you want to just do minor edits I would suggest LR or ACR. I do 95% of my editing within LR or ACR. LR and ACR are virtually the same program. Adobe developed changes within ACR first to make sure it interlaces with PSCC before it is published into LR. Photoshop plays real well with other Adobe programs like Illustrator and InDesign as well. I have most every program available and I still use the PSCC and LR combination.
Lazy J wrote:
Thank you for your feedback David! But here is th... (show quote)
Feb 12, 2017 07:39:50 #
I guess it depends on how much you'd do with PS.
I've been using PS for 20 years and I don't even scratch the surface really. Cloning, masking some, replacing things...that's about it...not real in depth.
I tried Luminar and my impression is that for the average photog only replacing things, cloning out unwanted stuff, and blending in a new sky once in a while, it's plenty.
PS: They have a 30 day trial. Install it and see if it does everything you need; if it does..problem solved! It won't matter how much more PS can do if Luminar is doing all you need it to do....right? If my Oly Trip does everything I need..who cares that another 5D Mark whatever comes out?
I've been using PS for 20 years and I don't even scratch the surface really. Cloning, masking some, replacing things...that's about it...not real in depth.
I tried Luminar and my impression is that for the average photog only replacing things, cloning out unwanted stuff, and blending in a new sky once in a while, it's plenty.
PS: They have a 30 day trial. Install it and see if it does everything you need; if it does..problem solved! It won't matter how much more PS can do if Luminar is doing all you need it to do....right? If my Oly Trip does everything I need..who cares that another 5D Mark whatever comes out?
Feb 12, 2017 08:38:13 #
Lazy J wrote:
Thank you for your feedback David! But here is th... (show quote)
I am in your category and understand. I have PS Elements but rarely use it for the same reason. I just purchased Luminar two days ago and it looks like it is going to meet my needs. Extremely intuitive which makes it easy to learn. I am using it as a stand-alone. Although you can not make telephone contact, their support team is very responsive. I also have two Topaz programs - Glow and Remask.
Feb 12, 2017 09:05:49 #
Lazy J wrote:
This post is directed at those fairly proficient w... (show quote)
I forgot to attach this original (top) image and then a screen grab of a Luminar adjusted project. Believe it or not the original image, looked pretty good until I adjusted it with Luminar. I went a bit too far with the saturation but you get the idea.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.