Luminar vs. Lightroom vs. Photoshop Elements: I currently see Luminar on sale for $59 and I would like some opinions as to whether it's worth buying given that I already have Lightroom...

cmoroney Loc: Pasadena, California

I currently see Luminar on sale for $59 and I would like some opinions as to whether it's worth buying given that I already have Lightroom (version 5) and Photoshop Elements 14. I am far from a post-processing expert, basically because I've never dedicated the necessary time to learning it properly. Some day maybe ... But, what would Luminar give me in terms of either new functionality or ease of use? Is there anything in Luminar that I can't get from LR or PSE, or is there something that's much easier/more enjoyable in Luminar?

I welcome the opinions of any Luminar users on the list,

Catherine

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

cmoroney wrote:

I currently see Luminar on sale for $59 and I woul... (show quote)

Catherine, I know nothing about Luminar, but processing images is somewhat cut and dried. If you haven't pursued learning LR/PS, then chances are good you're gonna run into that obstacle with Luminar, as well.

Learn Lightroom. It's powerful enough for the pros and likely will be for you also. But, get some sort of structured learning tools and tackle it. My bet is, you'll find it easier than you thought.

There are many avenues for that structured learning, and I'll recommend the book Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classroom in a Book. It's available from Amazon and others. Open it to the first page and start reading. When you finish it, you'll be a LR guru.

https://www.amazon.com/Adobe-Photoshop-Lightroom-release-Classroom/dp/0133924823/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493149002&sr=8-1&keywords=lightroom+classroom+in+a+book

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Well(s) said, Bruce! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

CRoy

I purchased Luminar a couple of months back. I like the ease of use with my Mac, and there are quite a few tutorials out there to learn the program. I have not taken the time to fully learn all the bells and whistles. So far though, I see that it offers more than my Photos application with plenty of filters to choose from. For the price, it was worth it.

temup Loc: Northern Illinois

I have the cc version of Lightroom & Photoshop, Elements 14, and Luminar.

I use Lightroom mostly, but do some editing in Luminar.

I am taking a Elements class now and have not used it that much.

Luminar is currently a Mac only software, but it real easy to use, powerful with good results.

Go to the Macphun website and you can the training videos.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

cmoroney wrote:

I currently see Luminar on sale for $59 and I woul... (show quote)

You realize that Luminar is Mac-only, right? I saw their ad and was tempted, but I resisted. Lightroom is probably on it's last free-standing version, LR6, so other processors will step into the void.
http://thecreativv.com/luminar-vs-lightroom-first-impressions/

There's also Affinity, Mac-only.
http://www.shutterbug.com/content/affinity-photo-software-review-has-photoshop-met-its-match#1sTWVBDRPbIdVeOh.97

Bogin Bob Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

First, I must say I enjoy using Luminar.
Luminar may become an alternate to Lightroom but for now it is a secondary editing tool for me. I like very much the ease of 'clicking through' various presets they offer and free ones available in almost full screen. That feature allows me to get a quick view of Luminar's 'suggestions using various edit settings. One key downside is there is no organizational database like Lightroom - that is important (and they say is coming). It can be used as a stand alone or with Lightroom. I typically vet and edit with Lightroom and if I have a 4 or 5 potential photo - I will 'Edit In' Lightroom to see if they (the presets) improve/enhance what I have. However, I currently always fine tune back in Lightroom - I guess that is because that is where I am most familiar.

Would I buy it - yes, can it be a low cost edit tool for beginners - I think so. Is it powerful - yes and as mentioned - currently Mac only and learn Lightroom.

Bob

CRoy wrote:

I purchased Luminar a couple of months back. I like the ease of use with my Mac, and there are quite a few tutorials out there to learn the program. I have not taken the time to fully learn all the bells and whistles. So far though, I see that it offers more than my Photos application with plenty of filters to choose from. For the price, it was worth it.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

The review looks good: http://www.macworld.com/article/3152728/photography/luminar-review-a-serious-challenger-to-the-reigning-pro-apps-for-photo-editing-mastery.html

Affinity is an example of why these new edit programs will eventually be superior to the old base code of Adobe products. Adobe has added on fixes over the years [since 1988]... like an old V8 getting a new carb system then a new something... vs a newly design engine top to bottom.

Adobe is a fall back on because we [not me] have been using it for years. In discussing Topaz plugins an Adobe alter boy said he could do all of that with PS. OK perhaps in an hour vs a click. Luminar will cost you little compared to Mr. Adobe's money leach and if you are learning new, then best learn the future. Yes, I still use PSPro X9, but bit by bit I am learning Affinity.... and for $50... hay bargain... and Luminar for $59 bargain!!

ejrmaine Loc: South Carolina

cmoroney wrote:

I currently see Luminar on sale for $59 and I woul... (show quote)

I have all 3, so in my opinion, Lightroom CC is my favorite, mainly because Lightroom CC is a great organizer of my images using collections, the Organizer in Elements is weak and cumbersome. Lightroom is also, like Luminar, a great non destructive post processor. The $9.99 monthly fee is worth it to me for both Lightroom CC & PS CC.

jims203 Loc: Connecticut

I use Lightroom 6, Photoshop Elements 14 an then Luminar. Luminar is quick easy and a nice way to really polish your images with little effort. The various presets give you many choices as to the final look and feel of the image creating stunning results. Get it you'll love it. It is so much fun to use as well. On1 is another one combining Photoshop, Elements and Luminar but works so differently it will have a steeper learning curve but it gives you a pull down polarizing filter which no one else offers and not having to buy them for each lens makes it another bargain if you ask me.
Lynda.com offers great learning tutorials for everything and for $25 a month well worth it. The first 10 days or month is free too.

sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD

I think it is wise to settle on one PP program and learn it well. Each has a learning curve and, at least for me, one learning curve at a time is pretty much all i want to take on. My choice was Lightroom

texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH

I like Luminar as well as all the other plug ins.... I have a ball playing with them. I would go for it Catherine and look at Topaz plug ins also. It really does not take an expert to enjoy yourself using these programs. Just watch a few of the tutorials and you will learn enough.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

cmoroney wrote:

I currently see Luminar on sale for $59 and I woul... (show quote)

There is no easy way out. Luminar will just be one more tool and not your answer. I'm willing to bet LR offers all that Luminar has and lots more. There are tons of videos on youtube for LR and elements. Pick one. For LR Anthony Morganti and Julianne Kost are two free sets.

jackpi Loc: Southwest Ohio

cmoroney wrote:

I currently see Luminar on sale for $59 and I woul... (show quote)

I have Luminar and Lightroom. My biggest problem with Luminar is it is painfully slow. It is ok for editing a single photo, but is not useable for culling, rating, or managing photos. I once tried to load 20 photos into Luminar. Never again. I've decided to stick to Lightroom.

The only thing Luminar has that is missing from Lightroom is layers. I access Photoshop from Lightroom for layers.

jackpi Loc: Southwest Ohio

jims203 wrote:

Lynda.com offers great learning tutorials for everything and for $25 a month well worth it. The first 10 days or month is free too.

My public library has an arrangement with Lynda.com. I signed up for it through the library, and now I can access everything on Lynda.com for free! I've finished the Lightroom classes and am now going through the Photoshop classes. They have extensive classes on photography including all of the major image processing software.