Edia Loc: Central New Jersey

Corel Aftershot Pro 3 does everything that lightroom does and can work with catalogs or files without having to import them. It has a powerful Raw photo processor and costs less than $50. It also will use PS plugins and does batch watermarking. I really like this program and use it as a start for all my PP.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Have to wonder how these perceptions get started. The profits are important to any company's ability to survive and continue to serve. Whenever I have a problem with LR, there is a customer service person ready and willing to help. If the problem is difficult, consultation with others occurs. Help is always available.

Every editing program has the same issue - there is a learning curve. It isn't so much that Adobe is counting on its customers being too lazy to learn something new. They are continually working to keep customers happy with the programs so they will be happy with staying!


I don't see why you feel that Adobe is "pushing" you to "move to the Cloud". They have offered a choice, stay with the classic LR or opt to use the newer one that lets you use the cloud as an access point to see/edit your images on a mobile platform. Regardless, you are never "tied to the cloud". Your images folder remains on your computer's hard drive. You still organize and edit your images within LR, and then you can export them to your images folder unless you are happy with .xmp files.

It is unfortunate that people have the perception that the "Creative Cloud" designation for Adobe's programs means their photos are somehow stored in the cloud. They are NOT. You have complete control over where they are kept and how they are organized. If you decide to cancel your subscription, the only part of this that could create a problem is the use of .xmp files because those images, while they show up in LR, are not visible on your HD unless converted to a different format during export [or choose "save as" after edits in PS].

whwiden

Darktable for linux and mac. A windows port is in development. Like Gimp, darktable is free and open source but easier and designed for photos.

jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

ON1 Photo RAW is a good program and I have been using it in place of Lightroom. With the new ON1 Photo RAW 2018, which offers a free public bate right now, has added mor features to the point that I think it is a good alternative. I have Lighroom standalone and used it quite a bit but now I seldom even start it up. The first regular release of the ON1 Photo RAW 2018 is to be at the end of this month but the beta is there now and you can try it out for 30 days to decide for yourself if you feel it will meet your needs or not. The new version also has modules for HDR and Panorama too.

https://www.on1.com/

Haydon

If you tether, CaptureOne is MUCH better and significantly quicker than Lightroom. I'm slowly moving away from Lightroom.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Thanks and appreciate the comments Susan. Maybe I should have said it differently rather than using the word "Pushing"....they keep 'inviting' me to join the Cloud since LR6 is/will be their last Stand Alone pgm and no longer supported. I understand its Adobe's choice to move to a different business model where there is a continual revenue stream, afterall its all about profits in the end. And I understand the 'CC' is only the access point for their software, pics still stay with the owner. And YES, I understand that CC can run w/out the Net for a period of time (license validation) since the Apps are residing on the hard drive. I'm personally not willing to go to a totally 'net' provided subscription service while there's absolutely no guarantee Adobe will not continue their price increases, two in as many years worldwide and those invested are potentially held hostage to increases...again nickel and dimed to death, IMHO. That maybe a trivial point to some but not me personally. Many like the 'new' Adobe model, many don't....many are staying and many aren't. As I have previously stated, use any program that meets the requirements of the user and since there are many out there to chose from that meets mine or other users requirements, its called choices....Different strokes for different folks depending on your needs....top of the day to you Susan

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

The responses to this thread have been quite interesting and informative! I do like LR and PS, but am beginning to see that if the prices go up I could very well be looking for a replacement! The competition apparently is gaining ground with more features, improved reliability, and regular updates. If price point becomes more of an issue, I will definitely not be one of those who continue to pay because I cannot motivate to try something new! One thing that I have done that would make a transition smoother, is I do not keep virtual copies/.xmp files. Everything other than the original RAW file is converted to .tiff or .jpg [for sharing]. So even without LR, I could still see all edited versions.

Thank you for clarifying your position, and I now understand your statements differently! Amazing what different words and arrangements of them can do to communication...
Susan

Greenguy33 Loc: Rhode Island

Right now, I am very happy with on1 2018 and then going to Topaz Studio to use my Topaz plug-ins.