I’ve been using Photoshop/ACR for many years — purchasing updates along the way. Now have PS CS6. Should soon be receiving new Nikon D850. As I understand, my alternatives are to go to the subscription basis for PS CC (which I absolutely do NOT want to do); to convert all the RAW files to DNG and continue to use CS6 (although it’s not clear to me whether ACR will work the same on those files); or, to change to a whole new PP system. So, my questions are:
1). Are any of you going through (or, have gone through) a similar decision process — either for the D850 or for another ‘new’ camera’. And, what did you do?
2). If any are doing the conversion process to DNG, how onerous is that? Does ACR work the same on DNG as it did directly in the RAW files? Seems to me that it’s a bit of a stop gap measure.
3) Lastly, if you changed to a new processing system, which one did you choose? My PP needs are currently met 70% by ACR. Do not do a lot of advanced layering, etc. However, I do use some plug ins like Nik. Plus, minor tools like erase, sizing, etc. I do not do sessions involving hundreds of images (like weddings) so cataloging and sorting is not a major item; Bridge has worked ok for me. As alternatives to PS, am thinking of Capture One. Any thoughts on that.
I really appreciate any feedback. This situation created by Adobe moving to subscription basis irritates me beyond words.
Thanks,
Bill

There is only ONE answer appropriate to your quest and it's DxO Optics Pro 11 Elite, PERIOD. They are the hallmark lens and camera testing and the modules for virtually any combination of them can be quickly downloaded for automatic corrections, like distortion, vignetting, and chromatic aberration. In addition to this their RAW engine is top shelf and two noise reduction modes. The Film Pack simulator and presets furnish quick reproduction to mimic many desired effects. Start here, as you'll end up here one way or another; in other words begin at the end. Ta da!

I’ve been using Photoshop/ACR for many years — purchasing updates along the way. Now have PS CS6. Should soon be receiving new Nikon D850. As I understand, my alternatives are to go to the subscription basis for PS CC (which I absolutely do NOT want to do); to convert all the RAW files to DNG and continue to use CS6 (although it’s not clear to me whether ACR will work the same on those files); or, to change to a whole new PP system. So, my questions are:
1). Are any of you going through (or, have gone through) a similar decision process — either for the D850 or for another ‘new’ camera’. And, what did you do?
2). If any are doing the conversion process to DNG, how onerous is that? Does ACR work the same on DNG as it did directly in the RAW files? Seems to me that it’s a bit of a stop gap measure.
3) Lastly, if you changed to a new processing system, which one did you choose? My PP needs are currently met 70% by ACR. Do not do a lot of advanced layering, etc. However, I do use some plug ins like Nik. Plus, minor tools like erase, sizing, etc. I do not do sessions involving hundreds of images (like weddings) so cataloging and sorting is not a major item; Bridge has worked ok for me. As alternatives to PS, am thinking of Capture One. Any thoughts on that.
I really appreciate any feedback. This situation created by Adobe moving to subscription basis irritates me beyond words.
Thanks,
Bill

I’ve been using Photoshop/ACR for many years — purchasing updates along the way. Now have PS CS6. Should soon be receiving new Nikon D850. As I understand, my alternatives are to go to the subscription basis for PS CC (which I absolutely do NOT want to do); to convert all the RAW files to DNG and continue to use CS6 (although it’s not clear to me whether ACR will work the same on those files); or, to change to a whole new PP system. So, my questions are:
1). Are any of you going through (or, have gone through) a similar decision process — either for the D850 or for another ‘new’ camera’. And, what did you do?
2). If any are doing the conversion process to DNG, how onerous is that? Does ACR work the same on DNG as it did directly in the RAW files? Seems to me that it’s a bit of a stop gap measure.
3) Lastly, if you changed to a new processing system, which one did you choose? My PP needs are currently met 70% by ACR. Do not do a lot of advanced layering, etc. However, I do use some plug ins like Nik. Plus, minor tools like erase, sizing, etc. I do not do sessions involving hundreds of images (like weddings) so cataloging and sorting is not a major item; Bridge has worked ok for me. As alternatives to PS, am thinking of Capture One. Any thoughts on that.
I really appreciate any feedback. This situation created by Adobe moving to subscription basis irritates me beyond words.
Thanks,
Bill

I've missed the $39 promo, got it weeks later for $49. With a Macbook (I believe Affinity was named a #1 photo app for Apple devices in 2015), not much experience with other software and cost in mind it seemed like a logical choice and I don't regret that decision at all. I like their tutorials on their youtube chanel - over 200 straight to the point short videos about pretty much anything you might want to do with it, narrated by the same person. I noticed that this app does not enjoy much popularity here on the hog, but for me it's great value for money.

Unlike many who post here, I went with the CC subscription. I have neither the time nor the inclination to learn a new product. I'm still working on learning PS. I still work full time even though I'm 74. I hope to work another year at least. Starting all over learning a new piece of software just isn't a good use of my time, which is worth the $10/mon. I know, that is just my personal opinion, but I read so many people with negative comments about Adobe and I like the fact that my software just gets updated whenever necessary and I am current. I shoot a Nikon D500 and by the time I got it, it was already supported in ACR.