Which photo editor is best for a new guy
May 8, 2019 07:56:23 #
I'm not about to suggest any particular software. I will let you know that all of the currently available processing software comes with a free learning curve. Good luck in your search.
--Bob
--Bob
CurleyB wrote:
I want to poke around RAW shooting but my Photosho... (show quote)
May 8, 2019 08:04:35 #
Luminar is probably your best choice. It has the functionality of Lightroom, it's easy to learn and it's modestly priced at $69. That's a one time charge rather than a subscription. You can edit from a raw image as well as a JPG. It also has a library function.
May 8, 2019 08:12:01 #
May 8, 2019 08:33:20 #
Woodworm65
Loc: Lombard, IL
Affinity Photo, a one time cost with free upgrades, and yes it does not manage your photos but that is not a hard thing for you to do, the learning curve is not very difficult and there are plenty of videos to get you through it also a great work book, I got tired of the monthly cost and if you don’t use PS regularly you are wasting your money keep in mind this is just my opinion you need to make your own decision.
May 8, 2019 08:57:33 #
rdjordan44
Loc: Montgomery, Texas
I favor Lightroom and have used it for a number of years. In both the Library mode (managing photos) and Develop mode (editing) the workflow is fairly intuitive for all the basics, but also includes many advanced features. I use Lightroom and Photoshop thru one of Adobe’s photography plans....about $10/month. This option gives you “pro level” editing of RAW files without a big cash outlay, and you can cancel when you desire.
May 8, 2019 09:01:21 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
How does PS Elements fail you? So far I’ve used Elements 11 & 14 and have no issues with the RAW editor. By design it’s limited in features but then I’m not a heavy user, I don’t demand much from it. It’s OK for reducing noise, adjusting white balance, and adjusting exposure plus a few other tweaks before I work on edits in the Editor.
May 8, 2019 09:28:51 #
maxlieberman
Loc: 19027
I have been using Elements since Version 3.0; I am now up to Elements 2018, and have always been very satisfied. But it appears from what I have read, that the RAW processor in Elements 2019 as many more features and tools than 2018, and closely approximates CC's processor. I will probably wait another half year or so, then upgrade to 2010.
In the meanwhile, the Nikon software is very good. Problem with all of the non-Adobe products is lack of "how to" printed documentation. Myriads of videos available, but nary a good printed manual. N-Photo Magazine, a British publication, has an article on the use of the Nikon software every issue. I recommend subscribing, even if you do not use the software.
In the meanwhile, the Nikon software is very good. Problem with all of the non-Adobe products is lack of "how to" printed documentation. Myriads of videos available, but nary a good printed manual. N-Photo Magazine, a British publication, has an article on the use of the Nikon software every issue. I recommend subscribing, even if you do not use the software.
May 8, 2019 09:34:59 #
Metis407
Loc: Canada
I use Skylums Luminar3. It is a one off payment and not monthly like adobe. There are excellent youtube videos, I particularly like the Jim Nix series.
I believe you can get a 30 trial on luminar3.
Good luck
I believe you can get a 30 trial on luminar3.
Good luck
May 8, 2019 09:45:38 #
maxlieberman
Loc: 19027
All of these non-Adobe programs are very good, but if you like to have a printed reference guide, you will be disappointed. I have printed out every page of the Affinity Serif help menu and put them in a binder, but it is not the same as a good reference work.
May 8, 2019 10:10:44 #
DaveJ wrote:
That's an excellent point, thanks!I read thru the link ... and some of the items it says are missing in Elements RAW are within the editor of Elements, such as color sampler tool and spot removal. HTH, Dave
May 8, 2019 10:18:16 #
buckbrush
Loc: Texas then Southwest Oregon
bleirer wrote:
I don't get why you call it BS?
I agree.
Why use a negative term when the discussion was entirely civil up until that term was tossed in.
Bad form, IMO.
May 8, 2019 10:26:02 #
Woodworm65 wrote:
Affinity Photo, a one time cost with free upgrades, and yes it does not manage your photos but that is not a hard thing for you to do, the learning curve is not very difficult and there are plenty of videos to get you through it also a great work book, I got tired of the monthly cost and if you don’t use PS regularly you are wasting your money keep in mind this is just my opinion you need to make your own decision.
Amen!
I've used Corel, Adobe, and Affinity; they all have their strengths and weaknesses, but Affinity is about as flexible as I've used. The options and tools are well laid out in the program screens. Editing out noise, and color management are very easy to do.
As to image management, I just fall back on the tried and true methods of handling and organizing files just as I do in the Microsoft Office Suite.
May 8, 2019 11:14:09 #
bleirer wrote:
I don't get why you call it BS?
It's simple, none of us truly know what another person needs or wants regarding a RAW processor. We can only bloviate our own personal feelings about the programs we have experience with. My point is that if you buy what other people suggest; you're more than likely going to get something you don't want or need. How many times have you purchased a car purely on others advice? I would be willing to bet that you always took a test drive first. We are ALL biased either for or against specific products. We can't help it. If you want advice from others, that's fine. Then make a list of what features and functions you are looking for and then go out and try them for yourself. Then get the product that best fits YOUR needs and/or requirements.
May 8, 2019 11:28:57 #
I find Luminar 3 a very capable program and for $69 total a much better deal than $10 a month $600 in five years as they spoon feed you improvements a little at a time to keep you paying for Lightroom. That is no deal.
May 8, 2019 11:34:33 #
CurleyB wrote:
I want to poke around RAW shooting but my Photosho... (show quote)
Hi before you commit to Lightroom I'd respectfully suggest that you look at (get trials) the following, Capture 1, ON1 2019, AlienSkinExposure4 & Luminar.
FYI I was a LR user until they brought their subscription in, which seems to have increased to $20 per month, though others say its still $10. I use ON1 and AlienSkin myself. Both offer 30-day trials. I'm also getting into Affinity which is a great alternative to PhotoShop it seems.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.
Andy
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.