CaptainBobBrown

I'm planning to move away from LR 6 to either Luminar 4 or ON1 (2019 or 2020). In a post a few days ago I got some responses to my query about experience with Luminar and several Hoggers said they'd not had good experience with bug fixes. Now I'm looking at ON1 which several of you have mentioned using. Could you tell me your experience with ON1's maintenance schedule and reliability? I'll be using it on an iMac 27". Thanks.

Brokenland

Mine crashed 3 times. Upon loading, the software went to full screen (beyond my screen's limit) which I wasn't able to exit. IMO, 3 strikes and your out..

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

I'm assuming you're referring to ON1 Photo RAW 2019? I have it, Luminar and Lightroom (CC and Classic - call me a software junkie!).

I want to like ON1. I want to like Luminar. I think my problem is that each poses a new learning curve, which frustrates me when all I want to do is process my RAW images. I'm comfortable with LR, and use both versions. ON1 seems to me like a "single solution" to those who use both LR and Photoshop. I've never been able to wrap my mind around Photoshop, and layers, layer masks and the like just give me heartburn.

I'm primarily a landscape photographer, so I try as best I can to capture the image in my camera as best I can, so that post-processing is merely touch-up work, not a complete re-imagining of the photo. In that regard, ON1 and Luminar let me down, as it seems the best way to approach competent post-processing is through layers.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

The latest ON1 is in Beta stage, and folks have been having problems with it, according to their facebook site. The previous version seems to be errorless. I’m sure the bugs will be worked out of the new one, too.

I have Luminar 3, and it also runs seamlessly on my iMac. I’m awaiting the final version of the new Luminar before beginning to use it.

As for ease of use, my vote goes to Luminar, though ON1 isn’t a bear, either.

FYI, I still import into LR because Ii like the catalog system. I then go to other programs as plug-ins.

Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

I've been running ON1 for a couple of years now on a PC and like it over lightroom.
Adobe and apple products seem to think your pc is theirs and want to totally control and monitor it.

If you want to give ON1 a try, it's in Beta 2 right now. You can download that or 19' and run it through the trial period. Since it takes aim at being a LR replacement, many of the commands and controls are similar.
good Luck

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I've used ON1 since the 2018 version and I love it. The new beta has not crashed on me once. (I run it on a Windows 10 PC).

Photoguy120

Once a new version is issued they will drive you nuts with updates and patches. Can’t seem to get it right on release but patch it every other day. It’s a bit disconcerting to have patch notes telling you the number of fixes included and those that are known but not fixed and will be coming. Three days later you receive a notice that the newest version will be out soon with an offer to update at a huge discount. The one on your computer has known issues but here comes the newest.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

On1 seems to be going in the right direction, but it is not ready for prime time. I've been using On1 software since version 7.0 and it's really good. However, they appear to be caught between developing new features, developing a migration path from Lightroom, and making it more stable. Their order of priority seems to be the same as what I have written. It is still buggy, and in my opinion, not quite ready for prime time. I don't mind upgrading to maintaining a current license, but I think I am going to sit out 2020. I am disappointed in the beta so far, but after all, it is only a beta. But, even when they roll out the software, it still feels like a beta sometimes. If you are using LR, you will miss it's predictability and stability. No surprises, always works as advertised. And no matter what you read in the promos or watch on YouTube, it is not yet a replacement for Photoshop. Darn close, but not quite.

I use LR Classic 100% of the time, Photoshop 75% of the time, On1 10.5 (Perfect Effects mostly) 60% of the time, DXO PhotoLab2 30%, Nik 20%, Capture One Pro Sony 25% (but 100% for Sony images). I've tried others, but these are the ones that work best for what I do. But 100% of my images are imported, culled, rated and cataloged using LR Classic.

tomad Loc: North Carolina

I don't remember commenting on your Luminar thread but I am a Luminar user and like it very much. That said I started with the 2018 version (on Windows) and it had lots of bugs. They were addressing them slowly but then released Luminar 3. It seemed to work ok and I didn't encounter any bugs but I did not like the way their DAM (Digital Asset Manager) worked so I went back to 2018. Then they released Luminar Flex which was intended to be a Lightroom add on but also works as a stand alone program (without the DAM). I've been using that for several months now and love it. No bugs and really powerful and easy to use. So, if you don't need the Digital Asset Manager, I would recommend downloading a trial copy of Luminar Flex to see if you like it. I also own Affinity, On1, and Capture One and found Luminar the easiest to learn and use of the four.

Photoguy120

Sitting out On1 2020 and following. Have used (some, mostly effects and enlarge) since 5 and stayed relatively current. Bit on 2019 which initiated .dll load error in PS. The solution was uninstall all On1 products and reinstall. After that, there were two .dll load errors. Solution, we have no idea. Less than a week after the purchase I received the notice that 2020 was on the way and if you bought 2019 on the promo, that 2020 would be free. Dropped an email and said, hey, just bought 2019, what about 2020. Sorry, it had to be during the promo period. Ciao.

Ted d Loc: Green Valley, AZ.

The new ON1 2020 is fast, makes working with RAW files a snap. Loaded with features take a look at the video. The final program should be coming out soon, I am using the Bata no problems. The SYNC and MOBIL modules, and video are coming out later.

sv3noKin51E

CaptainBob, We've used Luminar since 2018, bought into 2019, and bought the early-bird reservation for Luminar 4. They finally got it running well with the last update, so figured we'd see if the marketing magic hype for their version of AI sky replacement will be worth it; at least the prior versions are working well and we own them forever.

Same with ON1 Photo Raw, we have ON1-PR2018 and ON1-PR2019, and it's finally running well. We don't run beta testing on the offline production workstation and though we've been busy with work, haven't have time nor a spare machine to play with either beta v1 or the latest v2, several folks say they're convinced it's getting better and faster. Main complaint I've had is it's slow loading. If v2010 fixes that, and the GUI can still be revamped the way we like it (since ON1 has shuffled their deck chairs on the desktop), whether or not their version of magic AI will be worth the re-enlistment charge has yet to be realized. v2020 hits next month, for early birds re-uppers, program delivery tentatively will be 11/11, so if you want to save $20 off the regular $99, you'll get the full v2020 somewhat later.

ON1 came out with a surprise announcement; except for early bird reservation/adopters, they're going to limit new V2020 owners to only 2 installations/machines/seats per license this year. Whenever a company which has received praise for allowing 5 installs per owner (as has been a good policy and advertising point with both ON1 and Skylum/Luminar) to cut back 3 installations stings a bit, even if one doesn't actually use 5.

What's said about having to deal with a slew of fixes/updates after the full public release of both Luminar and ON1 is true and a pain; some of the upgrades/fixes tended to break more than they helped. Rather than have to waste even more time futzing with 2 or 3 reinstalls/revamps for the first three months after release, we may sit back, listen and learn to owner feedback, just how much of the new releases is smoke and mirrors vs speed and GUI improvements, and install somewhat later. We have plenty of work to do and plenty of editing software to use while we exercise restraint. Good luck and happy shooting.

Johanna Loc: Albuquerque, NM

With my first Olympus camera 15 or so years ago I got a free copy of ACDsee software. I use the current subscription version. It is realitively fast and the menu system is logical. You can use your own menu system and it will follow that. It does have layers should you need to go that deep into editing.

Photec

On1 Photo Raw 2020 just released last night with a free 30 day trial. I suggest you try it for yourself to see if you like it. It can be used as a plug in for LR or a stand alone program, and has been upgraded quite a bit from 2019. I have been using since the very first Beta (a long time ago) and mainly use it as a plug in for LR but will probably start using it more as a stand alone soon.

There will likely be a few minor additions and bug fixes soon, and usually a major (free) upgrade in 5 or 6 months and a final fix about next Sept. then a new release in about Oct. that you can either buy, or not. The good thing about that is if you are happy with it you can use it forever, unlike the Adobe subscription model.

This new version has a lot of excellent new features, and many improvements to some of the old standards.

JBGLADSTONE Loc: Oregon

I am using ON1 photo 10.5.2 however, I have download the trial ON1 Raw 2020.

I really like the AI auto for "developing". It just makes the best settings, plus you can adjust the opacity which keeps they "AI" settings and adjusts their levels. Also I see you can adjust almost any filter level as well. Yes, lots of preset filters. I especially like the "Sunshine filter" in "effects". I can move the sun and can change the level.

I too have had a issue of kicking out/closing down when trying to save a photo in "quick export".

I will be investing in ON1 RAW 2020 later this year.
Oh by the way, I am a very basic level post processor. I have yet to learn Masking and layers.
My experience has been with using PSE15 & Canon DPP4