johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

I guess as a decades long linux user I'm biased in saying it's not that steep of a learning curve to get programs or the OS working


But seriously, the more prominent distros of linux are fairly user friendly these days and even though command line is still very powerful, not much interaction is needed for common tasks. I can't disagree about the UI on older versions of GIMP, but version 2.X and above, there has been significant progress in UI development.

I can't say in the GIMP vs. Photoshop debate which one is better, because they really are individual programs and the users that work in either will learn, adapt, and become comfortable in the respective environments. To each his own, and as long as the user finds a program that fits their needs, then that's all that matters in my opinion.

rdw845 Loc: San Francisco Area

At one time I purchased Lightroom and Photoshop. I too wanted to own my software and not be tied to the maker. So, I bought the software and then I bought the update every 1 year to 18 months. (I have no experience with other than LR and PS so I cannot speak to the other programs.) By the time you buy the updates (with Elements you buy a new program every so often to be up to date) the cost to buy far exceeded the $10 monthly payment you would make for LR and PS. Just my thoughts.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

If you are new to post-processing images, I highly recommend Adobe Elements 2020. It's available to purchase outright... no subscription. It's designed to help new users, but has room to advance as you learn to use it. At it's core is the Adobe Camera Raw engine that's the same as in Lightroom and Photoshop... but without the subscription, complexity or the long, steep learning curve that comes with those. Sure, they're more "powerful", but probably way more than most people really need or will ever really use.

There's a lot of aftermarket support for Adobe Elements too... books, online tutorials, plug ins, much like there are for Photoshop and Lightroom.

bleirer

I also recommend elements, but the OP should be aware that the Adobe camera raw in elements is watered down compared to the full version in lightroom or photoshop, but a beginner might not yet care about the missing tools, since the main ones are still there.

https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/multi/camera-raw-differences-photoshop-photoshop.html#:~:text=Photoshop%20has%20greater%20functionality%20for%20Camera%20Raw%20editing%20than%20Photoshop%20Elements.&text=Key%20differences%20are%20that%20Photoshop,Photoshop%20Elements%20offers%20less%20functionality.

Tonylum

Thanks for all the help and info everyone sent.
I'm just getting back into photography after putting it down for almost
10 yrs.
I bought my canon eos T7i over a month ago and I'm still getting used to it.
I still have time before I pick up one of the post production programs.
From all the responses I have a lot of research to do.
Thanks Tony

TonyBrown

I’m new to post processing too. I decided to go for Capture One Pro 20. I got a one off Nikon license with a 25% discount. I find it easy to use for what I want. Lots of instructive videos on-line and I am really pleased with the results

MabelLucy Loc: Oregon

I just went to check out JCristina as you suggested. Kind of disappointmentIng. He may have good information but he fails to make clear which program he is talking about. I wanted to hear what he had to say about capture one and didn’t want to have to listen to the whole video. Not possible.

nj53 Loc: Canon City, Colorado

i agree with bob. for $120 per year, you get a lot of editing power w/LR & PS, plus the various updates, improvements to each of those programs. well worth it in my opinion.

just have fun w/whatever!

norm

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Normally, I read every comment before offering my own, but.... no matter since this has probably been suggested already. So, consider it an endorsement. Almost all commercial software offers a trial. Take advantage of that. You’re bound to find something at a reasonable price that fits your needs. Photoshop Elements would be my recommendation out of the starting block. It has matured well for maybe 20 years into an excellent program that satisfies varying need levels. It can be found discounted periodically during the year. Good luck!

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

Yeah right! BUT... if you choose to stop upgrading at any time in the future, you can STILL use that software for the rest of your life and never pay one penny more. Can you do that with Adobe? NO... is the answer, the moment you stop paying your monthly ransom is the last month you will ever be able to access that programme and if you have files saved as Photoshop files, you will not be able to open them anymore.

That, is the big difference here with all the others when comparing to Adobe LR and PS. All the others you own and you can choose to never update again and pay no additional dollars ever, and still be able to use it as long as you like. Try doing that with Adobe and see how quickly they shut you down, forever if you never pay them again.

You have to remember that Adobe may increase prices in the future, which they already started to try in certain regions last year, to "test" the waters of their victims. Also other people may one day not have the disposable income to be able to afford a continued ransom payment, to some people already an additional $120 a year is something that they no longer have spare in their pockets. What would be your suggestion to them at that point, when they can no longer justify that added expense? Please tell us what their option would be then.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

The answer to the file access issue is to always keep your raw files...

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

The offerings of On1 RAW and Topaz Labs are extremely good software to consider, as are several other alternatives to Adobe ransom ware. I tried GIMP years ago but it was far too complicated for what it was offering me. There were others out there that were easier to learn, so I went with them.

One thing to remember is that all the others allow you to buy it and own it and never pay again, unless you wish to upgrade. This is good when there are some great things that are newly included, but sometimes these new additions are not needed, so just don't upgrade and don't pay another penny. At least you will always be able to use your purchased software whenever you wish. Buy something, don't rent it.

The only company out there that has been giving away free upgrades ever since they began, is TOPAZ LABS. Yes, with this great editing software range, what ever you choose to buy, from just one of their range or the entire suite, once you buy it Topaz gives the owner FREE upgrades for life! I started using their software about ten years ago and today I have their very latest upgrade and I have never had to pay a further penny to them, in all this time.

They send me an email when they have done an upgrade with a link and I just go there and get the very latest offering without spending a single penny more. Give me just one other company out there who is offering that to their customers, just one other company... anyone?? Topaz Labs offers great editing software, no huge learning curve and they give you for free, yes free, all their upgrades every year. Topaz is well worth looking into, just for that great customer loyalty offering.

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

peter pat Loc: Miami Beach

Welcome Tony, Photography is my favorite way to preserve a moment in time!

I think a good starting point is the software included with your camera, it is great for simple adjustments and may be all you need...its free, its usually pretty simple, its tailored to your camera, and did I mention its free?

If you do decide to buy, be advised that I have had problems post sale with two standalones.

#1. Adobe elements. this is a great program when it works properly..but several times I have had major problems with it.
#2. Perfectly Clear. Also a great time saving program when it is working properly.

In both cases they worked great for a year or two then began to have mpre and more issues. Typical responses from both companies were "we no longer support this product" "we can give you a discount if you purchase the latest version" "we understand you" They always send an inquiry for rating of their service LOL.

I rate them as follows:

Bait and switch = A
Misleading advertisement = A
Genius methodology to force people into subscriber monthly revenue pattern = A

Product support for standalone F

So now you know and sorry if I vented on this topic..but it really bothers me that they do this to us..just visit the forums before buying and look up problems or trouble shooting..

PS Picassa was an amazing product..Free, Fast, and uber simple..great for starting into Photography..too bad Goggle did not continue with it..Maybe they were embarassing the other players.

Good luck

bleirer

That's not exactly the way it is. When you unsubscribe you just lose access to the develop module. You still have access to your library and all your edits. So nothing is held for ransom. Whatever new program you switch to after Lightroom can still access your pictures.

https://helpx.adobe.com/manage-account/using/cancel-subscription.html#WhathappenswhenIcancelmyCreativeCloudsubscription