Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

You could always take a look at On1 software or Topaz Labs software.

KLambar Loc: New Jersey

Have you checked Zoner Photo Studio X?

FL Streetrodder

Without knowing what operating system you are using on your computer, it should be noted that the latest versions of Photoshop Elements will only have complete functionality if you have Windows 10. Don't know about Mac systems. I am one of the holdouts still using Windows 7 and my latest version of PSE is PSE 10 which continue to serve all my editing needs.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Elements is a one time purchase.

Serif's Affinity Photo (MacOS and Windows) is the first thing I recommend to those who don't want Adobe products. It's a one-time, $50 or less purchase, with updates available indefinitely.

If you have a Mac, Affinity Photo pairs especially well with both Apple Photos and Gentlemen Coders' Raw Power.

(Photos is free, and Raw Power is $40.)

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

I have been using Photoshop Elements since about version 3 or 5 (I forget which) but the year was 2006, and will probably upgrade from 2018 to 2022 when it comes out, depending on new features. I may also invest $12.00 in the Elements+ plug in, to picl up some additional tools.

I have tried to use Affinity, but I just can't wrap my arms around it. There is not a good "how to " manual, such as "The Missing Manual" ot any of the excellent other sources. Not even an "Affinity for Dummies". I have invested a couple hundred dollars in various books, including the one published by Affinity, and still can't get anywhere. When I upgraded my computer, I didn't bother to transfer it over.

Ednsb Loc: Santa Barbara

Take a look at On1

TucsonDave Loc: Tucson, Arizona

I have been using Affinity Photo for 4 years and all updates so far have been at no cost and the program is excellent. Its options to manipulate raw photos are thin but when in the photo persona one has an excellent array of tools to improve or change your photos. Hundreds of tutorial videos available, a support section which is voluminous and a comprehensive Help section. All for between $24 (on sale) to $50 (regular). Affinity Photo is a raster-based image editing program. there are tow other Affinity (Serif) products, Affinity Designer and Affinity Publisher, both $50 each that are compatible with each other and that provide additional capabilities.

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

Maybe I am old fashioned, but I like instruction manuals. I have learned a lot from videos, and appreciate them, but when you need to know something now, there is nothing like picking up a book, loooking in the index and going to the proper page.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Correct, I upgraded my very old PSE to 2021 recently.
Liked the new capabilities as well.
I also am not into intense PS changes, just helping exposure fixes and minor changes.
Not changing colors unless doing some fun thing once in a while.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Most cameras have online PDF versions of their manuals. I keep them on my iPhone and my computer, because they are MUCH faster to access than print. They are fully searchable with hypertext links throughout. And if you carry your smartphone, they are always available!

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

I would stay with PhotoShop Elements. It has been upgraded/updated regularly over the years and remains a stand alone application. The various upgrades have made PSE very similar to PSCC regarding what it can do. As others have stated, it often is on sale as an upgrade from previous editions for a reduced price, depending on the age of the older version.

pshane

I just Googled 'Adobe Photoshop Express', and it appears that it is for MOBILE applications.
Is there a 'Desktop' version?

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

No, Photoshop Elements is not offered through a subscription (the way both Lightroom and Photoshop are).

Instead it goes through a major update every year (assuming Adobe sticks with the game plan they've used for the last 5 or 10 years). There are also some smaller, incremental updates occasionally during the year.

Timing is usually that the newest version is released in the fall... Right now Elements 2021 is the current version, but Elements 2022 will probably be released sometime between late September and late October.

You don't need to buy every year's release to keep using Elements. Each year's version is perpetually licensed. However, there also are limited updates to each version. So if you buy a camera in the future, an older version of Elements may not be able to work with RAW files it produces (just like you are seeing now). Whether or not that's the case depends upon how out-of-date the software is, in relation to that future camera purchase.

Some good news is that the current Elements 2021 is on sale for $60 right now (it's regularly $100). This is the lowest price I've seen it and is probably Adobe "clearing the shelves" virtually, in preparation for an Elements 2022 announcement.

If you also need to work with video, an even better deal might be the Photoshop Elements 2021 and Premiere Elements 2021 bundle that's currently on sale for $90 (regularly $150).

Some possible bad news is that Elements 2022 (both the Photoshop and the Premiere versions) will be released soon... probably within a month or two. In addition to compatibility, the 2022 versions will also probably have some new features that may or may not be helpful to you. It's impossible to say, until there's a formal announcement and Adobe details what's new in the 2022 software.

Again, these are perpetually licensed... not subscription. So you can keep using them as long as you like... or until you buy a camera a few years from now that isn't compatible with today's version of Elements and the software cannot be sufficiently updated. If/when that happens, you'll be looking at purchasing some future version of Elements (in other words, you'll be in the same position you are right now).

P.S. You may already be aware, there's an Elements+ plug-in that extends the capabilities of the software. It doesn't bring an old version up to date to work with newer cameras, but doesn't cost much and may offer something useful. https://elementsplus.net/

drmike99 Loc: Fairfield Connecticut

I have Affinity and like it but have read its raw developer is weak. So I have gone to the Nikon Suite. What would you recommend? MacBook Air M1 with macOS Big Surv11.4.

Dennis833 Loc: Australia

Capture One Express for Sony is free and great. https://www.captureone.com/en/products-plans/capture-one-express/sony