New Photo Processing Program 1st: I've just recieved my new laptop and would like suggestions on updating my PP. My computer was upgrated to 16G Ram plus 750G SSD M2 harddrive plus...

gray_ghost2 Loc: Antelope, (Sac) Ca.

I've just recieved my new laptop and would like suggestions on updating my PP. My computer was upgrated to 16G Ram plus 750G SSD M2 harddrive plus getting an extrnal drive as a Christmas gift. Which to get 1st. Since retiring, as most of us know, fixed incomes requires planning on purchases. I have an ancient Photo Shop, #2, and Photo Elements. So, Photo Shop, Lightroom or something else.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I have Elements 14, and just sprung for the 2019 version.
I primarily use my camera brand's RAW editor though, secondary is a JPEG editor if needed.
I also have an older version of Photo Impact Pro.
These should work for me for a long while. I like stand-alones.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The Adobe subscription adds a new monthly / annual expense (if you prepay). Honestly, if your current software does what you need, why do you need new software? I'd hold off software until I had a new camera where the RAW files require new software for processing, and even then, I'd consider whether the camera vendor's software could be used for an initial conversion from RAW to a file type supported by my existing software.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

gray_ghost2 wrote:

I've just recieved my new laptop and would like suggestions on updating my PP. My computer was upgrated to 16G Ram plus 750G SSD M2 harddrive plus getting an extrnal drive as a Christmas gift. Which to get 1st. Since retiring, as most of us know, fixed incomes requires planning on purchases. I have an ancient Photo Shop, #2, and Photo Elements. So, Photo Shop, Lightroom or something else.

What do you mean by fixed income? Doesn't everybody have a fixed income?

A10 Loc: Southern Indiana

Lightroom would be my choice, though Elements 19 is what I use 98% of the time.

gray_ghost2 Loc: Antelope, (Sac) Ca.

When you are young and working your income can fluxuate with the amount of overtime you work. When you retire, what money you have is it to sustain you for that month. No bonuses or other incomes except what you have already earned and put aside.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

gray_ghost2 wrote:

When you are young and working your income can fluxuate with the amount of overtime you work. When you retire, what money you have is it to sustain you for that month. No bonuses or other incomes except what you have already earned and put aside.

Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire

"What do you mean by fixed income? Doesn't everybody have a fixed income?"

In addition to gray ghost's correct response, when folks say fixed income they also generally mean a reduced income in retirement.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

gray_ghost2 wrote:

I've just recieved my new laptop and would like suggestions on updating my PP. My computer was upgrated to 16G Ram plus 750G SSD M2 harddrive plus getting an extrnal drive as a Christmas gift. Which to get 1st. Since retiring, as most of us know, fixed incomes requires planning on purchases. I have an ancient Photo Shop, #2, and Photo Elements. So, Photo Shop, Lightroom or something else.

OK. Plan 10 bucks a month and get Lightroom and Photoshop.

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

gray_ghost2 wrote:

I've just recieved my new laptop and would like suggestions on updating my PP. My computer was upgrated to 16G Ram plus 750G SSD M2 harddrive plus getting an extrnal drive as a Christmas gift. Which to get 1st. Since retiring, as most of us know, fixed incomes requires planning on purchases. I have an ancient Photo Shop, #2, and Photo Elements. So, Photo Shop, Lightroom or something else.

You didn't state which version of PSE you have but assuming it's an old one I would suggest simply updating that. You already have some experience with it, it's a very capable editing program, and you don't have to sign up for a monthly subscription. If you do want to go in a different direction Affinity Photo has quite a following and is very reasonably priced.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Adobe Creative Cloud for photographers – best deal on software.

NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC

gray_ghost2 wrote:

I've just recieved my new laptop and would like suggestions on updating my PP. My computer was upgrated to 16G Ram plus 750G SSD M2 harddrive plus getting an extrnal drive as a Christmas gift. Which to get 1st. Since retiring, as most of us know, fixed incomes requires planning on purchases. I have an ancient Photo Shop, #2, and Photo Elements. So, Photo Shop, Lightroom or something else.

Topaz Studio is free with 10 basic adjustments. You can download it and see if it runs on your system. It has some specific graphics capabilities it requires. You can also check the system requirements at the website. It's easy to install and remove if you need to. It can handle RAW files as well as other types.

tomad Loc: North Carolina

Try Luminar. It's very good and you can get it for $49 if you find a coupon.

CaptainPhoto

I agree Topaz Studio is a good starting point. And if you have a few extra $ you can add some additional Adjustment- tools to it. If you sign on and watch their TOPAZ Webinars - they offer 20% discounts. I have Topaz Studio and find it to be a very good PP tool. Also look into Smart Photo Editor Studio - Run about $40 - has tons of presets that are FREE.

Disregard the comments on - "Fixed Income"

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

gray_ghost2 wrote:

I've just recieved my new laptop and would like suggestions on updating my PP. My computer was upgrated to 16G Ram plus 750G SSD M2 harddrive plus getting an extrnal drive as a Christmas gift. Which to get 1st. Since retiring, as most of us know, fixed incomes requires planning on purchases. I have an ancient Photo Shop, #2, and Photo Elements. So, Photo Shop, Lightroom or something else.

"Since retiring, as most of us know, fixed incomes requires planning...."

Retired senior to retired senior, get on the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. Scrimp on coffee, beer, driving, medicine, clothes or burgers. Lower the thermostat. Do whatever you need to find $10 a month.

Why? Assuming retirement came with being a "senior citizen", your brain needs challenge. I have friends that do crossword puzzles and play sudoku. That's dumb, repetitive and boring. As a photographer, I can take my camera for a walk (getting body exercise), come home and learn some new (to me0 post processing technique. The wide ranging and complex bundle of Adobe photography software is the $10 per month Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan. You will never run out of brain exercise!

Of course there are other challenging PP programs, but none have the range of deep learning opportunities.