sclay1234 Loc: Ocean county nj

Hello just wanted to ask a question on post processing software. Just got a surface pro with 8gigs of ram and a i7 processor. Not looking to go nuts with a new software for editing. What is a good entry level program for me. I don't do a lot of processing if it is not a great shot I just delete it.is light room a entry level?
Thanks or any input
Scott

Keith S Loc: Federal Way, Wa

I have had a Surface Pro 4 for several years. I use Photoshop Elements on mine. I am not very proficient with it but it is pretty basic.

Keith

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

Lightroom is hard to beat, but it requires a monthly subscription. Photoshop is also included with your subscription. You may do more post work once you see what Lightroom can do. However, if you don't want do a lot of post processing, you might want to use a lower cost option. There are several that other UHH members use. You may want to do a search here on UHH for threads on post processing software options.

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

Lightroom and Photoshop can be used by anyone who invests a little time to learn them. Photoshop, with more commands, can take a lot longer. Lightroom has very easy editing, but understanding the catalog structure involves a little time to understand how it works and how to best utilize it. LIghtroom's adjustable parameters are roughly analogous to camera picture settings.

There may be some value to using the program that comes with your camera. If your camera can shoot raw files, it will come with a raw converter, and you'll find that you can get far better results starting off with a raw file than if you just settle for jpegs that are based on how you've set your camera. In any case you may find yourself deleting fewer files AND producing results that are more to your liking.

The industry standard is Photoshop and Lightroom. Pros, academic institutions, corporate graphics departments, etc all use it. From the standpoint of community third party support the combo is unequaled. Whereas the previous delivery model involved shelling out $1000 for Photoshop and another $!50 for Lightroom, you now can have access to both for the measly and highly affordable cost of $120/yr, payable monthly, or $10/mo.

You can get other software, but there will be a learning curve not unlike Lightroom and Photoshop, and there will be far less access to training and learning materials. But as you gain skill in post processing - in time you may exceed the program's capabilities or just get frustrated trying to do stuff that can be done in other programs.

There are reasons why PS/LR is a gold standard - capabilities, ease of use/speed to result, customization, tons of support materials, and above all, the price.

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

Gene, your last sentence pretty much says it all. I chose the subscription option based on your past postings on this subject. No regrets. I opted for the older Classic Lr rather than the newer abbreviated version only because I was using Lr 5 for a long time and so it was easy for me to make the transition from Lr 5 to Lr Classic CC.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

In that you do not wish to do much post processing, I believe a program I have mentioned before will be just right for you. It's Adobe Photoshop Express, which is free. You'll find that there is essentially no learning curve, and the software most likely will do everything you need to do - and quickly. The other option, it seems to me and as suggested, is the RAW processing software which came with your camera. If it's Canon (DPP4), it will do much more than just RAW conversion, and may be all you'll need.

Loren - Baguio City

SS319

Paint Shop Pro (current version 2019) at $55-$70. There is a great store of (FREE) Tutorials as well as some good $$ Tutorials. If you opt for the Ultimate, they include Aftershot 3 which is getting reviews that place it in the arena with LR.

Then there is Topaz Studio. It has basic adjustments, and it has a library of effects from the barely discernible to the "is that my picture?" It has the advantage of being free although their goal is to get you to purchase add-ins which are pricey, but everything I want to do with it comes with the free version.

dbjazz Loc: Long Island, NY

Keep it simple with Photoshop Elements. If at some point you need more than just basic editing, Elements can handle that as well.

BebuLamar

I have the older Surface Pro (version 5 I would say although Microsoft simply called it Surface Pro) with 8GB and i5. I run Photoshop CC on it and it works fine for me although I don't do heavy editing with it as it's only for traveling. The one problem is that I don't know how to calibrate the screen although without calibration it's decent compared to my desktop with calibrated screens.

leftj Loc: Texas

First thing you will need is 8 more gigs or RAM for a total of 16 gigs.

wmcy Loc: Charlotte

As a mobile option, I run Adobe LR/Photoshop on my Surface Pro 6, with only 8Gb of RAM. I am sure if I overtax the system I will experience some slowdown, but I have had absolutely no issues with LR or Photoshop on my Surface 6.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

Once again, over MANY post on "entry-level" software, no one mentions Paint.net. URL getpaint.net Excellent, free, developed by a grad student with Microsoft backing, supported online very well, updated, modern, etc. At least take a look. You CAN install different programs and try them!

Ritch1

I have used a Surface continually and do absolutely fine with Photoshop Elements. I'm not near the level of most on this site but am happy with my outcome.

Ansel.Iwish Loc: Wales, UK

Hello Keith -

You've received a few good ideas already. Here's my 10 cents worth: not wishing to continue with Adobe, I've tried Skylum Luminar 3 with the latest asset management and I believe it's worth a look.

It comes with a host of online tutorials and is very straightforward. In addition there are simplified alternatives (shortcuts) to speed up your workflow if you so wish. There are further improvements in the pipeline which they say will be rolled out during the coming year.

Best wishes and happy clicking in 2019.

Ansel.Iwish

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

If you want a free easy to use PP program, Faststone Image Viewer is hard to beat.
It can do a lot of things very well, and is easy to learn.