I use PSP 2019 and love a lot of the features. One is the ability to use Topaz and other 3rd party plugins. I guess I missed why this is any lesser than Elements or other editors. I also love the Discovery support videos on how to do things with it. I recently rented a Canon EOS-R and was a bit surprised that PSP does not yet recognize the new Canon RAW format. I would think they will be adding it, I submitted a support ticket but there is no known date for a release.
I have both installed. 2018 does load faster, some of the tools (like the clone tool mentioned by others) work slightly differently.
The biggest struggle I have is that 2018 tends to freeze while using it (I get it working again by switching to another window with the Alt-Tab key combo) and it will unexpectedly shut down if open and not being used. I run Win 7 Ultimate and have 16 GB of ram and a huge hard drive. I am running the 64bit version of PSP 2018. Corel has told me more than once to delete the user app data folder. This does help stabilize it for a bit. I don't see mention of this happening on other forums and struggle thinking it is my machine when V9 continues to work great and never had such a problem. (there are separate user app data folders for V9 and 2018.) Seems there isn't much mention of any bugs and that makes me suspect considering it was a new release. I note that the last bug fix for 2018 was released over 6 months ago.
If loading is a real problem I would definitely encourage the upgrade. Other than that, the tool tweaks are ok, but nothing to die for, not sure the upgrade was worthy of being touted as a major release just to get better load time. I keep mine up to date as the $29-39 upgrade annually on Black Friday is always worth it. But to that point, I always have kept the last version installed. The Ultimate 2018 upgrade gives the usual 1/2 baked versions of Aftershot Pro and companion software. I do love that PSP accommodates the use of Topaz, NIK and other plug-ins with it.
Dave
Whatever focal length you choose, don't forget the tinfoil for your hat. :)
To me, this is no different than the different music format Apple uses (m4a) versus the more popular MP3 format. Both of the media files are routinely converted back and forth. Just like raw, every company has their own little format.
Only their hairdresser knows for sure!!! :)
Like any accessory it appears to be a personal preference. I use the Peak Design strap, it uses the camera strap lugs with replaceable attachment points. Your tripod lug remains available for the tripod, and the strap can obviously be left on while the camera is attached to the tripod. I love how long it is, I can have the camera all the way on my back while walking and swoop it up when needed. The strap is really well built and didn't cost as much as a BR, and since I don't shoot full time, I was looking for something functional that wasn't very expensive. I would buy and recommend the Peak Design.
Just a thought that I haven't seen anyone comment on. Why are you re-formatting the cards to begin with? When you transfer the files off the card, the card will be blank and the numbering should simply continue. There is no real purpose to reformat the card unless there is something wrong with the file structure on it. It isn't like the NSA is going to ask for it so that they can recover deleted files. Just a thought.