When it comes to processing your images, Adobe is the standard choice for a lot of photographers, and many creatives go years without even trying other options. However, nowadays, there are a lot of alternatives to Lightroom and Photoshop, and whether you just do not like subscriptions or you are looking for a different way to work with your photos, this helpful video will give you a brief overview of three different options.
Coming to you from Kayleigh June, this awesome video will show you three alternatives to Adobe image-processing apps: Capture One, Affinity Photo, and Luminar AI. While Lightroom and Photoshop are the applications of choice for a lot of photographers, if you have not explored what else is out there recently, you really should at least poke around a bit. For example, I am a huge fan of Affinity Photo on my iPad. It has a very complete set of features, runs quickly, its interface is intuitive, I can edit with my Apple Pencil, and it produces excellent results. And the best part is that it was a one-time purchase, a fantastic change of pace from subscriptions. Check out the video above for the full rundown from June.
I've found DXO PhotoLab 5 to be amazing (DeepPrime, ClearView, and UPoint).
"this awesome video" says Alex ---- well, for one, I wasn't held in awe by this.
Now before just dismissing me as a curmudgeon, let me explain a bit more. With the increased demand for ever better and finer "developed" images, many of us are spending hours processing a session's photo's. As a result a lot of us would consider a switch if a new programe offerred a real benefit. I currently have several different image processing softwares on the launch bar of my computer - and each offers some advantage over another.
To be "awed" by such a presentation - I want to know - to achieve essentially the same final image:
How much TIME does it take to achieve in each program?
How easy is it to "batch process" images?
How easy is it to import and integrate effective automated actions or filters?
How good is the EDUCATION support?
How much does it COST?
How COMPATIBLE is it with other important programs?
Is there a UNIQUE image effect that can only be achieved in one program?
How quick are the UPDATES released following new OS releases and cameras?
Given the current wide choice of options - how critical is that choice? So - is it really worth the costs and time to master the "learning curve" of new software rather than staying put?
Most of us will have limited time to try out different software - so a comprehensive review would be "awesome".
For now, I think that the most "Awesome" offer is a one-off purchase from Adobe (Sorry Kayleigh, there are several Adobe programs you can buy in full from their website) is the brand new Elements 2022.
That gives you both ACR and >90% of the full PS function needed by >90% of most users. For ACR vs Lightroom, how crucial is the Library module to you? Then, how critical are the pen tool for making Curve selections, the AI-powered Patch tool?
In addition, with a switch to Adobe you get the extraordinary free Adobe educational help from Unmesh Dinda at PiXimperfect - who is supporting 850,000+ subscribers with near 300 free tutorials in this task as well as countless more "guest" visitors. Even more awesome - Elements 2022 has just released and is on sale for 59% LESS than the 2021 version via Groupon this week.
Now that is "truely awesome"! Even a DXO and Skylum habiuated curmudgeon like me might pay up the £34.99 GBP to give that a try and spend the Christmas Holidays on an Adobe "relearning curve"!
While I agree that PS Elements, the amateur consumer version of Photoshop has many fine attributes, to say it has 90 percent of its big brother Photoshop CS or CC, is false. I have both, teaching PS Elements in workshops to amateurs that want a basic editing program. The Camera Raw facilities in CS and CC far outclasses and has more functions than Elements, which is purposely weaker. It truly is an apples and oranges comparison.
Frederic in Montréal.
That’s why I said “brief overview.” :)
I think he meant the video was awesome, not the programs she was discussing
Another FREE software that has many similar attributes to Photoshop, is Fast Stone Viewer, commonly known as FS Viewer.
https://www.faststone.org/index.htm
I downloaded this software onto an Asus PC, when I needed a program to compare it against a Mac version of Photoshop Elements. For basic image editing, cropping, dodge and burn etc, it's easy to use and works like a charm. It works on all file formats, including RAW, Tiffs, PNG, JPG's and more.
Not really designed for pros, but for many who want a quick and easy solution to convert RAW files, or just rework their jpegs - this software sings!
Cheers,
Frederic in Montréal.