reader Loc: Los Angeles

Hello
I have used Picasa but want to start processing RAW files. Also, I understand Picasa will no longer be supported as Google moves you to their Google Photo application. So, I am looking for advice on my next photo processing software application.

It looks to me like Lightroom will be next as it has wider usage and third party support. But my next question is do I go with a stand alone copy or the Cloud subscription. I am a bit leary of the subscription service as it looks like another way to move people to a service cost which will become a "necessary utility" and then the cost will start to escalate over time. Sort of like moving from an antennae to cable tv. A standalone is a fixed investment.

Please post your thoughts on going with standalone Lightroom vs Lightroom CC.

If you have a strong recommendation and want to talk me out of Lightroom please post those thoughts too.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

It seems to me, from looking at thread titles, that a whole lot of people have problems with LightRoom. At the same time, from reading comments, a whole lot of people think that LightRoom is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
It may be a good idea to use the "Search" function to get a wide range of people's feelings about LR.

Bill_de Loc: US

If you go with the stand alone it is yours forever. It may become outdated, but it will be supported as far as fixing glitches that develop. I use an old version of PhotoShop, and although it doesn't have the latest features it still works for me.

If you go with the CC version, for a relatively low monthly fee, you get the new features as they come out. And, it includes LightRoom and PhotoShop. The downside is, you get to use it until you stop paying, then it is gone.

Some people like renting their homes and some like to own.

BTW - there are a number of free programs out that come pretty close to what LightRoom does.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

What he said.

Just remember 'other software' are not born equal and will abuse your 'babies' by processing your raw in a 8 bit mode instead of a 16 bit. This alone eliminates 75% of cheap tittles.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

OFF Topic:


When young, purchase. When older, sell then rent. Much less hassle to deal with (assuming you have a good landlord).
:shock: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Please do not respond

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

You will be able to use Picasa stand alone.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Photoshop Elements recognizes Picasa

lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.

Excellent suggestion! :thumbup:

MtnMan Loc: ID

I recommend Lightroom for RAW images. It is much easier to learn and use than either Photoshop or Elements. It's big advantage over Elements is the ability to easily create and apply presets to multiple images.

I have the last version you can own. I got it with a student discount. But starting new you are much better off with the subscription. You also get Photoshop with the subscription. That is a great buy. Again I got mine when I had a student discount.

Adobe is not keeping up the desktop version. It will get further and further out of date. Currently it lacks haze reduction: a great feature. I was able to get a free plug-in for that but it was a PITA and unlikely to be available for all added features.

I will eventually go to the subscription.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

it would be a personal choice, but the difference between a stand alone copy and the subscribed version would be future upgrades. if you are not interested in upgrading to the latest and greatest, you should get the stand alone version. if you want to enjoy the rest of the programs that come with the subscribed version, such as photo shop and bridge, and you want the latest upgrades, then you should subscribe. and yes, I am sure there will be future increases in pricing, but that is the way of economy and should not be that large of an increase.

Bill_de Loc: US

According to some Adobe insiders, they will be upgrading LightRoom (not PhotoShop) for the foreseeable future. That means they will come out with newer versions, not updating existing ones. When LR7 comes out it will have the same features that were added to CC. No pricing or release date has been mentioned.

I Googled 'Free Haze Reduction" (Thanks for mentioning it) and found an easy download and install from ProLost.

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

LR/PS is the way to go - the doomsdayers predictions of once they got you hooked they would raise the price has not come to fruition.

I think they learned their lesson when they introduced PS for $30, then the opposite happened - they dropped the price dropped the previous version ownership requirement for lower pricing, and ultimately bundled in LR to make everyone happy - this was over 2 yrs ago and the increase in subscriptions has far exceed their profitability model - so for the foreseeable future the price is likely to stay right where it is - especially when they rid themselves of needing to support legacy software or maintain two lines of production - subscription and retail boxed or download sale.

In the meantime, both PS and LR CC have been aggressively updated with new features and functionality. Even with the missteps, like when they changed the import interface and everyone went crazy, by and large it has been a success for both the company and the millions of users.

You will still be able to read your files, and if you write the raw changes to xmp, you will be able to use the raw edited files in other applications.

Standalone vs Subscription? Well, they have already differentiated the two as far as feature set - and will continue to do so. They have also said that LR 6 is the last standalone. If you decide to go that route, I have a nice Saab in my driveway I'd love to sell you. Great car. :)

BTW, I just kicked cable out of my house - now just have FioS, and I am saving $150 a month.

There is no logical justification for not gettig the subscription - it's cheaper, better, and aggressively supported, and it has a future path. BTW, LR alone is not going to give you finished images - you still need a pixel editor for that - and you get what you need for $10/month. You can get 15 months of subscription to both LR and PS for the current price of Lightroom.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

There have been endless threads on the topic of the Adobe Creative Cloud vs. Standalone versions of their software. There's no need to repeat the arguments here - just use the search function - it's all been said before.

dannac Loc: 60 miles SW of New Orleans

Though I use a standalone version of LR ... the downside would be if you make a new camera purchase in the future,
the older standalone version of LR may not recognize it.

CC is a bargain ... question is, when will the price start increasing.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

that is so true, I was using lightroom 5 and when I purchased the Nikon d7200, it would not recognize the raw files, had to go to the "rented" version of LR to post process my images