Hi all.
I'm looking into using Photoshop or Lightroom to edit pictures and grow with it. When doing a search I find that there is a monthly fee to use it but have found used computers that have it installed. The seller claims she uses it for editing with no extra monthly fees. Just putting it out here to get some feedback on this. Thnx
Back in the day you paid a one off for a PS and LR package, now a days you rent it monthly.
I use Affinity which is a one off payment, but I don't think it is as sophisticated as PS
Thanks Jackie. This is an older laptop (2015) she's selling and I just want something that's committed to my photography journey only, and not for anything else. So this might work with what you're saying. I will also have a look at Affinity since I'm not 100% with any program yet. Cheers
I have a 2015 iMac on which I ran my old Lightroom, purchased and installed from a cd. I was perfectly content using it, despite Adobe's lack of support and its inability to get any upgrades. Then my camera died, and I promptly replaced it with a new Canon 80D. I researched everything, and felt I was safe. What I didn't know was the photo file format was upgraded in the new camera and it was not supported by my old Lightroom. We tried downloading the needed camera files from Adobe to the old Lightroom, but it did not work. So, I upgraded to Monteray ... the last upgrade my old 2015 computer would take. Still could not get the new camera file to load into my old Lightroom. So ... new camera, old Lightroom, unable to edit because old Lightroom could not read the newer RAW files.
I also have Affinity, but I've never really learned to use it. So I signed up for the monthly Lightroom/Photoshop with Adobe. Frankly, I am thrilled with all the upgrades for editing in the subscription Lightroom. I am still irritated I can't just buy Lightroom like in the past, and I resent the monthly subscription amount, but the subscription version was quite a step up from my old Lightroom and I love the new and improved editing tools.
I see you are using an EOS 5D Mark IV. Before you purchase the 2015 laptop, check to see what RAW format your camera uses, and check to see if the old Lightroom on the 2015 laptop is compatible with your camera. From my experience, you will not be able to add a newer camera or RAW file format to the old Lightroom and it won't be of much use if it can't read your camera files. Maybe the seller will let you pop in your camera card, load some photos into the Lightroom and make sure it works for you. If it does, great! But be aware that if, in the future, you upgrade cameras, at least with Canon, the old Lightroom won't be able to see the photo file format.
@aecasey Similar! I've been using CD Lightroom (still am actually!!) but since I've started using my Fujifilm it doesn't recognise RAW format grrrrrr so in the mean time I've been shooting in fine JPEG.. but i really do need to upgrade - both my MacBook at LR - I know I'll be pleased when I do - I just don't want to spend the money!!!!
I pay the monthly fee (approx $15 NZD) for Photoshop and Lightroom. I had to subscribe for study reasons. Now I use them all the time so feel 50 cents a day is an acceptable amount. I like that I get regular updates included in the subscription.
I've tried Gimp but for me it was more limiting than PS and LR. I haven't tried Affinity but I know a lot of photographers use it.
You could also try Adobe PhotoShop Elements. No subscription. Doesn't have all the bells and whistles of Lightroom/PhotoShop but very good. Reads RAW files and it is updated with new camera profiles.
@helstor365 thanks! I didn't know there was a free version for Capture - I'd been unsure if i wanted to learn a new system as I do like LR! i'm going to explore that at least a temporary edit tool
I had the whole Adobe suite up to 5 on my older computers. I now subscribe, and to be honest , I think it's well worth the subscription. You are always up to date with the latest features. I have also used Luminar, but didn't like that every time they update, which is frequently, you have to pay again. I don't find it as good as photoshop. I will say, though, I have been using adobe products since the late 80's, so hard to change. I appreciate it's a big learning curve, but I think Lightroom/Photoshop are the best in the industry
Thanks for the very useful tips and information. There is a free for one week trial version of Photo and Lightroom so I'll check it out to see how I'm able to work with it. I think it's $26/month Canadian. Cheers
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I use Affinity which is a one off payment, but I don't think it is as sophisticated as PS
I also have Affinity, but I've never really learned to use it. So I signed up for the monthly Lightroom/Photoshop with Adobe. Frankly, I am thrilled with all the upgrades for editing in the subscription Lightroom. I am still irritated I can't just buy Lightroom like in the past, and I resent the monthly subscription amount, but the subscription version was quite a step up from my old Lightroom and I love the new and improved editing tools.
I see you are using an EOS 5D Mark IV. Before you purchase the 2015 laptop, check to see what RAW format your camera uses, and check to see if the old Lightroom on the 2015 laptop is compatible with your camera. From my experience, you will not be able to add a newer camera or RAW file format to the old Lightroom and it won't be of much use if it can't read your camera files. Maybe the seller will let you pop in your camera card, load some photos into the Lightroom and make sure it works for you. If it does, great! But be aware that if, in the future, you upgrade cameras, at least with Canon, the old Lightroom won't be able to see the photo file format.
You might have a look at this question/answer re the camera RAW and it's compatibility with older Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop: https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/camera-raw-with-canon-5d-mark-iv-and-photoshop-cs6/m-p/10089202
I tried and tried to use that DNG converter with my 2015 iMac and old Lightroom and just could not get it to work.
Good luck!
I've tried Gimp but for me it was more limiting than PS and LR. I haven't tried Affinity but I know a lot of photographers use it.
https://www.captureone.com/en/capture-one-express/fujifilm
You could also try Adobe PhotoShop Elements. No subscription. Doesn't have all the bells and whistles of Lightroom/PhotoShop but very good. Reads RAW files and it is updated with new camera profiles.