Lightroom or Elements?
Hi all,
Following a complete failure of my ancient PC before Christmas, I've now got a new one. However, the old version of CS5 I have won't load up on it - think the disk is damaged. I'm looking at either Lightroom or Elements to replace it with (I never used CS5 to its full anyway).
Having never used either LR or Elements, I'm wondering which would be best. I don't do a lot of in depth editing of my photos, mainly minor stuff like colour / contrast tweaks etc. I shoot Raw when its not the usual family photo stuff, so I need to be able to edit raw files as well.
Thanks in advance
Nige
Following a complete failure of my ancient PC before Christmas, I've now got a new one. However, the old version of CS5 I have won't load up on it - think the disk is damaged. I'm looking at either Lightroom or Elements to replace it with (I never used CS5 to its full anyway).
Having never used either LR or Elements, I'm wondering which would be best. I don't do a lot of in depth editing of my photos, mainly minor stuff like colour / contrast tweaks etc. I shoot Raw when its not the usual family photo stuff, so I need to be able to edit raw files as well.
Thanks in advance
Nige
From what you say about the little processing you do, Elements would more than cover those needs.
RAW:
As far as I remember,all you need to do is open a Raw file in Elements. It will then be taken automatically into a simplified version of Adobe Camera Raw.
RAW:
As far as I remember,all you need to do is open a Raw file in Elements. It will then be taken automatically into a simplified version of Adobe Camera Raw.
Elements also has image file management which, though not as comprehensive as LR, is still very useful. It is only if you grow out of Elements will you need to think about moving up.
Dave
Dave
Elements has the advantage of a one off purchase, sometimes on offer through the likes of Amazon, I got it for £40 in Dec.
Some quick auto fixes and then the 'expert' mode for a little more involved stuff.
As new features have been added to the higher end products last years new stuff has filtered down so it might even have more than you'd expect. The trial period test should help.
I believe LR is only as part of the subscription packages (I may be wrong).
Some quick auto fixes and then the 'expert' mode for a little more involved stuff.
As new features have been added to the higher end products last years new stuff has filtered down so it might even have more than you'd expect. The trial period test should help.
I believe LR is only as part of the subscription packages (I may be wrong).
I agree elements is probably more familiar to you
Saying as you mention you only do basic editing, I would go for Affinity photo. Very similar to photoshop, and it’s a one off payment of around £30
Quote:I would go for Affinity photo.
I don't speak from experience but it's my understanding that Affinity's handling of raw files leaves something to be desired.
That may, or may not make a difference to you but if you then need to look at getting a raw converter; although there's a few free ones out there, Affinity might not be such good value.
Quote:I don't speak from experience but it's my understanding that Affinity's handling of raw files leaves something to be desired.
I do, and can say that I've never had any doubts about Affinity's way of handling my raw files...
The best thing Nige can do is to try a few that have a free trial so he can make up his own mind - that way he doesn't waste any money...
While I use the Adobe package myself LR Classic and PS, I do have a version of Elements and Affinity. Elements has many similarities with PS and does include the file organiser. Elements appears to have access to my many Plug-ins as Adobe use a common area for these. Affinity seemed a bit clumsy to use compared to LR/PS or even Elements and does not have the organiser. So I would still stick with my recommendation for Elements. However, I do not deny that Affinity is good value at least at the price I paid except I do not use it. Downloading a copy of S/W for a trial is OK but my experience tells me that you cannot fully get to grips with such editing packages within 30 days. I use bespoke camera profiles for Raw file rendering in LR/PS but cannot see any way to do this in Affinity and not sure if I can in Elements either.
Dave
Dave
Quote:I do, and can say that I've never had any doubts about Affinity's way of handling my raw files...
Isn't Affinity's approach destructive; ie. it doesn't save your edits?
Quote:
Quote:I do, and can say that I've never had any doubts about Affinity's way of handling my raw files...
Isn't Affinity's approach destructive; ie. it doesn't save your edits?
No, you can choose whether or not to save the modified raw file, or the original.
Quote:
No, you can choose whether or not to save the modified raw file, or the original.
Both . . .?
Quote:Isn't Affinity's approach destructive; ie. it doesn't save your edits?
No it doesn't save the edits but that is not destructive, the raw file still stays the same.
Personally I would combine Affinity with the camera manufacturers free software in this case that would be Canons DPP.
