Photo editing programs: Lightroom, Luminar, Affinity Photo, Darktable, FastStone, ACSDSee and more
- Thread starter wordie
- Start date
RoyReed
Must fly!
It is still perfectly possible to use Lightroom V6 - the last standalone version before it went subscription. So long as your camera is old enough to be supported by the final version (6.14) then the only thing that won't work is the map module (Google changed their terms of service). You'll need to install v6.0, then the update to v6.14.
What you can't do is purchase this version. You'll need an existing serial number.
What you can't do is purchase this version. You'll need an existing serial number.
editor
hiraethified
This works on any platform and is amazing
Photopea | Online Photo Editor
I use ACDSee because I refuse to get into a subscription model for software
Photopea | Online Photo Editor
I use ACDSee because I refuse to get into a subscription model for software
RoyReed
Must fly!
Darktable and ON1 Photo Raw are the two alternatives that seem to be getting some interest at the moment.
And (although I don't like the UI) PaintShop Pro and AfterShot Pro are both very capable.
And (although I don't like the UI) PaintShop Pro and AfterShot Pro are both very capable.
Do you use lightroom?
RoyReed
Must fly!
Yes, pretty much every day.
Subscription or tinkered-with?
RoyReed
Must fly!
I'm still using a legit v6.14. I won't do their subscription model.
RoyReed
Must fly!
I've been watching Darktable's progress for a while. Of all the RAW editors it seems to be the best rival to Lightroom (which I'd love to be able to drop, as I hate Adobe's rent-a-software policy - I've stuck with the last version you could actually buy - 6.14). It wasn't there when I tested version 2.0, but it looks like it might be there now. It can import some Lightroom settings so long as these have been exported to XMP sidecar files (i.e. it won't read the Lightroom database) so for me that would mean a massive export before I could even start to import from Lightroom.
Metadata
• tags and hierarchical tags
• color labels
• ratings
• GPS information
Develop settings
• crop and rotate (crop and rotate)
• black level (exposure)
• exposure (exposure)
• vignette (vignette)
• clarity (local contrast)
• tone curve (tone curve)
• HSL (color zones)
Probably as many as 25% of my photos have had perspective correction applied (I used to be an architectural photographer) and those settings won't get imported which is a drag.
I'm hoping to be getting a new PC in the next few months, so I won't be installing it to test out version 3.0 until then.
If you only (or mainly) shoot JPG then the importing of the develop settings might not matter, and if you're not a Lightroom user then maybe not at all.
Metadata
• tags and hierarchical tags
• color labels
• ratings
• GPS information
Develop settings
• crop and rotate (crop and rotate)
• black level (exposure)
• exposure (exposure)
• vignette (vignette)
• clarity (local contrast)
• tone curve (tone curve)
• HSL (color zones)
Probably as many as 25% of my photos have had perspective correction applied (I used to be an architectural photographer) and those settings won't get imported which is a drag.
I'm hoping to be getting a new PC in the next few months, so I won't be installing it to test out version 3.0 until then.
If you only (or mainly) shoot JPG then the importing of the develop settings might not matter, and if you're not a Lightroom user then maybe not at all.
editor
hiraethified
This is very tempting. Anyone using any of these packages? My Ye Olde OoArrr Photoshop copy is looking well dated these days.
Affinity Photo, Designer and Publisher now offered on free 3 month trial with 50% discount for buyers
Affinity are looking to tempt photographers and creatives looking for an alternative to the costly Adobe offerings with a free three month trial of their powerful software suite which includes Affi…
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editor
hiraethified
So Darktable failed to impress me. Just a bit too clunky for me.
I downloaded Affinity Photo (there's a free three month trial on and it's been reduced to £25) and it's pretty good. I was set to give the new version of Luminar a go but got pissed off when they wanted to charge me £57 for a one-version upgrade - but you can buy v4 now for £59 - so I'd be effectively buying the software twice. Fuck that.
I downloaded Affinity Photo (there's a free three month trial on and it's been reduced to £25) and it's pretty good. I was set to give the new version of Luminar a go but got pissed off when they wanted to charge me £57 for a one-version upgrade - but you can buy v4 now for £59 - so I'd be effectively buying the software twice. Fuck that.
editor
hiraethified
I've merged together several related threads that hadn't had a response for a while.
So what are you using now? I'm still using an old copy of ACDSee seeing as all their updates have been buggy (I've had two refunds on upgrades) the a brilliant free FastStone program and a really ancient copy of {Photoshop.
So what are you using now? I'm still using an old copy of ACDSee seeing as all their updates have been buggy (I've had two refunds on upgrades) the a brilliant free FastStone program and a really ancient copy of {Photoshop.
weltweit
Well-Known Member
StarStax though 1) it was 2018 I last used it and 2) it only stacks jpegs and 3) for some reason it doesn't seem to be working now.
That was 177 images (taken over about an hour and 3/4), converted to jpeg in FastStone and then stacked in StarStax
editor
hiraethified
So Luminar got back to me offering an awesome upgrade discount of, err, £6 over the price of someone buying the latest program now.
I like to support software developers, but an 11% discount is really fucking mean spirited - especially when you look at what their rivals Affinity are offering.
I like to support software developers, but an 11% discount is really fucking mean spirited - especially when you look at what their rivals Affinity are offering.
Saul Goodman
It's all good, man
At the risk of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted... Would you not just download a 'free' version of Lightroom? Or are you using it for commercial purposes? (in which case you should obviously buy something or find a free something)
editor
hiraethified
I don't want to be tied into Lightroom's subscription deal and if I use a 'free' version there's a good chance it may stop working in the future or not support a specific camera. And I never liked its interface but maybe that's changed.
Saul Goodman
It's all good, man
I've been using 'Try before you buy' versions of Lightroom for a long time. They've never stopped working, but the interface is pretty much the same as it's always been.
What I don't understand, is why more software manufacturers aren't adopting the strategy that if they provide a free, fully functioning version of their software, for non commercial use, there's a chance the user might purchase said software, if they ever decide to use it for commercial purposes. Lots of software manufacturers are now realising that this is essential. I have full versions of a lot of Autodesk products here, which would cost umpteen thousands if I wanted to buy them, but they realise that if they don't offer 'free' (In their case, student) versions, then people will simply download cracked versions, which may be beta versions, and contain bugs(and possibly/probably viruses), so if the user does make it big, they may not use said software, due to it not working very well, so surely the best option is to offer a free version, for non-commercial use.
But if you do want Photoshop or Lightroom, (or any other software), feel free to PM me.
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editor
hiraethified
Luminar is starting to fucking annoy me. Randomly the presets (or 'looks') won't preview. Is that carries on, I'm going to have to ask Saul Goodman for one of his dodgy copies of Lightoom if he hasn't already been banned!
editor
hiraethified
Affinity is 50% off (so just £24) until the 9th July.
serif.us8.list-manage.com
I'm not yet decided on it but it's cheap enough just to give a try anyway.
Redeem your Affinity voucher
To redeem your voucher, just enter your code in the box provided and you’ll be redirected to the Affinity Store.
serif.us8.list-manage.com
I'm not yet decided on it but it's cheap enough just to give a try anyway.
weltweit
Well-Known Member
I am considering Affinity Photo, I don't think I will be rushed so the current deal may expire before I decide, no matter. What I can't do with elements and FastStone is HDR (don't really want it anyhow but might like the option) and focus stacking which I do want for macros and landscapes. AP can do both and pano stitching. Anyhow just thinking about it. Not looking forward to relearning things I know how to do in elements.
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