I don't have the money to purchase right now as my new camera has taken that money but I was curious if CS6 or CC is the route to go.
I little background. I've had CS2 since 2009 and have been happy with it but the new camera RAW file does not work with Adobe Bridge causing me to want to upgrade in the future. I see that B&H is selling CS6 for $300 but some places as high as $700 and CC is $19.99 / month. As for CC I really do not think I need that as CS6 and my new camera will probably be constant for many years to come as CS2 and my D70 was so the $19.99 will add and wind up costing me more money in the long run.
Questions:
1. Why is CS6 price to different from vendor to vendor? Is it different versions? I am simply using Google shopping to see prices.
2. Is CC really worth it in the long if I plan to keep CS6 for many years without upgrading?
Personally I think $20/month is outrageous, but I don't have to deal with constantly advancing camera files (i.e. new RAW formats) or really any of the new features -- I mostly use a version released around 1994 (I also have CS2 available). If you have a "usable" version of Photoshop I'd try and workaround the RAW issue with third-party software. At the rate they are charging for PSCC you are completely "upgrading" every 15 months.
The extended version has some video related things, I think.
I started with the CC for $9.99 per month last August - it comes with PS and LR. I think it's called the photography plan - you could see if they still offer that.
You don't need the Extended version; if you can still get a perpetual license, the standard version will meet your needs. Alternately, you can get a subscription to both Ps and Lr for $9.99/mo. That's not a bad deal, if you don't need access to the remainder of the suite, or if your CS2 version of the other apps will suffice.
I read just recently that Adobe will no longer support LR on 32 bit systems. I'm not sure about PS though. So, if your computer is older and 32 bit, or if you are running a 32 bit operating system, take that into account as upgraded software may not run.
I have PS6 and switched to PScc/LR5 at $9.99 per month. I love the latter and have no issue with the recurring price as I upgraded fairly regularly under the old system and spent a fair amount of money anyway. I love the new tools on PScc/LR5.
Realize that the $300 B&H price is for the Educational Edition, and you NEED credentials to activate it (current valid ID or pay stub).
When I do the math, the $10/month is well worth the price for the Creative Cloud subscription. Photoshop has gone through 2 significant upgrades since CS6, including features like Perspective Correction, Shake Reduction and Focus Area selection, all not available with CS6. With the cost of LR & PS, in the 18 months I've subscribed I've still yet to cover the cost of purchasing CS6 alone, and I have not only gotten two PS upgrades but I will get LR 6 at no additional cost when it's introduced. If you use both regularly (i.e. not a couple time a year photographer) then I don't see how you can lose.
As for LR 6 not supporting 32-bit, Lightroom has been a bit of a resource hog for a while now and needed a significant rewrite, so I'm glad to hear they are upgrading it to be both more efficient and to include new features. My understanding is the LR5 will remain intact for CC subscribers on 32 bit machines, but it will be interesting to see if they continue to provide updates to the Camera RAW function for new cameras. I don't foresee them restricting Photoshop the same way, but who knows?
...If you use both regularly (i.e. not a couple time a year photographer) then I don't see how you can lose.
The one downside to the subscription is that you give up your right to use the software immediately if you ever decide to get off the upgrade gerbil-wheel. In the near term, the cost of the subscription is lower than keeping current with perpetual licenses, and you do get free upgrades, but there is that one gotcha if/when you decide to get off the bus.
The one downside to the subscription is that you give up your right to use the software immediately if you ever decide to get off the upgrade gerbil-wheel. In the near term, the cost of the subscription is lower than keeping current with perpetual licenses, and you do get free upgrades, but there is that one gotcha if/when you decide to get off the bus.
...If you use both regularly (i.e. not a couple time a year photographer) then I don't see how you can lose.
The one downside to the subscription is that you give up your right to use the software immediately if you ever decide to get off the upgrade gerbil-wheel. In the near term, the cost of the subscription is lower than keeping current with perpetual licenses, and you do get free upgrades, but there is that one gotcha if/when you decide to get off the bus.
Absolutely - though it need be said that after one month your Lightroom Library and Import modules remain functional even after you end your subscription, so for $10 you'll have one of the best workflow and metadata management tools out there.
As I said, if you use it regularly and have no plan to stop then it's a cheaper alternative than buying an already outdated CS6, and it will remain that way through upgrades for 3-5 years depending on what you pay. If you're getting off the wheel PS Elements is likely all you needed in the first place and you can find the latest and greatest of that for under $100.
The one downside to the subscription is that you give up your right to use the software immediately if you ever decide to get off the upgrade gerbil-wheel. In the near term, the cost of the subscription is lower than keeping current with perpetual licenses, and you do get free upgrades, but there is that one gotcha if/when you decide to get off the bus.
Not sure about this ,I am still using many months after not paying.
Not sure about this ,I am still using many months after not paying.
LOL - good to know.
I just hope for your sake they haven't unleashed the collection agencies on you. I'm on year 5 of 7 having a collection on my record because of one month of internet service charge that was due upon cancellation of the service, there wasn't enough in the bank at the time and instead of sending me a bill or calling me they sent it to collections. I paid it as soon as the collection agency called me, though.
