Photoshop versions... or a cheaper alternative?

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

09/13/2020 11:39:00 AM · #1

I mentioned in a previous thread that my old computer died a few days ago. Although I plan to see if I can get it fixed/revamped at some stage, I need Photoshop on my new laptop now.

I've still been using Photoshop CS5, originally bought as a discounted upgrade from some version of Elements (I've long forgotten which one). The problems started years ago when I bought my old computer and the Adobe site said my serial number was invalid. With difficulty support eventually sorted the problem out, so possibly I can go that route again. But I'm not sure it's worth it.

The version of ACR included in PSCS5 isn't compatible with the latest Canon RAW files, meaning everything has to be converted to DNG first, using up a lot of unnecessary disk space - already leading to my running out of space on my backup (external) hard drive and costing me access (hopefully only temporarily) to 4 months' worth of photos. So I'm considering upgrading to the latest version of Photoshop, but not too keen on the extra expense.

I was planning to download the trial but got a bit confused by all the different plans Adobe has to offer.

This one calls itself Photoshop, but it seems that it offers a few features I don't need. Am I right?

Is the one called Photography what I really need? I really don't want to spend more than that.

Alternatively, if there another cheaper program I should try? It must be compatible with Nik - assuming I can still access the free version I've been using.

Lydia

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

09/13/2020 12:56:55 PM · #2

If you go to the Adobe.com site and look at their "deals".

You can get Photoshop and Lightroom for $9.99 US a month.

That's what I have.

Lydia

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

09/13/2020 12:57:55 PM · #3

Photography (20GB)

US$9.99
/mo

Lightroom, Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and 20GB of cloud storage (1TB available).

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

09/13/2020 02:15:04 PM · #4

Originally posted by Lydia:

Photography (20GB)

US$9.99
/mo

Lightroom, Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and 20GB of cloud storage (1TB available).

Thanks Lydia. That's the plan I was looking at. Only problem is that it's $11.49 here. Combined with our weak currency that's a lot of money.

I might have to pay that though because working with an old version of ACR has caused me a lot of problems. I'll have to delete thousands of DNG files off multiple disks, making sure not to delete the ones that have editing steps attached.

hajeka

Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM

09/13/2020 03:07:16 PM · #5

Originally posted by Lydia:

If you go to the Adobe.com site and look at their "deals".

You can get Photoshop and Lightroom for $9.99 US a month.

That's what I have.

For US people only. In Europe it's somewhat more expensive. You can have a look at darktable, although I'm not sure if that is sufficient

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

09/13/2020 09:37:11 PM · #6

Originally posted by hajeka:

You can have a look at darktable, although I'm not sure if that is sufficient

No, I don't think it is. I presume you can't do composites or things like flip 'n blend.

GeorgesBogaert

Canon RP

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro

09/13/2020 11:12:38 PM · #7

https://www.gimp.org/

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

09/14/2020 05:25:17 AM · #8

Originally posted by GeorgesBogaert:

https://www.gimp.org/

I've tried it in the past, but I'm not a fan. I've been using Photoshop for so long I doubt I'd be happy with anything less. I'll download the trial and see if my computer is powerful enough to cope with the latest version. If it can, I guess I'll have to pay the price. If not, I'm probably best off continuing with the inconvenience of CS5.

Edit: I guess I shouldn't really have asked about a cheaper alternative. My main reason for this thread was to confirm that I was looking at the right version of Photoshop with so many options available.

Message edited by author 2020-09-14 05:32:03.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

09/14/2020 09:14:20 AM · #9

It looks like my computer will cope - and a lot quicker than the old one was reacting before it died. Now I've got a lot of learning to do. I'm just upset about all the custom settings and actions I've lost.

kirbic

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

09/14/2020 10:32:31 AM · #10

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Good outcome... Adobe has paid some attention to responsiveness in recent updates, so not entirely unexpected. I run Ps and Lr on a 4-year-old laptop with a 2-core processor; Ps actually performs pretty well, and Lr is laggy but improved over a couple years ago.
As regards the actions, don't write them off completely. You may be able to dig them out of your old hard drive if you can either resurrect the old system or mount the drive in an external case to access it.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

09/14/2020 11:00:34 AM · #11

Originally posted by kirbic:

I know it's possible, but I have to brave a trip to a computer shop and I'm not sure I'm ready to do that, so for now I'll have to manage without them. Meanwhile, as I said, there's a lot to learn. And to complicate matters I've never used Lightroom. What advantages does it have over ACR?

kirbic

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

09/14/2020 01:38:59 PM · #12

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

...And to complicate matters I've never used Lightroom. What advantages does it have over ACR?

In essence the ACR engine is the same as the Lightroom engine, however I believe there are a lot more processing options in Lr than in the Ps implementation of ACR. But Lr is much more than a RAW conversion engine, it is a library system, and it is a bit of a learning curve. If you are used to doing things one way, I would suggest continuing to do so, getting familiar with the updated Ps, and later looking at what Lr can do for you. I use Lr both at home and at work, and it is a critical part of my workflow. I use it to:
- Import RAWs to my library from my various devices (cameras, 'phone)
- Cull and rate
- Perform a "default" conversion based on the device it is coming from (happens automatically)
- Keyword my photos
- Maintain my RAW library, along with non-destructive edits (stored as XML "sidecar" files)
- Create the majority of my final (JPEG or TIFF) output images, exported to my library of final images
So in the end, my editing in Ps is limited to those images that need some more extensive work, basically stuff that needs work in layers. Everything else is done completely in Lr.
If/when you jump into Lr, I would strongly suggest picking up a book, giving it a read-through and then starting back from the beginning as you install and define your preferences for your library. Initial choices are very important.
Hope this helps!

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

09/14/2020 06:23:09 PM · #13

Thanks

kirbic. I guess it's going to take a while to learn everything. Already I'm finding some things aren't where I expect them to be. And I much preferred the old 'save for web'.

kirbic

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

09/14/2020 08:25:03 PM · #14

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

...And I much preferred the old 'save for web'.

Psst:

File>Export>Save for Web (Legacy)

:-)

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

09/14/2020 09:27:38 PM · #15

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:
...And I much preferred the old 'save for web'.

Psst:

File>Export>Save for Web (Legacy)

:-)

Thanks. I found that but it's more difficult to control the image size.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

09/14/2020 10:42:01 PM · #16

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:
...And I much preferred the old 'save for web'.

Psst:

File>Export>Save for Web (Legacy)

:-)

Thanks. I found that but it's more difficult to control the image size.

Huh? First you resize the image to 1200 px, then you go to save for web, then you click a little 3-dot dropdown list that allows you to specify file size: I have mine defaulting at 695...

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

09/15/2020 04:32:28 AM · #17

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:
...And I much preferred the old 'save for web'.

Psst:

File>Export>Save for Web (Legacy)

:-)

Thanks. I found that but it's more difficult to control the image size.

Huh? First you resize the image to 1200 px, then you go to save for web, then you click a little 3-dot dropdown list that allows you to specify file size: I have mine defaulting at 695...

I spent ages yesterday looking for that but couldn't find it. I'll have another look when I'm at my computer later.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

09/15/2020 05:29:46 AM · #18

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:
...And I much preferred the old 'save for web'.

Psst:

File>Export>Save for Web (Legacy)

:-)

Thanks. I found that but it's more difficult to control the image size.

Huh? First you resize the image to 1200 px, then you go to save for web, then you click a little 3-dot dropdown list that allows you to specify file size: I have mine defaulting at 695...

I spent ages yesterday looking for that but couldn't find it. I'll have another look when I'm at my computer later.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

09/15/2020 05:40:45 AM · #19

Thanks Robert. Everything looks so unfamiliar, and after missing that I tried Export, but it wasn't there. I feel a bit stupid now.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

09/15/2020 11:31:55 AM · #20

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Thanks Robert. Everything looks so unfamiliar, and after missing that I tried Export, but it wasn't there. I feel a bit stupid now.

I felt the same way when they changed the interface. No worries...

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

09/16/2020 05:49:58 PM · #21

I've recently switched to using Luminar as my RAW editor and then polishing off my images in Paintshop pro, which I have been using for many years now.

The thing that pushed me to switch was having 3 different brands of cameras and a drone, all with different RAW formats. It's got some cool features such as a very easy to use sky replacement. There is a new variety coming out called "Luminar AI", but I haven't yet decided if this will provide any advantage to me over Luminar 4.