Image editing software recommendations
Discussion
Hi,
I did have a search back on this subforum for similar topics, but doesn't seem to be many good previous threads.
I have a Nikon D7100 with Nikkor 10-20 wide angle and 18-140 lenses and take pictures of car and all things automotive related, property & internal/external views of prepared/arranged rooms and features. Intermix that with the usual family & friends pics as well.
I'd like to get to grips with more powerful and capable editing software to increase my knowledge and proficiency on a learning curve that suits me. I know Light room and Photo shop are the main choices it seems, but I'm not wanting a subscription based solution - I'd like/want a desktop installed choice.
What's the collective suggestions from everyone on this please?!
Cheers, Dennis!
I did have a search back on this subforum for similar topics, but doesn't seem to be many good previous threads.
I have a Nikon D7100 with Nikkor 10-20 wide angle and 18-140 lenses and take pictures of car and all things automotive related, property & internal/external views of prepared/arranged rooms and features. Intermix that with the usual family & friends pics as well.
I'd like to get to grips with more powerful and capable editing software to increase my knowledge and proficiency on a learning curve that suits me. I know Light room and Photo shop are the main choices it seems, but I'm not wanting a subscription based solution - I'd like/want a desktop installed choice.
What's the collective suggestions from everyone on this please?!
Cheers, Dennis!
Adobe Lightroom would be more than powerful enough for most of your needs - and would be my "go to" choice.
But failing that and given budget preferences, did the Nikon not come with a bit of software (perhaps they don't any more) for getting the best out of the files? Cannot, off the top of me 'ead, think what it's called, but if you have something you've already paid for that's where I'd consider starting.
But failing that and given budget preferences, did the Nikon not come with a bit of software (perhaps they don't any more) for getting the best out of the files? Cannot, off the top of me 'ead, think what it's called, but if you have something you've already paid for that's where I'd consider starting.
K12beano said:
Adobe Lightroom would be more than powerful enough for most of your needs - and would be my "go to" choice.
Except he specifically says he doesn’t want a subscription based model.I use Luminar 4 having switched from Lightroom 12 months ago. Simple to use and does a decent job for a one off payment of £81.
https://skylum.com/l/luminar-checkout-2?utm_expid=...
Standard answer is usually GIMP as a free stand alone image editor.
It apparently takes a little getting used to but there are many tutorials and it's meant to be very good.
I certainly know what you mean about not wanting a subscription model - I'm using Adobe CS6 which was the last installed version before it went subscription, and intend using it for as long as possible.
It apparently takes a little getting used to but there are many tutorials and it's meant to be very good.
I certainly know what you mean about not wanting a subscription model - I'm using Adobe CS6 which was the last installed version before it went subscription, and intend using it for as long as possible.
Which is why I then went on to say to try Nikon's own software - and someone has kindly said it's Nikon NXshed driver said:
Affinity is pretty good,some bargains to be had every now and then.
Another vote for Affinity Photo. I like the UI. It's cheap and not subscription, does lots of stuff and the positive reviews don't lie.The only downside is that there are no instructions with it. OK, so there are some rather good Serif-produced videos on YT, but there's nothing like the plethora of magazines there are on Photoshop. Mind you, it's easy enough to transfer the methods to AP.
I also use Affinity Designer and Publisher. They are totally integrated, in the sense that you can move from one to the other in programme. I do a lot with Publisher and this is a rather cool facility. I've no doubt Adobe will follow suit soon enough.
I'm not sure of the price as I got mine a bit cheap, but the boast was that you could get all three for 4-months worth of Adobe subscription.
I quite liked Gimp for photo only although I preferred Serif PhotoPlus.
Lynchie999 said:
Capture One ... one off payment and a very powerful program ... (its a Lightroom equivalent not photoshop) you can then pair with Affinity Photo for heavy manipulation...
And yet another vote for Affinity Photo. Not only is it cheap to buy but there are loads of tutorials on YouTube covering everything you want to know, from starting with the program to complex composites.It’s a very capable piece of software and is very similar to photoshop to use, sharing many of the same keyboard shortcuts. You would buy version 1.7 and the incremental updates are free. There is a 14 day free trial (iirc) and there are often discounts. I bought the software in a deal and then the workbook too.
If you need a DAM then coupling it with Capture One makes sense. No subscription, and many believe (as do I) an unrivalled RAW render ability with excellent colour management.
Whatever you pick there’s plenty of choice - good luck.
Hi,
Thanks to you all for the help & suggestions- much appreciated!
Is Paint Shop Pro a good potential contender as well?
I really like the ability shown in the Capture One product pages where there's various Style packs of the pre-sets - Does Affinity have something similar perhaps from a 3rd party ?
I know I want to go for a stepped approach and to build up experience and knowledge taking pictures and then editing them. I guess once I feel much more comfortable I can go for a more expensive and capable product like Capture One in the future.
Cheers, Dennis!
Thanks to you all for the help & suggestions- much appreciated!
Is Paint Shop Pro a good potential contender as well?
I really like the ability shown in the Capture One product pages where there's various Style packs of the pre-sets - Does Affinity have something similar perhaps from a 3rd party ?
I know I want to go for a stepped approach and to build up experience and knowledge taking pictures and then editing them. I guess once I feel much more comfortable I can go for a more expensive and capable product like Capture One in the future.
Cheers, Dennis!
Avantime said:
I have a problem - I'm a photography teacher and some of my yr10 students are asking about free software.
I'd lose my job if I email then all suggesting they download Gimp!!! Is it produced under a more "school friendly" name?!
Give them this name, Google will find it.I'd lose my job if I email then all suggesting they download Gimp!!! Is it produced under a more "school friendly" name?!
GNU Image Manipulation Program
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