Which Photo Processing Software Should You Use?

I'm so sorry this video took so long! So much to talk about and I wasn't very organized in my presentation. Hopefully what I did blab about will help!
In this video, I talk about the similarities and differences between Lightroom, On1 Photo RAW 2019, Luminar 3, Alien Skin Exposure X4, Capture One, and Affinity Photo.
Time in video for quick access:
01:00 - Mention of open source software:
Darktable: www.darktable.org/
RAW Therapee: rawtherapee.com/
02:15 - *Lightroom: bit.ly/2zwQ0nW
09:55 - *On1 Photo RAW 2019: bit.ly/2zJmA9I
17:40 - *Luminar 3: bit.ly/2jFNGVu
24:15 - *Alien Skin Exposure X4: bit.ly/2U8UxrK
25:55 - *Capture One: captureone.sjv.io/rqEnj
31:40 - Affinity Photo: affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/
*Affiliate Links - None of the companies mentioned paid me to do this video but I am an affiliate for the five listed above with the asterisks.
Please read my Code of Ethics Statement:
onlinephotographytraining.com...
--------------------------
Unsure of how to price your photography? Check the 2019 Guide to Pricing Your Photography:
amzn.to/2S1CiU7
I use this software to record my screen:
telestream.pxf.io/DMrW2
As always, THANK YOU!

[@RichMiller]

Excellent video, Anthony. It was not too long because it kept my interest. Thank you!

[@grahamsmith7938]

Capture One doesn't need you to import images, you can work with them directly from the system folders. There are four options for working with files. You can use managed or referenced catalogues, and a non catalogue approach of using "sessions" where there is an option to import files into a session, or to work directly from the system folders. There are free versions of C1 for Sony and Fuji users with restricted features, but still with all the core RAW processing tools (but sessions aren't available). Not sure about Sony, but Fuji have worked closely with C1 to develop camera profiles that match the in camera Fuji profiles. X-rite Color Checker works with C1 in the same way as it does with Lightroom (as of C1 version 12). Tethering works extremely well with C1, and is often the reason cited by people first coming to C1, as tethering in C1 is considered to be more robust than LR. Possibly also worth mentioning that every part of the C1 user interface is customisable, so you can change the position of the tool tabs (as mentioned) add new tool tabs, and customise the tools found under each tool tab. And you can switch the position of the tools panel from the left side of the screen to the right side. And, as another aside, C1 works well with many third party programs. It's extremely well integrated with Photoshop and Affinity Photo making round trips to these programs relatively painless, but it also works with other third party programs, either through the new Plugin Module (new to V12, and includes a plugin for the Helicon Focus stacking program), or in the same way it has always worked by opening external programs from inside C1 with C1 saving the externally edited file beside the original raw file, where it gets added into the C1 catalogue. Of course adding external programs to C1, to match tools built in to some of the other programs does of course add expense to an already expensive program (the now annual upgrades, mean that if you keep up to date, C1 is far more expensive than the Adobe Photographers package). A popular combination is C1 plus Affinity Photo, as the latter adds pixel level editing when needed , and fills some of the gaps (e.g. photostacking, panoramas etc) in C1. It's a complex program to learn, but very powerful, and capable of very high quality results. And very difficult to give up, once you get used to it.

[@robertcrocker2569]

Yes, Sessions is all I now use in Capture One, their "library" module is too controlling and confusing for me. I Capture One and Photo RAW 2019/2020.

[@longliveclassicmusic]

It's great, but your processing can't be embedded in Photoshop as a Smart Object. For me that is a dealbreaker.

[@craigd9305]

One positive thing I can say about On1 and upgrading - I just purchased On1 Photo Raw 2019 and they gave me a discount for being a previous customer, and the software I had bought from them I got about 10 years ago. I appreciate this knowing that if I stick with their software I will not have to update every year but can update from time to time as I choose. Maybe every 2 or 3 years. Also, Affinity Photo does have a trial, I just used it and decided to buy the software.

[@shlomoeshet8525]

Great vid. Very thoughtful of you to add those quick access links. Thank you.

[@kenogrady7774]

I thought this video was great! Thank you. I'm just getting back into photography and have been overwhelmed by the wide variety of options when it comes to photo processing. I've been looking for a solid solution to act as a foundation to my workflow and found your reviews most beneficial. Thank you again for taking the time and sharing your insights they were most helpful

[@davecleverley]

Please do not apologise for offering the service you do Anthony! I found it very interesting and well worth the watch. I have been using On1 for a couple of months now on both Mac and Windows and as you say, it's not as fast on the Win machine plus there is a tendency for it to crash now and again but as I mainly use it on the Mac I find it is pretty stable on that platform. I'm sure the next update will offer improvements anyway. Thanks for the great video's and keep them coming!

[@davidbailey4976]

Thanks for this video. It is one that I will refer back to in the future if Adobe do hike their monthly rates.

[@phlotographer]

Never apologize about video length. Good info is always good no matter the length. I have viewed most of your videos -- great videos -- and own or have owned almost all those mentioned plus others. Affinity Photo has won out because there are just so many great videos related to the program and also because unlike the others, so far ALL updates are included after its low low price. No additional fees every couple years or less like the others and none of this monthly fee concept. Thanks for the comparisons. Now if Flex was available as a plug-in for AP I might spring for it but alas, not so far.

[@phattaxman]

Thank you, Anthony, for this and all of your tutorials. I left Lightroom some time ago and finally settled on Capture One as my primary raw editing tool. That said, I believe ON1 also does a very good job rendering Fuji X-Trans raw files. Also, one thing I would like to say about Exposure X4: You mentioned, rightly, that Exposure does not have camera profiles as do Lightroom, Capture One, and ON1, but Exposure includes a very nice array of film simulation presets.

[@craigozancin]

Capture one tethering is by far the best. Raw processing especially color management is absolutely amazing.

[@terryloewenberg2764]

This is a good watch, Anthony. I've been using ON1 Photo Raw since the 2018 version. I had stability problems with the 2019.5.1 releases that you mentioned. Only when I upgraded my GPU and did a complete, clean reinstall did it start behaving. I am 100% in agreement with your comment about the open source lens profile database. And, there doesn't seem to a defensible rime or reason why some lenses are included and some are not. I have a PC and totally agree with your Luminar comments. When it was first reduced, I bought both Luminar and their Aurora HDR program. I played with both for about 2 weeks and watched some of your early videos using the Mac version. Within days, I asked for (and eventually got) a full refund for a number of reasons, not the least of which was that I didn't purchase the software to become a quasi beta tester and "to wait until we get it right." Thanks for video.

[@markandannette]

Thanks so much for the information, video was great and just the right length for getting all the information out you wanted too.

[@pjf7943]

I stumbled upon your videos and appreciate your relaxed, common sense tutorials and "just the facts ma'am" approach to editing with the use of all these programs. I am already a user of Affinity and do like it, but the AI advances in Luminar 4 have tempted me to treat myself using your code.. Interestingly, I also use Photolemur 3 and/or Photo works ( I prefer Lemur 3) for quick and relatively nice/simple edits for eBay and basic viewing. Thank you again for your time and expertise. BTW, the fact that you have an Italian last name was also a persuader. LOL!

[@HoraceCafe]

Congratulations for this beautiful work. Have you ever tried RawPower. This software is developed by a person who was involved in the development of Aperture on Mac. I find it very good to develop RAW files.

[@helstor]

Thanks for a great video. I use Photoshop Elements for Windows and have for a long time. There are some basic things I miss in the Camera Raw edition that ships with PSE (like lens correction and chromatic aberration correction) . I also own ON1 Photo RAW and Luminar 3 and I have tried other progams (but not Capture 1). The reason I keep using PSE is its ability to do highlight recovery and how the highlight slider only affects highlights and the shadow slider only affects shadows (basically when I edit a landscape shot I only have to pull down the highlight slider to get the detail I want in the sky and pull up the shadow slider to reveal shadow detail ) . I want to like and start using Luminar and/or ON1 but I just can't (yet). Luminar's highlight recovery is good, but as you mention the Windows version is slow and lack features that are in the Mac version. Also a lot of keyboard shortcuts just don't work. ON1's highlight recovery is really bad. On their project page they say it is something they are working on and will be fixed in the next version but I think there has been 2 or 3 versions now without anything being fixed. Also the highlight, midtones and shadows sliders are not "fine tuned" like in PSE and when you use them they affect a larger part of the image so it is difficult to recover highlights by dialing down the exposure and then lift shadows since the shadow slider also brightens the highlights again! The Haze slider also introduce some nasty artifacts on contrasting edges (especially noticeable where an overcast sky meets a darker mountain) . And finally, everything is soooo slow in ON1. Just opening a folder to browse takes forever (on a laptop with an Intel i7 CPU, 20GB of RAM and 250GB SSD). Could you perhaps do a video where you compare highlight recovery ability of the various programs and maybe give some tips on how to go about getting the best result for each?

[@sacred406]

Great information by the way. Thank you for your time and knowledge shared.

[@igw2b]

Thanks for the comparisons. I think that you were a bit unfair to Capture One (my app of choice). I think that sometimes people find it confusing because it is considerably different from, say, Lightroom which they may have been using for years. But I have been using Capture One for years, and when I try something like Lightroom, I find that confusing. So it's a matter of what you are used to. Capture One also has outstandingly good video tutorials and webinars on its KZbin channel (also available from the Learning Hub on their website) which are a great resource for those starting out. And for other users too in fact - I always learn something new.

[@membler]

I agree. C1 seems daunting at first but it's not that difficult really. I use On1 to cull images sometimes and for panos, HDR and focus blending. But for basic raw processing nothing beats Capture One. I'm a Sony shooter.

[@christopherbarber9351]

Great overview, excellent level of detail and scope for the overview.

[@WilliamWallaceRoss]

Well, I have tried them all. I own ON1 Photo RAW 2019 and Luminar 3. Luminar 4 is coming real soon. I find that I use Luminar 3 the most, being a predominately Landscape Shooter. ON1 Photo RAW 2020 is also coming. Thanks for the video explaining what each application does, with their strengths and weaknesses.

[@nicolagambino1358]

As always, Great Video!!!

[@stevemartin239]

Great information Anthony. Thank-you for sharing.

[@gregorystramat9557]

Anthony: I have taken all most all of your Lightroom training classes. Very well done. I'm going to look at ON1 Photo Raw 2020. A comment about Adobe software: I "rent" under the process you described. I own Lightroom 6, which they stopped supporting. Additionally, the catalogs for the "rented" Lightroom Classic are not backward compatible to previous versions of owned (purchased) software. This totally irritates me about the rental program. I am retired and use the software for photography from major vacations, usually twice a year, i.e. I am not a professional and do not use the software on an everyday basis. That being said, a piece of software that performs it's function and that I own for posterity is much more appealing. If I cancel my Adobe prescription I lose every non-exported photograph. Screw updates; if it works, and does the job, and I own it in perpetuity - fantastic! Keep up the great work!

[@tonygreenwoodN10]

Many thanks - a really good run-through of the various options to replace LR. Affinity Photo provides a free trial for both their Mac and Windows versions - not sure for how many days though (I think it might be 10 days?) - you can down load the trail versions via their website.

[@lesthompson9317]

I found this extremely helpful. Thank you for the diligence and tremendous amount of time & effort you put into all your videos. It's very much appreciated. In the UK I'm currently paying £9.98 per month for the Adobe Photo plan which gives me a total of 15 full Adobe apps.

[@fredericsoumier8096]

Great job. Great rough comparison of Adobe alternatives. As a photographer i can now do most of my jobs with On 1. While working with the flexibility of a RAW file. Sure it doesn't match Photoshop for tricky selections of a subject on a busy background. But Affinity is close to it. And both are more enjoyable to use. With not so much changing in the practice. Adode isn't the only way now to digital photography.

[@EBzerozero]

Great video, as always.

[@markbarnes9694]

As a Luminar 3 user, just one small correction. L3 and L Flex both come with collections of "Looks" (presets). There are additional Looks for purchase from Skylum and other professional photographers. Great video, just what I wanted. Thanks!

[@daemon1143]

Even two years later, after numerous software updates, this was very useful for someone like me just coming back to photography after learning in the 80s with film. Thanks.

[@robgerety]

This is the boat I am in. Getting back into it with zero experience doing any serious digital stuff. My experience is all film, where you do did your best in camera and lived with the result. This stiff now is a bit overwhelming.

[@AmericanPatriot447]

very thorough great job. I don't think I remember hearing you say but affinity photo which I do use has HDR, panorama, focus stacking and it does a great job on them a little slow though. Resizing works very well and spot removal outstanding blemish and spot removal

[@r.v.niddrie9111]

Like all your videos this one is very informative. I have Lightroom. Luminar ON1 2019 infinity photo and others. Want to move over to ON1. Find myself reverting back to Lightroom. Will continue to watch your training vids on ON1 in particular. Best to you as always. What app do you use the most? Love to know

[@MrBooojangles]

Great video Anthony. Hey, don't worry about the length of it, it was great to hear the side by side review and pros and cons of them all. I'm in the process of choosing better editing software to start professionally with, then what I'm using. I am wanting to be able to do panoramas, focus stacking, adding text, possibly graphics and HDR, as well as the normal photo fixing tools. I was going to go with Afinity Photo for a Photoshop replacement and another for the Lightroom replacement. So I was thinking of getting Afinity and On 1. From what I have found out, in all my research, is that there's none that do everything. Does that sound an ok choice or does anyone have any other suggestions. By they way, I came across a video the other day, about a software I'd not heard of called Chasys Draw. One feature on that, is that it can resize your photos to a 50mp size and sharpen it at the same time to make massive prints from. The guy told me he has an older 16mp camera and did this resizing to his photos and has already sold a few big prints.

[@artmaltman]

Timely topic. Thank you!!!!

[@Gen1gamer]

Yes affinity photo has a trial. I got it from serif's website.

[@DennisMook]

Anthony, this was an excellent summary of the major features or lack thereof for these particular programs. As I hunt for a future alternative to Lightroom, there are some tools I use that are essential for every image I edit. I’m sure others experience the same. Those tools are missing from many of these programs. For example, there is no chromatic aberration removal tool in Exposure X4 nor are you able to enter keywords to your images using Luminar. Those two examples and others are essential and I wish you would have gotten a little more in depth other than HDR, panoramas and focus stacking. However, thank you for your Herculean effort.

[@BigBadLoneWolf]

Yes Affinity has a free trial period( 10 days ) and it updated to latest version during my free trial, which meant i started again from day 1 :)

[@omargonzales3]

I’m loving luminar 4, it great for beginners

[@mattsiler7418]

It would be great to make a video that speaks to the more advanced parts of these software apps that deal with the things that Photoshop would normally perform in conjunction with LR. i.e. how well do these apps compare in functionality to Photoshop? What can you perform in PS that you cannot do in these all-in-one apps?

[@thomaskauffman983]

You really should have mentioned Layers in ON1 Photo Raw. To me, it is a gamechanger.

[@bobcohen4008]

Nice video. As usual (we've come to expect that from you!) While you occasionally mentioned Photoshop in comparison, you might have included Bridge + Adobe Camera Raw + Photoshop; it's an alternative to Lightroom and the approach I used to use before I got accustomed to Lightroom.

[@nikonrulz]

Loved it!....excellent video.

[@markwith140]

An update that was introduced for Exposure X5 is that it now has 3D colour masking, including the ability to mask on Hue, Saturation and/or Luminance.

[@naidadad9311]

Thank you for this wonderfully informative video~~

[@acraftman2823]

Thanks Anthony,I shared it with my fav photog website. Crikie! I think I have been subbed for five years and still look forward to your vid's.

[@ManoChandraDhas]

I've being having problems with a new iMac (7 months old) hanging when I use Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic. I am not confident that Adobe will fix the problem (I have an open case with Support), and have been looking for alternatives. As a Microstocker, I use the Metadata facilities on LR a lot. I have presets for Titling, Descriptions and Keywords; these save so much time for me. You have not mentioned that On1 Photo RAW and Luminar 3 have the same features. You mentioned they have a Library Module, but did not go as far as detailed Metadata. Maybe you will cover it in another video?

[@quebecer4605]

I found out that I don't have the patience for Capture One. I went back to ON1 2019. I'm very happy with ON1. It's easy to use and handles my Fuji raw files without issue.

[@ocubex]

I'm in the same boat, tried capture 1 a bunch of times and could not get my head around it. Will be looking at on1 over the next few weeks.

[@Flabeaches]

I've used On1 products for years and find it easy to use. I also have the Adobe CC photo package (photoshop, lightroom, etc) but I'm going to drop it when the subscription runs out. I've played with the free copy of Luminar but it didn't compare to On1 Photo Raw. I also shoot Fuji and found On1 to handle the files fine. I can also tether my Nikons without issue.

[@Phalcineddie]

I may have missed it, but I would be quite interested in destructive/non-destructive processes in each processor, plus the use and placement of sidecar files for each application. One of the first things I did in the LR library was to make sure the sidecars were stored with the RAW files. Is this arrangement doable or even done with these processing programs?

[@job2k6]

Appreciate the video. I just got around to moving and organizing 15 years of video and photos onto a single drive and used Lightroom to sort everything. My biggest fear now going forward is spending loads of my time developing photos in Lightroom and being locked into the Adobe environment meaning I'm stuck with their monthly fee model. I am seriously considering On1 or Luminar if only to get away from a lifetime of buying Lightroom monthly subscriptions. This video should help me decide.

[@MRing1107]

Same exact fear here. I'll be taking advantage of the trials soon, thats our best bet.

[@johnfletcher1036]

Have you seen that Xrite colorchecker camera calibration (ver 2.0.1) can now use TIFF files to generate the profiles, no longer do you need Adobe DNG converter unless you want to produce dual illuminant profiles.

[@JohnCollins-iy1pw]

You forgot to mention that Affinity Photo is only 1 part of the Affinity Suite,there is also Designer and Publisher and they all interact with each other.

[@muminki7783]

Hi, what does it mean? What can you do? I just ask because I used to be luminar fan but they are going wrong and I'm looking for another software (not adoobe photoshop) to continue my work. I know affinity photo is recommended by lots people ... but ... There always is "but". Thank You

[@jasonng3239]

Yeah

[@simianinc]

@@muminki7783 What he means is that you also want an alternative to Abobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign, Affinity has offer tham. They're tightly integrated, and you can often edit each tool's files in the product you're currently in

[@PauloParreira]

I really really really would love to Affinity release a photo editor, organiser like Lightroom.

[@turnerx5]

Nice overview. It really should include DXO PhotoLab. In my experience, DXO has the best RAW development engine, and best noise reduction. It added local adjustments using some of the NIK tech DXO bought from Google. Really solid program and worth exploring. Thanks!

[@mattsiler7418]

No Fuji X-Trans Support unfortunately

[@begr_wiedererkennungswert]

... and no support for some other cameras. So you learn how to use DXO, get used to it, love it, but you may have to change your raw converter when you update your camera model.

[@Noealz]

I like using Lightroom and Luminar - but I'd be open to others, just seems a little of a drag having to learn something new again. but if you know one you basically know em all

[@pavelperina7629]

Thanks a lot for this comparison. I just tried On1 and Exposure X5 to replace historic Lightroom with DNG coverter for my basic needs. Both can do it without any problem or missing feature, but ... Short version: due to inaccurate colors, not pixel sharp output for Panasonic MFT raw files and having maybe more features for less, I decided for On1. Long version: - They can read all RAW files I have. However Exposure has slightly higher color temperature with significant purple tint for all my Panasonic MFT cameras (GF1, G5 and G80) making all photos somewhat red and besides that, there are some color shifts (in hue and luminosity) which can't be easily corrected. This problem is even worse for Sony RX100 II. On1 has wrong color temperature for prehistoric Canon G6, but that is not important anymore. Both have pretty much same and good colors for some Sony mirrorless APSC camera I borrowed few times to test -> On1 wins there, but it can be solved by intermediate DNG files created by Adobe DNG converter (which is main reason to ditch old Lightroom) - Photos seems sharper from On1 - On1 is right now on (nearly) 50% discount so it cost half. - On1 has some bugs in browsing folders with subfolders and it does not display previews randomly. - Exposure has way faster RAW files export. It's super slow in On1 - Exposure seems to have some issues with reconstruction of overexposed areas, where other programs have orange-yellow-white gradient, this one has orange-pink-white. Solvable by DNG. - Exposure works better with gradients for me (color temperature is not relative and extremely sensitive, it's from - to instead of midpoint-width) - Exposure has better folder browser (which seems a bit buggy in current On1) - Exposure has better color scheme (not so dark) and larger fonts (i have 110ppi monitor and i don't have to use 125% scaling) User interface is a tie, with On1 perhaps better. Exposure requires lots of scrolling and hiding of panels and it's sometimes confusing, especially cause effects in their default state are shown as enabled. On1 forces you to make mouse clicks and there are some choices like showing either navigator or histogram, but not both. To go from develop mode to browse/grid mode you have to either click icons on opposite corner of the screen or tap G key twice (from devolelop to grid view, from photo view layout to grid layout)

[@mikemitchem4846]

As a new Fujifilm user, I am interested in the best RAW converter. You mentioned Capture 1 and Fuji, but what about the other apps and Fuji Raw files. Really haven't seen the "worms" artifacts that were in the early version of Light Room. Thanks

[@oneeyedphotographer]

Fuji and Phase One have an agreement that means a good price for you. I expect Phase One has inside information to help it make the best raw converter possible. Ditto Sony.

[@AnthonyMorganti]

I'm so sorry this video took so long! So much to talk about and I wasn't very organized in my presentation. Hopefully what I did blab about will help! In this video, I talk about the similarities and differences between Lightroom, On1 Photo RAW 2019, Luminar 3, Alien Skin Exposure X4, Capture One, and Affinity Photo. Time in video for quick access: 01:00 - Mention of open source software: Darktable: www.darktable.org/ RAW Therapee: rawtherapee.com/ 02:15 - *Lightroom: bit.ly/2zwQ0nW 09:55 - *On1 Photo RAW 2019: bit.ly/2zJmA9I 17:40 - *Luminar 3: bit.ly/2jFNGVu 24:15 - *Alien Skin Exposure X4: bit.ly/2U8UxrK 25:55 - *Capture One: captureone.sjv.io/rqEnj 31:40 - Affinity Photo: affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/ *Affiliate Links - None of the companies mentioned paid me to do this video but I am an affiliate for the five listed above with the asterisks. Please read my Code of Ethics Statement: onlinephotographytraining.com/code-of-ethics/ -------------------------- Unsure of how to price your photography? Check the 2019 Guide to Pricing Your Photography: amzn.to/2S1CiU7 I use this software to record my screen: telestream.pxf.io/DMrW2 As always, THANK YOU!

[@knofi7052]

On Mac I am using Apple Photos for organizing and most necessary editing tasks are possible with it as well. If I need something more sophisticated I am using Affinity Photo.

[@DragonKingGaav]

I use Lightroom Classic because it felt the closest to an advanced version of iPhoto.

[@jamesgerboc]

Can you sometime speak to choosing an editor for image organization and library module, and how difficult it is to change once you started adding metadata.

[@danielaargandonalowe9764]

Hey Anthony, how are you? It would be interesting a new vid of this, as many programs have made changes in 2020 :) Thank you so much, regards from Uruguay. BTW I found Picktorial for mac, any ideas of how that one is? Thanks again!

[@duanebowman9595]

Like CJ I have been using Adobe since 3.5disk. after I cut the cord, I now need to know if there is a way to take 2-3 photos to make 1 in luminar? I have done a freeform two to make one. But I can't change the canvas size like you could do in Ps and Lr. Have you done a video on this process? Or can it be done in luminar?

[@Diff3RentBreed]

Have you ever looked into rawtherapee.com? It's a free program that looks pretty good for those who aren't professional. I was thinking of getting rid of lightroom and going with that. Not sure if I should though.

[@tectorama]

Useful video... I use LR at the moment, V.6 stand alone version. The problem I have is getting specific information on other applications. Also, which is the closest to LR to use ?

[@ozmid40scouple]

tectorama im in the same boat....

[@tectorama]

@@ozmid40scouple I'm trialing Exposure X5 at the moment. It will probably do everything I need, and has lots of things I will never need. I'm sure Capture 1 is very good, but so it should be for what you have to pay for it.... Has anyone compared Exposure to On1 ? I would like to hear of their views....... Just those two programmes please, no others.

[@tectorama]

@@ozmid40scouple After trialing Exposure X5 I can say that's it's very good, but clunky on a couple of it's features, which would really slow my workflow down. I must say that the more I see of On1 the more I like it. So I am now thinking I will go that way. I have checked out the free ones, but find them awkward to use, Ok for the odd picture but not if you have 100 to process. Capture 1 is just too expensive.

[@jeffboring103]

Thanks for all your videos-very appreciated! I’m a former Apple Aperture user, still so disappointed by Apples dumb decision. I’ve been searching for an alternative (adobes monthly fees , not an option) Looking for something that can organize photos and has Aperture-like abilities like brushes (paint in effect, detect edges, etc)

[@180mph9]

Thank you

[@charlesborrenpohl5024]

How ( if at all ) do they handle video files in the library and allow for adjustments.

[@geoffreymee7671]

Nice work Anthony. A broad stroke with lots of valuable information. I have recently bought into fuji - the XT4 and am fishing around for the best raw processor to open up images to thier best potential. To date I'm focusing on Silkypix Developer Studio Pro 10. Ive come from PS so it's a bit of a leap learning its workflow. Ive gone this way as some are saying it has the best raw conversion engine around. Can you shed any light Anthony? I appreciate your communication style and have subscribed. I'll dig around at other tutes ofvyours. Thx a lot.

[@unoengborg]

I don't think LR and C1 is all that different. If you are used to LR editing concepts you should be up and running C1 in a day or two. There are plenty of good tutorials on KZbin to help you get started. You can create catalogs more or less the same way as in LR, The catalog database keeps track of where you store your images, and where to put the output from your raw processing. By default, it stores file references to your images just like LR. It is also possible to store images directly into the catalog-database, just like in old Apple Aperture. The advantage of that is that the database and filesystem links never get out of sync, and you only get one file to backup or move if you need your images on another computer. The disadvantage is that you can't have larger catalogs than there is room for on one disk and that if the catalog file gets corrupted all your images are likely to be lost. I wouldn't recommend using this unless you have good backup procedures. The tools are similar to LR especially if you use the LR-like workspace that is a created by default on install. Just like in LR you get a number of tabs containing tools. The main difference is that C1 is not modal, you can use any tool on any tab, or directly on the desktop regardless of what tab you have selected. In a way, it is like you always was in LR development mode. You can remove or add tools from the tabs to fit your workflow. You can also add or remove tabs as needed. LR users may miss the Map and Book modules. The map module can to some extent be compensated for by using a free program that allows you to place images on a map saving the coordinates in xmp sidecar files. I'm not aware of any book creation plugins so far. Printing is somewhat lacking compared to LR but far better than Luminar and Alian Skin X4. You can let C1 manage your color according to the printer ICC profile, rendering intent and black point compensation. You can also add output sharpening and a watermark. Watermarks can be text or images. Text-based watermarks have can contain image metadata such as file name, ratings, color labels, exposure settings, print dates, exposure dates,... Font, size, color, and opacity can be applied to the text. It is also possible to create layout templates Another difference is that C1 simultaneously can handle multiple catalogs useful e.g. if you want a separate catalog/client. The catalog keeps track of image locations and output locations of processed raw files. Each catalog can have different locations and different keywords, and different smart folders. You can also organize your albums and smart folders into groups and projects. It is also possible to save catalogs as templates so that you don't need to create folder structures, smart folders, each time you create a new catalog. There is also another way, apart from catalogs, to work with images directly in the file system. It's called sessions. The advantage is that you can store a session anywhere in the file system. This means that you e.g. could keep client information such as e.g. contracts, invoices and images in one place for easy backup. Every session has its own database that unlike the catalog database is updated even when you make file location changes in the finder/explorer. By default, a session consists of a capture folder, a selects-folder, and an output folder for the processed files, but you can add and remove folders as needed. Just like catalogs, you can use templates if you often need to create similar sessions. The idea is that you put your images into the capture folder (typically by tethering) an then move the good ones over to the selects folder, when you are done you press ctrl-D to process, and all your processing recipes will be applied to your images. Live view tethering is supported for high-end Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm cameras. It is possible to add overlays e.g. containing headlines or similar if you are shooting for e.g. a magazine cover so that you can adjust your image to fit in with the text. Just like in LR you can open images in your catalog or sessions in external editors like Photoshop or as in my case in affinity photo. Affinity photo and C1 makes a very good pair. As for updates, you can get upgrades to a reduced price for up to two years after the release of the current version. So who is C1 for? It's the obvious choice for people who do a lot of tethered shooting faster and more reliable than e.g. Lightroom. It also for people who need good tools for color management. It supports custom camera profiles created by (e.g X-Rite ColorChecker, Lumariver, BasicColor Input 5, ..) and can also use LUTs. There are also a lot of presets and film simulations available both from Phase One and third-party sources. You can, of course, create your own presets as well, and just like in LR you can apply them automatically on import. You have color control wheels for darks, mid-tones, and highlights, or one wheel for general adjustments There is also a tool for even out skin tones. Color management works well with e.g. Tangent color grading input devices. People used to this kind of tools for video editing will feel right at home.

[@JohnDAlmonte]

Couple questions about Affinity Photo. Is it non-destructive? Can you add metadata info like ratings and keywords?

[@philindeblanc]

Capture One, You DO NOT have to import the photos, you can use it in SESSION mode. MAJOR plus of flexibility, and the color control is superior, as is the precision of the controllers, and that you are not LOCKED on the tool layout. One main thing I wanted to hear is SPEED of these apps once you have a large CHUNK of images in the database. LR is slow, and I am not sure why you dont mention the LR desktop version? I am still using the LR last desktop version, and YET to miss anything. I also have OneOneRaw, C1, Luminar, Affinity, CS6 Desktop version, ACDSee Ultimate, and a couple others. I DO Like using LR with a love hate situation, as C1 is as you said a different way of working GUI. It doesn't follow the OS layout logic of where things are, this is due to a large part of their income relied on training class subscriptions, and I hope they are moving away from that with C1 v20. Yet to see. Good round of apps to talk about. Cheers!

[@joshuasmith1215]

I liked Lightroom...til a friend with a newer camera sent me a raw file and I couldn't import it...then found out that's because I have an old version that can't be updated and to edit images from newer cameras I would have to pay a monthly fee...yet I go months without doing any photography...so here I am looking for something else.

[@rotvonrat]

What is wrong with Corel, it has been around longer than Adobe?

[@ZappaBlues]

Where does the DXO Nik Collection fit in here??

[@Lysander-Spooner]

Dumped LR/PS because of subscriptions. As a Fujifilm shooter, I find Iridient X-Transformer, Luminar Flex and Affinity Photo do everything I need. Also use Bridge (FREE) as my DAM. While Skylum bills Flex as a plug-in it still retains the Stand-alone ability to open a photo just like Luminar 2018. They have said they may remove this feature in future releases. But like all things Skylum this is always subject to change.

[@ltwing2]

I'm surprised you didn't mention DxO Photo Lab 2. Have you used it?

[@AnthonyMorganti]

Hi Larry, I only included software that I've actually used and own. I've heard great things about Photo Lab 2 and will try it someday.

[@djxcel23]

25:55 capture one

[@sacred406]

Affinity has a 10 day trial. Not much time for a system with a big learning curve. I'm still searching for what will best serve my needs as High Sierra Photo crashes without fail in RAW processing. In 7 months I've managed to process one image without it crashing. Mac support was unable to solve the issue. Hence my current search for comprehensive and affordable.

[@keithpinn152]

Thanks Anthony for this rich video. I really appreciated your in-depth review and commentary on the various software. I originally started with Apple Aperture, which I loved, and I was extremely disappointed when Apple discontinued Aperture. I then moved to LR and while I have been generally satisfied with the application, I have reached the point where I want to do more within the post-processing work-flow. I can do the basics within PS so to go deeper I have to invest more time and that brings me to Capture One Pro 20. I have used the 30-day trial and now I have reached the point where I need to make a final decision. If you were starting off new, would you invest the time in learning Capture One Pro 20 or PS? I know that this is a loaded question but I would appreciate your thoughts. Regards, Keith

[@davidk.ringel4321]

Need to update video for Capture One 22. All the things you say it doesn't have when this video was made are now included in version 22. Very, very robust... my choice for Sony a7r3 and a6600 post processing. Believe it's one of the best, if not the best processing program. The Capture One Pro 22 covers all camera and lens manufacturers the most and adding more all the time. Please dedicate a review for it. Think you'll be impressed if you learn how to customize and use it. It's feature rich. Otherwise this a great review here! Thank you!

[@ronlawrence8335]

Topaz Studio just released version 2 today. I'm giving it a whirl since I'm dumping Luminar.

[@veist2930]

Why are you dumping Luminar?

[@ronlawrence8335]

@@veist2930 Luminar 3 was getting better, but it still need a lot of work. Then Skylum announced Luminar 4, and it's a paid upgrade. If it had been a paid upgrade that fixed everything that would be one thing, but it doesn't. It just adds gimmicks. Its stupid.

[@John-gg7sd]

I would have like to seen DXO Photolab 3 compared to these.

[@williamkettrey206]

For HDR it's hard to beat Aurora + Luminar.

[@AlwaysLearning60]

Is LR the only software that uses Smart previews?

[@MikeHeller]

If On One is the most feature rich, what does it have that Capture One doesn't?

[@glapthorn]

Loads. Run the trial and see for yourself. The filters and the masking are remarkable. I am an Adobe fan but if that went wrong then ON1 is probably where I would go - and I shoot Fuji X Trans.

[@warrenswales5693]

Just finished 30day trial using ACDCSee (for database Mgmt) and Affinity & ON1 (for full editing). Bought ACDSee + Affinity and closed Adobe CC plan. I use Nikon NEF raw files. In affinity's develop persona (raw editor) it is only good for neutralising the raw file, not full on editing, so not an LR replacement. I also need to ramp up the two "Fine detail" sliders to >75% for NEF file. And totally *avoid* using the crap highlight shadow slider (use Levels instead in the Photo Persona mode for better quality black point setting). You should not use shadow recovery in LR either but a number of KZbinrs have pushed that "trick" down the years messing up most people's images and leading to a woeful edited look. ;-) The layering in Affinity is an equal to Photoshop. Focus merge and Pano merge all tested successfully. Overall, I think LR not as good as it is "sold" in terms of editing Raw files and I am much more enjoying the layers approach. Finally on Affinity, it is slower to process images, but again not proved a deal breaker, as I am never in a rush to edit. If you are, then you should not be. Slow down!!! ACDSee is an excellent DAM. Bought Photo Ultimate kit (which is Video bundle) but not using their editing suite. Has similar collections to LR and IPTC handling and links to Affinity for editing.

[@Paul_anderson_creative]

I spent 4 weeks testing LR, ON1 and Capture1. I ignored Dark table as it was way too complex. IMHo ON1 is best value. Capture1 is the best in terms of features and is incredibly easy to configure to your specific workflow, fast and slick. Lima masks are superb.. LR was OK, the masking using ALT to sharpen just edges is a killer feature IMHO. Enjoy.

[@genghis2510]

Definitely, the answer is the one you've been using now.

[@lesliedougan2246]

Tanks for your video it was very good and something I needed to know.

[@Gwenluvsmusic]

I normally use ACR.

[@pascalhaux]

DxO PhotoLab and Exposure

[@tectorama]

A lot is down to how much you want to pay. In my opinion it's a toss up between Lightroom and Capture one. I now use LR v8 and Capture One 20. With C1 it does away with the need to use Photoshop (for most people). It also has features missing from LR. C1 also has a steeper learning curve.

[@jmchristian5867]

Can all of these programs be used as plugins for Lightroom? Also, you mentioned that Luminar has had problems working smoothly in PCs, but what about these other programs you have reviewed? Lastly, are all of these programs editing nondestructively?(Do they have xmp sidecar files like Lightroom or something similar, and are Affinity Photo files like PSD files? Do these programs keep the edits that you made in Lightroom-the xmp files_or do they ignore them?). Would greatly appreciate how these programs would work with Lightroom or Lightroom edits from past if I decide to ditch Lightroom altogether. Thanks a Million

[@amdenis]

Great, no PHENOMENAL job on this video. As someone that dates back to the original versions of many of these apps from the '80's and '90's I can always tell when someone has some real perspective as you do. Thanks for sharing as you do! BTW, related to Capture One, it does have tethering, and it is actually the most advanced support for both wired and wireless tethering available. Faster, mobile bridging and control, client preview support capababilities (remote WAN) and direct LAN control tethering with secure controls. I am able to get my 5DS-R (55MB) images within 1 second across both wireless and wired, while it takes about 20 seconds per image with Lightroom. Also, it DOES support HDR, as well as excerpted HLG, HLG2, and logs of all types. You can install several paid or free plugins for this, including the Photomatix 6 ones to support basic through enhanced HDR. Also, their are many from the various major equipment vendors that support the high end cameras as well (e.g. Hassleblad, Phase One, etc). Further, it is completely non-destructive (as opposed to non-destructive with a few exceptions like LR), and supports the actual Adobe definitions, which (believe it or not) Lightroom still uses an old standard as of 2020, some assert to keep the Gamut in line with original ideas and biases that the creators of LR supposedly had in mind. Finally, it does process my SONY images (A7III and A7RIV) and Phase One (145BM+) IQ images more easily and faithfully than any of the other software I have used. And its stability on both Mac and PC appear unmatched-- at least from my experience. Luminar 4 is awesome creatively, and there are several other great apps, such as by Topaz and Anthropics (Landscape Pro, Portratit Pro, etc), which are awesome in their own right. The AI built into many of these applications blow the doors off what we all grew up using. We can do "faithful" technical correction and fixes, all the way to creative landscape, portrait and other work that used to take at least an hour a picture, but can be done in a few minutes now with tools like these and the ones you mentioned.

[@djxcel23]

2:15 lightroom

[@djxcel23]

31:40 affinity photo

[@DB-wx1zs]

Hello, I need help. Why are my Raw images 1-2 stops brighter when transfered from Photolab 5 to Capture one? i dont have the same problem if i transfer it from Photolab to Lightroom, the photo only gets brighter when i transfer it from photolab to Capture one. Is the problem with capture one or Photolab?

[@mikekay6288]

Thanks Anthony; a useful pot pourri of software editing programmes. Presently I use Lightroom with the advantage of being able to Edit in Photoshop and Luminar Flex to give added pizzazz. For me that's three programmes in one; hard to match. Mike in Oz

[@MikeHeller]

You can use Photoshop with any of the raw processing tools mentioned here. I use Capture One with Photoshop.

[@mikekay6288]

@@MikeHeller Thanks Mike. I mean't to say that the use of Photoshop was included in the cost of Lightroom; not sure if that applies to the others.

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

Has anyone had CAPTURE ONE clash with AUTOCAD on there computer I installed CAPTURE ONE then AUTOCAD won't load

[@sambuneditz8282]

I like your website

[@skipsaunders5974]

Big issue: Lightroom cannot import .ORF (Olympus camera) raw images.... unless you pay for the monthly fees As a non-professional, I don't use the editing software every month. Hence Lightroom is dead to me.

[@tomaszwaszka3394]

28:37 really well as well :)