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photoshop elements or subscription?


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6 replies to this topic

#1
DocMD

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I haven't done any editing and I want to start editing the images I've created. I have Photoshop elements 2019 on my laptop, but it won't let me edit my RAW files or update the Camera Raw plug-in. I believe it has come to the end of its support by Adobe, because their site lists Elements 2020 and 2021 as supported.

 

Question is, do I get Photoshop Elements 2021 or get a subscription version? Not shooting much right now, but I want to do some portrait shoots this year, just to practice the craft and find my strengths and weaknesses. I take a few landscape or scenery shots now and again (around the train station where I work, the local park, etc.) but I really want this to be the year I get out there more, even doing a little street photography, portraiture, stuff like that. I have a lot of previous shots that I can work on to edit, but I intend to do a lot more RAW captures from this point on.

 

Any thoughts/opinions?  Thanks in advance for the help.

 

~M.D.



#2
Jerry_

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The question on whether or not going for a subscription is a bit of a philosophical but also economical one and shall be based on whether you are willed to pay the monthly fee to have always the latest version, or whether you will be ok with a onetime cost and then use that version until you feel you want a newer version.
If you start with a subscription, pay attention that - if I remember correctly - you can only cancel on an annual period.

Other than from Adobe you will find different performant applications (DXO, Affinity, etc.) which you can buy with a onetime cost.

#3
Bengan

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My suggestion is to use a free RAW converting software to generate JPG or TIF files and then continue to use PSE 2019.

There are a couple of options. You could use the Nikon software that came with your camera or som freeware like FastStone Image viewer.

If you fell that you absolutely need CameraRaw my suggestion is - Upgrade to the latest PSE. It obviously is a program you feel comfortable with. If you get the latest version it will last for years. Don't subscribe.

 

I use PSE (in my case ver 14) for final editing. I use Lightroom ver 6.14 as my RAW converter (It doesn't support the latest camera models, but still works for me)



#4
krag96

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I have Affinity and am very pleased with it, ($49.95 life time license with free updates).



#5
Merco_61

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If you like what ACR does when it comes to raw conversion and don't want to buy the latest PSE yet, you can do your conversions in two stages.

Start by running your diles as a batch in Adobe's DNG converter. (It's free.)

You now have DNG-s that PSE '19 can handle.

Import the DNG-s and edit in PSE.



#6
Bengan

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If you like what ACR does when it comes to raw conversion and don't want to buy the latest PSE yet, you can do your conversions in two stages.

Start by running your diles as a batch in Adobe's DNG converter. (It's free.)

You now have DNG-s that PSE '19 can handle.

Import the DNG-s and edit in PSE.

 

Forgot that yesterday. Came to me this morning, but, of course, you beat me to it. The obvious choice, and the thing is - I use it myself for getting the latest Canon CR3 files in to Lightroom.  :lol:



#7
DocMD

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Thanks to all of you who've replied thus far. You've given me a bit of food for thought. Not going to purchase anything just yet, gonna try out some of the free options you guys have given me, and post the results for your (gentle) critique. 😜