What processing software are you using?

Hi,

I'm wondering what software people are using these days. For years, I was dead against Lightroom due to the subscription model; however, that seems to be the trend now. I've used Capture One for too long to remember, but their unstable pricing model, lack of new features that change my work habits, and subscription cost have me considering a switch to Lightroom. Lightroom and Photoshop's monthly pricing model is cheaper than Capture One's now.
I'm considering options with a library/catalogue system versus a free-standing photo editor like Affinity Photo.
Cheers.
Scott

Too lazy to switch....stuck to Adobe PS and mix of Nik Efex / Topaz filters.

I still use the old Capture One which I own and will use as long as it is supported. I still load everything through it and do all the finish adjustment with it.
I have a PS subscription which I avoided for a long time but for $10 a month, there are a few tools that are useful.
I also have Affinity photo that I use for One tool but it is $24 and I have used it for years.
I use Pixinsight for all Astro stuff, as a software program it is essential and First rate.
Pixinsight puts Adobe to shame as far as Processing goes and it is open source so people can add their own scripts which 
can be amazing.....It can do stuff that PS can not touch. The third party AI tools you can use with it are so far ahead of Adobe it is embarrassing.

Capture One, Photoshop, Topaz, Helicon Focus - I selected Capture One since I do 75% of what needs to be done there.

For the most part, I also use CaptureOne for processing my Raws -as long as they still keep the option for a perpetual license, at least - that's to say, my cameras will be supported without forcing me on a subscription path. Additionally, I use Photoshop, Topaz and occasionally DxO PureRaw and Nik Collection, too.

Wolfgang

Capture One
PS, Topaz Photo, DxO Pure Raw, On1 Resize and No Noise (These on a need to use basis).
Almost all my processing is done in Cap One.
Cheers

Lightroom/Photoshop with Topaz to sharpen/denoise/gigapixel and Helicon to focus stack.

Lightroom Classic and Topaz Photo AI

Never could get on with Lightroom. Use Photomechanic Catalog Program and from that edit in Nikon NX Studio and Photoshop.

Voted Photoshop, since I use it the most, but I use Lightroom, the Nik plugins and DxOPureRaw as well.

Am I the only one still using BreezeBrowser Pro to sort images?

I had a break from photography for a few years. Used Lightroom before that with a subscription.
I just reactivated that subscription which includes Photoshop.
At the moment I'm only using Lightroom Classic and learning what's changed.
I need a more powerful PC, mine is already old, GPU has no vram and Z8 files are a lot larger than  from my older Canon DSLRs.

At the moment I plan to stick to Lightroom but I'll have a lock at other tools, especially when it comes to noise reduction and how they compare to Lightroom's latest features.

Have always used Photoshop and some Topaz functions. PS enables some more artistic renderings as does Topaz...meaning P&DA type works.

I was in the same boat with Lightroom—wasn’t a fan of the subscription model either. I’ve switched to it recently, and I’ve got to say, it’s been pretty smooth. The cataloging system is a game-changer, especially if you manage a lot of photos. I used to swear by Capture One, but the pricing and lack of new features got old fast. I also tried Affinity Photo, and it’s a solid editor, but without the catalog system, it’s more of a standalone tool. If you’re after something with a good library setup, Lightroom is a solid bet.

I’ve been in the same boat with Capture One and Lightroom. I switched to Lightroom a while back and haven’t looked back. The subscription model does seem to be the norm, but it’s worth it for the integration with Photoshop and the regular updates. If you’re leaning towards a library/catalogue system, Lightroom’s pretty solid for that. For a free-standing editor, Affinity Photo is a great choice too, especially if you don’t need the cataloging features.

Hi,

I've been using ON1 Photo RAW for years, and I love it. The have a ton of tutorial videos on their site and on YouTube.

The only thing you have to be careful about is that your system meets their requirements, especially the video card.

Have Fun,
Jeff

I think I will switch to lightroom once my capture one subscription is up for renewal. They don't seem to be adding features that matter to me, and they are more expensive, although Thom Hogan thinks a price hike is coming for Lightroom/photoshop.

Updating my response. I have mostly dropped the Nikon NX program from my workflow since the new updated Photoshop 2025 has come out. Definitely keeping Photomechanic, but now go directly to Photoshop ACR, then on to Photoshop. The new Denoise and the beta AI profile is a real game changer!!! Plus Photoshop does all that Lr can do PLUS so much more. I dislike the catalog system of LrC, and having to import to edit. With Photomechanic I do not need to do that, I can view, quickly, and cull, my full resolution image, then go to ACR to edit. Easy!

I use NX Studio to cull images. I process my RAW files in DXO-PL7 99% of the time, and use NIK Collection when needed: In NIK Color Efex Pro I love Tonal Contrast and Darken/Lighten Center and GND; and Silver Efex Pro for B & W.

My brain just does not like Adobe workflow/commands. If I were to use Adobe, I would use Bridge, ACR and maybe PS when needed, and the NIK Collection.

I use Downloader Pro to download my images with a card reader, create unique file folder names and image names , add some Metadata, before I do any culling or processing.

In DXO PL 7 I use Elite to get the advanced DXO noise reduction. I use Control points and control lines a lot in PL7 for local adjustments.

Scott Fairbairn wrote: Hi,

I'm wondering what software people are using these days. For years, I was dead against Lightroom due to the subscription model; however, that seems to be the trend now. I've used Capture One for too long to remember, but their unstable pricing model, lack of new features that change my work habits, and subscription cost have me considering a switch to Lightroom. Lightroom and Photoshop's monthly pricing model is cheaper than Capture One's now.
I'm considering options with a library/catalogue system versus a free-standing photo editor like Affinity Photo.
Cheers.
Scott

It’s a common debate lately with subscription models becoming the norm. Lightroom and Photoshop indeed offer a more stable subscription price, and their frequent updates can keep workflows fresh. Capture One is powerful, but their pricing shifts have frustrated many, especially if those updates don’t directly improve your work habits.
If you're exploring other options, Affinity Photo could be a good stand-alone editor without a subscription, though it lacks the full cataloging system. Alternatively, tools like linkpay.io might help manage recurring payments across different software subscriptions, making it easier to test out options like Lightroom or other editors before fully committing. It’s a tough choice, but good to know there are flexible options now!


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