Alternatives to Lightroom and PS CS X

[TXForester]

So, you've read the other threads and decided illegal software downloads are theft. You don't want to do that, or feel bad that you have done it and want to replace them with other software.

You don't have the cash for Lightroom or PS CS X. So, what alternatives exist that are freeware or cheap (say under $100 USD)?

Instead of simply listing what you use, tell us what you like and don't like about the software. What does the software do well and what does it not do well? Do you use more than one free or inexpensive program because they have strong and weak points, but a suite of software does all you want even if it isn't a simple workflow?

For instance, I've tried CS3 and CS5 and like the magic wand selection tool. I have GIMP which has the tool, but I don't seem to have as much control over it. Universal adjustments, like color correction work just fine in GIMP.

Whether it is GIMP, Paintshop Pro or another program let those of us still looking know what we might want to try.

Thanks
Mike

 

[Matus]

I still did not try it myself, but it seems that PhotoLine is an interesting, powerful and very reasonably priced option.

 

[al1966]

My wife uses Picasa; free from google to sort through and browse her photographs. She also uses Photoshop elements, I think it is about £60 so that should be under what you want, the copy came with my scanner (Canon). Elements will do the job quite well it lacks some of the tools from its big brother, I am not sure how much you can do in layers for instance. I am sure a lot of cameras come with software to file your photographs too, I have not tried the software as I have used Lightroom and Photoshop for years. I have used elements on an occasional basis, I think it will do all that most digi cam users will require. If it has content aware fill then it will be good for touching up dust we have an older version. If you want more power with no cost then the best option is the Gimp, I tried it and it does look as powerful as Photoshop and it is free.

 

[migtex]

FSviewer (for organizing) and PhotoBrush from Mediachance (this one even works with some PS plug-ins)
less than 100 bucks the pair.

 

[j j]

Aperture 3 for the Mac folks

 

[f16sunshine]

Yes if you are Mac-ish A3 is sweet and under $90 at the app store.

Likes:
simple and concise global editing
Local editing is also very simple and concise with very easy to use brushes.
Unpload and export integration with Web based galleries (Flikr FB..)


Dislikes:
Worthless noise reduction 🙁
Can get a bit sluggish with big files.
Apple can be a bit slow with RAW updates although they seem to be as fast as adobe lately.
It's only for mac and no iPad/iOs version as of yet

 

[johannielscom]

On Linux: Darktable.

Runs like a dream on the current Ubuntu version, which I effortlessly installed on my small Acer Aspire On1 with 2Gb of RAM. The Aspire has an SD-slot as well so all the Nikon D3100 shots are fed right into the software and onto the screen.

Highly recommended due to hassle-free software and small size as a digital kit. And, both Ubuntu and Darktable are FREE.

 

[Ken Ford]

Do any of the iPad apps do RAW conversion?

 

[shadowfox]

Look for a used copy of Lightroom 3 for less than $100.

Or if you run Linux, try darktable.

 

[f16sunshine]

sort of on topic. As a note of how much better apple has become at RAW compatibility. I see today that they added the Canon 5Diii already. Still no site of the Fuji XP1 from Apple or adobe. I'm assuming that Fuji has something to do with that or maybe it's the non Bayer Sensor causing a stumble...
A friend how is close to the aperture group at apple claims that the next version will be bomber and that an iPad version is coming including.

 

[DrTebi]

On Linux: Darktable.

Runs like a dream on the current Ubuntu version, which I effortlessly installed on my small Acer Aspire On1 with 2Gb of RAM. The Aspire has an SD-slot as well so all the Nikon D3100 shots are fed right into the software and onto the screen.

Highly recommended due to hassle-free software and small size as a digital kit. And, both Ubuntu and Darktable are FREE.

I agree that Darktable is quite a remarkable program, especially considering that it is free. I was quite impressed with all the editing capabilities, probably more than I would ever need, but if you browse around for a bit you will certainly find some very useful ones, for example the "zone system" plugin.

What I did not like about it is, how to get files into the file manager. After importing images once, they kind of disappeared a couple of days later. The functionality of the file browser is really awkward, I just couldn't figure it out yet.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Photoshop Elements is about $100 and has most of the features of Photoshop (it mostly loses the stuff used for illustration and graphic design work). Lightroom 4 is only $149, which is more than your budget, but not as bad as hr $600+ that Photoshop CS5 costs.

 

[divewizard]

I use ACDSee Pro. It works great with RAW files and also links into both silverfast and vuescan for scanning. I like the editor much better than other I have tried. It does everything I need.

 

[Gerry M]

I just got a BNIB Elements 9 for $40 total on the auction site. An update from PS E7 for me. I also have CS2 and use PS E more often.

 

[Keith]

I use ACDSee Pro. It works great with RAW files and also links into both silverfast and vuescan for scanning. I like the editor much better than other I have tried. It does everything I need.

Totally agree ... I cant believe there aren't more people using this software!

Lightroom's interface is godawful by comparison IMO.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Totally agree ... I cant believe there aren't more people using this software!

Lightroom's interface is godawful by comparison IMO.

No Mac version...useless to a lot of us.

 

[---f]

http://www.acdsee.com/en/products/acdsee-pro-mac

Mac version is super cheap.

 

[Keith]

No Mac version...useless to a lot of us.

I never realised that ... that's remiss of them considering how many photographers use Macs!

The thing I like about about ACDSee Pro (now up to 5) is each version that comes out has significant improvements over the previous. I've been using it since version 3.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

http://www.acdsee.com/en/products/acdsee-pro-mac

Mac version is super cheap.

I clicked system requirements on the original link that was posted to ACDsee and it only listed Windows! That is a good price. I'll have to download the trial and see if its worth getting

 

[Out to Lunch]

Another vote for ACDSeePro