I have Lightroom 4, what next?

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Soon to be an owner of a Nikon D750 I am thinking also of upgrading my Lightroom from version 4. Presently the latest version is 5 but I hear a version 6 is due soon, however...

...since I use exclusively Nikon cameras doesn't it seem sensible to use Nikon's Capture NX-D which is now free of charge.

In truth I am not sure whether or not I am comparing apples with oranges here so if anyone has, or has used, both software packages I would appreciate a dumbed-down, brief version of the differences.
 
Why would you move from Lightroom?

Once you've got used to an app I'd always say you're better with what you know. Especially when it comes to image editing because it allows you to get the best results if you know you're way around an app.

I shoot Canon so can't comment on Nikon's software, but I know people often dislike the Canon offerings when compared with LR.
 
I haven't really used Lightroom's editing capabilities a great deal, using it mostly as a cataloguing system with occasional sharpening or exposure compensation so any learning curve with Nikon software wouldn't really be any greater than going to whole hog with Lightroom. I have though, decided to increase my editing abilities and am looking for a piece of software I can use for the foreseeable future -- but not Photoshop as it is too much for me and I don't want to spend that sort of money.
 
Maybe take a look at one of the older Photoshop `Elements`?
 
I used to use Nikons Capture NX2 for all my editing, and when I read that it was being discontinued, I had a look at the spec of NXD. A big selling point of NX2 for me was the 'U-Point' system of selective editing, and this was one of the many features that wasnt going to be included in NXD, so personally I wouldnt bother. But, you will need to upgrade your version of Lightroom to the latest as it has now only just been updated to include the ability to recognise RAW files from the D750.

Ive only used Lightroom for a couple of months, and I wonder why I didnt use it before. beats NX2 hands down...in my opinion of course (y)
 
I use LR5 and PSE 11, works very nicely. LR for processing, PSE for editing.
 
I find it rather annoying that just because I have an old version of a piece of software (in this case LR4) that in order to still have it function I have to buy an upgrade instead of getting cover for a new camera free of charge.

I have a piece of software call Phoenix which is a simulator for model planes and helicopters. Every six to eight weeks it is updated to simulate the latest models on the market and I can't see many people buying it in the first place if every time they bought a new aircraft they had to pay to upgrade their simulator for the new device.
 
ShinySideUp said:
I find it rather annoying that just because I have an old version of a piece of software (in this case LR4) that in order to still have it function I have to buy an upgrade instead of getting cover for a new camera free of charge.

I have a piece of software call Phoenix which is a simulator for model planes and helicopters. Every six to eight weeks it is updated to simulate the latest models on the market and I can't see many people buying it in the first place if every time they bought a new aircraft they had to pay to upgrade their simulator for the new device.
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Most LR upgrades are free. I upgraded the other day to v5.7 because I need the new cameras included for work. You only have to pay for the big upgrades likes from v4 to v5. Lightroom has everything you need - get using it properly, brilliant programme :thumbs:
 
If you wanted to hang on for the latest version of LR, you might find that Adobe Camera Raw (free) would do the conversion for you to DNG, allowing LR4 to import and work on the files. Then when LR6 is released you can upgrade to that. From your earlier comments about adjustments etc I'd see LR as being the ideal software for you, since it's primarily for image development and cataloguing, rather than manipulation.

I've been using LR5 since early spring this year. It came in at 5.2 and it's now on 5.7, so there are frequernt upgrades to suit both better functionality and new camera/lens models. I suspect that after a couple of years the guys selling Phoenix will find a way to encourage people to upgrade too, otherwise their business model won't be sustainable.

I don't know whether they are supporting the D750 yet, but you might also want to look at DigiKam (there's a new version, released yesterday) that is free, and does both dvelopment and cataloguing.
 
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Was notified earlier today that LR 5.7 was available for download, so did that, but haven't had a play with it yet.
 
So, if you have lightroom 4 from a disk, does that mean you can download LR5 - do you have to pay something to upgrade? Sorry... Not very clued up about software matters. Any help much appreciated.
 
No, you normally get free fractional upgrades but have to pay for whole-number version upgrades.
 
ShinySideUp said:
I haven't really used Lightroom's editing capabilities a great deal, using it mostly as a cataloguing system ... I have though, decided to increase my editing abilities and am looking for a piece of software I can use for the foreseeable future -- but not Photoshop as it is too much for me and I don't want to spend that sort of money.
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If you already use LR for cataloguing functions, then that's half the answer, Martin. And LR is VERY functional for processing, so maybe you should buy into the upgrade path? However Toni, above, has made a sound suggestion for workflow involving using the free ACR to convert RAW's to DNG's that your older LR4 can then handle, which is easy to do and lets you off the hook.

It helps to be clear about WHAT you want to do. For multiple tools and layers it has to be PS or a substitute. But you already have LR4 that you can investigate further?

Nikon_Nick said:
I had a look at the spec of NXD. A big selling point of NX2 for me was the 'U-Point' system of selective editing, and this was one of the many features that wasnt going to be included in NXD, so personally I wouldnt bother.
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Yes, it's pretty limited. I wouldn't bother, either. But you can try it for nothing - it's free, isn't it?
 
Have only read the thread title, but feel compelled to say it...

Lightroom 5?

:)
 
Well , I tried to buy an upgrade to LR5 last night and it threw me out, three times, no Paypal and then wouldn't accept either of my debit cards (from different banks); perhaps they don't want my money. Will try again tonight.

I would do the DNG path to LR4 but as has been discussed in other threads I am one of those that wish to retain the original manufacturers format without keeping two copies in different formats.
 
Martin I'm firmly of the opinion that keeping files as DNG's is a harm-free route. Manufacturer's formats are hardly more sacrosanct, and DNG is so widely accepted that I assume that a workaround converter will be available for it for at least as long into the future. In other words I think your caution is misplaced.

You can buy LR upgrades from various retailers as well as Adobe ... I'd shop around ...
 
droj said:
No, you normally get free fractional upgrades but have to pay for whole-number version upgrades.
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Ok... Hope you can get a disk. I am in no rush. I might just wait until the Photo show... Unless anybody out there can recommend a seller.
Thanks
 
I have just be looking for a seller and have found that Lightroom 6 is set for release in March 2015 so I might just give 5 a miss.
 
I too shall risk it, I'm not buying a LR upgrade that's only good for six months. If one can't upgrade from below version 5 then I'll just buy new, at least I'll have saved fifty odd quid to towards it.
 
Hmm.. Not sure I am prepared to pay£9 a month forever, especially when they can put it up at anytime...
 
Chipper said:
Hmm.. Not sure I am prepared to pay£9 a month forever, especially when they can put it up at anytime...
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It's a good deal if you want to always be current and they introduce 1 major udate per year. If, like many, you're happy to just buy LR and use it for several years then it's not so good.
 
OldCarlos said:
Maybe take a look at one of the older Photoshop `Elements`?
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The acr you get with elements sucks! Your very restricted. Though i dont like lightroom myself its better that elements. If i didnt use cs6 id probably use GIMP its free and ment to be very good. I doubt lightroom 5.7 offers must more that 4. Amd 90% of what it will offer will be pointless to most people
 
I find Elements much better for certain things, eg clone tool & also didn't like Lightroom. Depends what & how much PP'ing the individual wants/needs really. I also use Picasa for certain things, which is also free. Different strokes......... ;)
 
Trouble is, Picasa is Google and I really don't trust that company, it is a necessary evil that gives me the creeps.
 
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