What is my cheapest option for LR?

[sherbs79]

Afternoon All

So I've been using the LR 30 day trial and it has just came to an end, I am an amateur when it comes to everything from taking the picture right through to processing but I'm keen to learn more, I am impressed enough with LR and would like to continue using it along with the photoshop element also. My question is, can a buy this as a one off and keep getting software updates to LR 7,8,9 etc or do I need to join the monthly subscription process to do this which is a costly option!!

Thanks

Sherbs

 

[droj]

I am impressed enough with LR and would like to continue using it along with the photoshop element also. My question is, can a buy this as a one off and keep getting software updates to LR 7,8,9 etc or do I need to join the monthly subscription process to do this which is a costly option!!

No, updates will be limited, but you can keep using the version you've bought - it won't stop working, If the budget's limited, you just forgo the latest tricks. Not such a big deal. If you can find a copy of say LR5, it'll likely keep working over several revamps of your operating system. And it'll remain pretty damned functional.

Come the day (or in anticipation) that LR may not recognise the RAW files from a later camera, then there's always the sometimes maligned DNG conversion route, which is free.

 

[andyscott]

Yeah if money is tight, keep a current version that works, if you want to upgrade your camera, factor this cost in.

 

[sherbs79]

Thanks folks, I've not actually bought it yet as I wanted to trial it first, I just don't think that I will use it enough to justify a monthly subscription so I'm going down the one off purchase from Amazon, coming in at around £100