DXO

DISCUSSION ABOUT SOFTWARE THAT I USE

This discussion was triggered by a comment/query that I received a few weeks ago via my website.

A Comparative Analysis of Long-Term Costs: Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop and Alternative Photo Editing Software

1. Executive Summary:

The landscape of photo editing software offers photographers a range of choices, from subscription-based models to perpetual licenses. A common narrative suggests that opting for alternatives to Adobe’s subscription-based Lightroom and Photoshop can lead to significant cost savings over time.

However, this analysis, conducted from the perspective of a software cost and feature comparison analyst, reveals a more nuanced picture. While the initial purchase price of some alternative photo editing software might appear lower, a comprehensive evaluation of the long-term cost of ownership, particularly when considering the necessity of upgrades to maintain current features and compatibility, often demonstrates that the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan can be a more financially prudent option for many users.

This is especially pertinent for photographers who require the advanced image manipulation capabilities of Photoshop, which is included within the Adobe subscription. Certain perpetual license options might present potential savings for users who upgrade infrequently or have highly specific editing requirements. Nevertheless, these scenarios often involve compromises in feature breadth, integration with other tools, or increased effort in managing updates. Ultimately, the optimal choice of photo editing software is a subjective one, contingent upon the photographer’s individual workflow, budgetary constraints, technical expertise, and specific feature needs. This report aims to provide a detailed investigation to empower the user to make an informed decision tailored to their unique circumstances.

2. Introduction:

This discussion addresses a user query regarding the long-term cost-effectiveness of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop’s subscription model in comparison to purchasing perpetual licenses or subscriptions for alternative photo editing software such as Luminar, ON1 Photo RAW, Capture One, and DXO PhotoLab.

The user, a long-time Adobe Lightroom user within the Apple ecosystem, has encountered claims of significant cost savings by switching to these alternatives but suspects that the reality of keeping them updated might prove more expensive than the Adobe subscription.

This observation aligns with the broader debate within the photography community concerning the financial implications of choosing between software subscription models and the traditional perpetual license model. While a prevailing sentiment often favours perpetual licenses for their perceived long-term cost benefits, this analysis seeks to conduct a thorough and objective investigation into the actual long-term cost of ownership for both Adobe’s offering and the mentioned alternatives.

The key factors under consideration will include the initial purchase price (where applicable), recurring subscription fees, the cost and frequency of software upgrades (both major and minor), any supplementary expenses for plugins or extensions, and the overall value proposition presented by each software in terms of its features, performance, and user experience. By examining these elements, this report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape of photo editing software and assist the user in making an informed decision that aligns with their needs and budget.

3. The Adobe Ecosystem: Cost and Considerations:

3.1 Current Pricing of the Adobe Photography Plan:

The Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan in the United States is currently priced at US$19.99 per month with an annual commitment, billed monthly, which totals approximately US$239.88 per year.

An alternative option is an annual prepaid plan, also priced at US$239.88 per year. This plan provides access to a comprehensive suite of photo editing tools, including Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Lightroom Classic, Adobe Photoshop (for both desktop and iPad), and a substantial 1 terabyte (TB) of cloud storage dedicated to photographs.

It is worth noting that Adobe previously offered a Creative Cloud Photography plan with 20GB of storage, which recently saw a price increase to US$14.99 per month (annual, billed monthly) before it was discontinued for new subscribers on January 15, 2025.

This evolution in Adobe’s plan offerings underscores the importance of considering the specific plan and its features when making cost comparisons. A significant aspect of the Adobe Photography Plan is the inclusion of Photoshop. This powerful image manipulation tool extends far beyond the basic RAW processing capabilities of Lightroom and provides users with advanced features for retouching, compositing, and graphic design. Many of the alternative software options discussed in this report might necessitate separate purchases or subscriptions to achieve similar levels of advanced functionality, making the bundled offering of Lightroom and Photoshop a crucial factor in any cost comparison.  

3.2 Historical Pricing Trends:

Examining the historical pricing of Adobe’s offerings provides valuable context for understanding potential long-term cost implications. Records indicate that the “Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan + 20GB storage” was available on Amazon for as low as $88.99 in November 2016 , suggesting that promotional pricing and discounts have played a role in the past. Similarly, the broader “Adobe Creative Cloud” suite was priced at a historical low of $39.99 in November 2016. More recently, Adobe implemented price increases in November 2023 and April 2024 for various Creative Cloud plans, including individual single app plans and the All Apps plan. For instance, the monthly cost (annual billing) for single apps increased from $20.99 to $22.99, and the All Apps plan saw a rise from $54.99 to $59.99 per month (annual billing). However, it is important to note that the pricing for the core Photography Plan with 1TB of storage has remained relatively stable in recent years, as evidenced by the consistent current pricing detailed in multiple sources. This relative stability in the Photography Plan’s pricing over the recent period offers a degree of predictability for users considering its long-term cost. Nevertheless, as with any subscription service, users should remain mindful of the potential for future price adjustments.  

3.3 Value Proposition and Lock-in:

For a user with extensive experience in the Adobe ecosystem, particularly with Lightroom, the Adobe Photography Plan offers several inherent advantages. The seamless integration between Lightroom and Photoshop streamlines workflows and allows for a smooth transition between RAW processing and more advanced image manipulation. Furthermore, the inclusion of Lightroom mobile and Photoshop on iPad extends the user’s editing capabilities across different devices within the Apple ecosystem, providing flexibility and convenience. Adobe also provides a vast library of tutorials, comprehensive documentation, and a large and active user community, offering ample resources for learning, troubleshooting, and inspiration.

This established ecosystem can be a significant benefit for users already familiar with Adobe’s interface and workflows. However, a key consideration with subscription models is the potential for “lock-in”. Continued access to the software and the 1TB of cloud storage is contingent upon maintaining the subscription. If the user decides to discontinue their subscription, they will lose access to the software, although they will likely retain their original image files. This dependency on an ongoing subscription is a fundamental difference compared to purchasing a perpetual license, where the software can typically be used indefinitely after the initial purchase. For a long-time Apple user, the cross-platform integration offered by Adobe’s mobile applications within the Photography Plan provides a significant advantage, enabling a consistent editing experience across their various devices. This level of integration and workflow continuity is a valuable aspect to consider when comparing against alternative software that might have limited or no support for mobile platforms.  

4. Exploring the Alternatives: Pricing and Upgrade Policies:

4.1 Luminar:

4.1.1 Pricing Models:

Skylum’s Luminar Neo offers photographers two primary ways to access its photo editing capabilities: through a subscription plan and via a lifetime perpetual license. The subscription plan is typically billed annually, with promotional pricing often available.

For example, it can be found for around £55 per year (approximately $69 USD), a discount from the standard £79 annual fee (approximately $99 USD). The lifetime perpetual license is presented as a one-time purchase, with a typical price of £95 (approximately $119 USD), although this is also frequently offered at a discount from a higher listed price, such as £159 (approximately $199 USD) or even £302 (approximately $377 USD).

It is important to note the consistent presence of discounts and special offers for both subscription and perpetual licenses across various sources. This suggests that the full listed prices might not accurately reflect the typical cost at which users acquire the software. The initial appeal of Luminar’s perpetual license, particularly with these frequent discounts, lies in the prospect of a one-time payment, which can be attractive to users seeking to avoid the recurring costs associated with subscription models. However, a thorough understanding of the upgrade policies and their associated costs is essential to accurately assess the true long-term financial implications of choosing this option.  

4.1.2 Upgrade Policies and Costs:

For users who opt for the Luminar Neo subscription plan, Skylum provides access to all software upgrades as part of their subscription. This ensures that subscribers always have the most current version of the software, including all new features and improvements, without incurring any additional charges beyond their annual subscription fee. In contrast, the upgrade policy for the lifetime perpetual license is more nuanced.

While lifetime license holders do receive updates that include bug fixes, general improvements, and some new features, Skylum explicitly states that major upgrades, which introduce significant new functionalities to the software, may require separate, additional payments. This has manifested in the form of “Upgrade Passes,” which Skylum has introduced for lifetime license owners. These passes, available for an additional cost (e.g., £47 on sale, with a regular price of £79 – approximately $59 and $99 USD respectively), provide access to major feature updates released over a specific period, such as the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 updates.

User feedback and online discussions reveal concerns and frustrations regarding the frequency and cost of these upgrade passes. Some users feel that the term “lifetime” license is misleading, as it does not guarantee access to all new features without further expenditure, effectively turning it into a series of purchases over time for those who wish to remain current with the software’s evolving capabilities.

Additionally, access to Luminar Neo’s Generative AI tools is limited to one year from the purchase date for lifetime license holders. This upgrade policy suggests that while the initial cost of the perpetual license might be lower, the long-term cost for users who desire to stay up-to-date with major feature additions could potentially become comparable to or even exceed the cost of a subscription over several years.  

4.1.3 Feature Highlights and User Experience:

Luminar Neo distinguishes itself with its strong emphasis on innovative AI-powered tools designed to streamline and enhance photo editing workflows. Notable AI features include Sky AI for seamless sky replacement, AI Portrait Tools for quick and effective portrait enhancements, and generative AI functionalities like GenErase for content removal and GenExpand for extending image boundaries. Many users praise Luminar Neo for its generally user-friendly and intuitive interface, which makes it accessible to both beginners and more experienced photographers. The interface is often described as modern and less overwhelming compared to some other professional editing software.

However, some user reports and reviews indicate that Luminar Neo can experience slower performance, particularly when dealing with large batches of images or when utilising its more computationally intensive AI features.

Additionally, Luminar Neo’s photo library management capabilities are generally considered to be less robust and feature-rich when compared to the sophisticated catalog system offered by Adobe Lightroom. While Luminar Neo does offer basic cataloging functionalities, it may lack the advanced organizational tools and metadata management options that long-time Lightroom users have come to rely on. Overall, Luminar Neo presents itself as a creatively focused editing platform with a strong suite of AI tools and an approachable user interface. However, potential users, especially those with extensive Lightroom experience, should carefully consider its limitations in catalog management and the long-term cost implications associated with its upgrade policy for perpetual licenses.  

4.2 ON1 Photo RAW:

4.2.1 Pricing Models:

ON1 Photo RAW offers photographers a choice between purchasing a perpetual license with a one-time payment and opting for a subscription plan with recurring fees.

The standard perpetual license for the latest version, ON1 Photo RAW 2025, is typically priced around £80 (approximately $99.99 USD) for new customers, with discounted upgrade pricing available for users who own previous versions (often around £64 – approximately $79.99 USD). ON1 also offers various subscription plans, such as their “Everything” subscriptions, which include the core Photo RAW software alongside other ON1 creative applications and cloud storage.

These subscription plans typically start at around £6.40 per month or £40 per year (approximately $7.99 and $49.99 USD respectively), with potential first-year discounts for new subscribers. For users who require plugin compatibility with other editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, ON1 offers a “MAX” version of Photo RAW. This version is available under both perpetual license and subscription models, generally at a higher price point than the standard version. Similar to Luminar, ON1 frequently provides discounts and promotional pricing on its software, making it worthwhile for potential buyers to check for ongoing deals. The availability of both perpetual and subscription options provides users with flexibility in choosing a payment model that best suits their preferences and budget.  

4.2.2 Upgrade Policies and Costs:
For users who choose to subscribe to one of ON1’s “Everything” plans, all future major upgrades to ON1 Photo RAW and the other applications included in their subscription are provided at no additional cost. This ensures that subscribers always have access to the latest features and improvements as long as their subscription remains active. In contrast, users who purchase a perpetual license for ON1 Photo RAW typically receive free minor updates within their purchased version. However, major software updates, which introduce significant new features and functionalities, are usually released on an annual cycle and require a paid upgrade for perpetual license holders to obtain them.

ON1 generally offers upgrade pricing for existing users at a reduced cost compared to the full purchase price for new users. For example, the upgrade to the standard version of ON1 Photo RAW is often priced around £64 (approximately $79.99 USD). Users who hold a perpetual license have the option to purchase these upgrades annually to stay current with the software’s capabilities, or they can choose to skip upgrades and continue using their existing version indefinitely. This model provides a degree of flexibility, allowing users to decide when and if they want to invest in the latest features. However, for users who desire to always have the newest tools and functionalities, the annual upgrade cost for the perpetual license effectively functions similarly to a yearly subscription fee.  

4.2.3 Feature Highlights and User Experience:
ON1 Photo RAW is marketed as a feature-rich alternative to Adobe Lightroom, aiming to provide an all-in-one solution for photographers by combining photo organisation, RAW processing, layered editing, and a wide range of creative effects within a single application. This integrated approach seeks to eliminate the need for users to switch between multiple programs for different tasks, potentially streamlining their workflow. ON1 Photo RAW boasts advanced layer functionality, which extends beyond the masking tools available in Lightroom, offering greater flexibility for complex image manipulation and compositing.

The software also incorporates a suite of AI-powered tools designed to enhance various aspects of the editing process, including AI Masking for automated selections, AI Sky Swap for replacing skies, and AI NoNoise for noise reduction. While ON1 Photo RAW does offer photo management capabilities, its reliance on a browser-based approach for organising images might feel less advanced or intuitive to some users who are accustomed to Lightroom’s more robust cataloging system. Additionally, some user reviews suggest that ON1 Photo RAW can experience slower performance, particularly when loading and processing large batches of high-resolution images. However, ON1 does offer a free trial of its software, allowing potential users to test its features and performance before committing to a purchase. Overall, ON1 Photo RAW presents itself as a comprehensive editing platform with a strong emphasis on integrating features found in both Lightroom and Photoshop into a single application, offering users the choice of both perpetual licenses and subscription plans.  

4.3 Capture One:

4.3.1 Pricing Models:

Capture One is generally positioned as a professional-grade photo editing software and is typically priced at the higher end of the spectrum compared to other alternatives, including Adobe Lightroom.

Capture One offers both perpetual licenses and subscription options. A perpetual license for Capture One Pro, which provides access to the current version of the software, typically costs around £238 or £254 (approximately $299 or $317 USD).

Subscription plans are available at various tiers, including “Pro” (which is primarily for desktop use), “All in One” (which includes mobile app access), and “Studio” (designed for collaborative, multi-user workflows). Annual subscriptions for Capture One Pro generally start at around £143 (approximately $179 USD), while monthly subscription options are also available but usually at a higher per-month cost. The “All in One” and “Studio” subscription plans, which offer a broader range of features and capabilities, are priced even higher. The premium pricing of Capture One reflects its focus on providing high-quality RAW processing and advanced features that cater to the needs of professional photographers, particularly those working in studio and commercial settings.  

4.3.2 Upgrade Policies and Costs:

Users who opt for a Capture One subscription, regardless of the tier (Pro, All in One, or Studio), benefit from having all software updates and upgrades included as part of their subscription. This ensures that subscribers consistently have access to the latest features and improvements without any additional costs beyond their regular subscription fees. However, the upgrade policy for Capture One’s perpetual licenses is more restrictive.

Typically, a perpetual license grants the user the right to use the specific major version of the software that they purchased. Upgrading to a new major version, which Capture One typically releases on an annual basis, requires purchasing either a new perpetual license or an upgrade license. The cost of these upgrades can be significant; for example, upgrading an existing license to Capture One Pro 23 was priced around £159 (approximately $199 USD).

Many users have expressed dissatisfaction with the high cost of these upgrades for perpetual licenses, particularly when considering the annual release cycle. Some perceive that the “perpetual” license has a limited lifespan in terms of accessing new features and that the cost of staying current through upgrades can quickly become very expensive, potentially surpassing the annual cost of an Adobe Photography Plan, which includes both Lightroom and Photoshop. Recent price increases, especially for multi-user plans aimed at professional studios, have further amplified concerns about the overall cost of ownership for Capture One.  

4.3.3 Feature Highlights and User Experience:

Capture One has established a strong reputation among professional photographers for its exceptional image quality, particularly in its handling of RAW files, colour rendering, and the availability of highly accurate camera-specific profiles. Its advanced editing tools, including a sophisticated layer-based editing system and industry-leading tethered shooting capabilities, make it a preferred choice for studio and commercial photographers who demand precision and control over their workflow.

While Capture One offers a powerful and customisable interface, it is often noted that it can have a steeper learning curve compared to Adobe Lightroom, and its interface might feel more complex to users who are new to professional-level photo editing software. The software’s focus on catering to professional workflows and its premium pricing suggest that it is best suited for users who have specific needs for high-end image quality and advanced features, such as those found in studio and commercial photography. For users who also require the broader functionalities of Adobe Photoshop, the higher cost of Capture One, coupled with its upgrade frequency for perpetual licenses, might not be justifiable when compared to the more comprehensive and often more cost-effective Adobe Photography Plan.  

4.4 DXO PhotoLab:

4.4.1 Pricing Models:

DXO PhotoLab is primarily offered as a perpetual license software, with two distinct editions available for purchase: the Essential edition and the more feature-rich Elite edition. The initial purchase cost for the Elite edition of DXO PhotoLab 8, which includes the full suite of features, is typically around £183 (approximately $229 USD).

The Essential edition, which offers a more limited set of tools, is priced lower at approximately £111 (approximately $139 USD). In addition to PhotoLab, DXO also offers other software applications, such as DXO FilmPack (for film simulation effects) and DXO ViewPoint (for perspective and geometry corrections).

These applications often integrate seamlessly with PhotoLab and extend its capabilities but typically require separate purchases, adding to the overall cost if a user desires these functionalities. DXO’s primary focus on a perpetual license model can be appealing to photographers who prefer a one-time purchase over an ongoing subscription. However, the potential need to purchase additional software for a complete set of features needs to be considered when evaluating the overall cost.  

4.4.2 Upgrade Policies and Costs:

While DXO PhotoLab is sold with a perpetual license, DXO typically releases new major versions of the software on an annual basis. Users who wish to upgrade to these new versions and benefit from the latest features and improvements are required to purchase a paid upgrade. The cost of these upgrades usually falls in the range of £60 to £87 (approximately $75 to $109 USD), depending on the specific edition (Essential or Elite) and the version of PhotoLab that the user is upgrading from. DXO has, over time, adjusted its upgrade pricing policy, often providing more favourable upgrade prices to customers who upgrade to the latest version more regularly. Users who choose to skip several major versions before upgrading might find that they are no longer eligible for discounted upgrade pricing and may have to pay the full price for the latest version. This annual cycle of major releases and the associated upgrade costs mean that while the initial purchase of DXO PhotoLab is perpetual, users who want to stay current with the software’s capabilities will likely incur ongoing expenses that are similar to those of a subscription model. This is particularly true if the user also invests in DXO FilmPack and ViewPoint to gain access to a more comprehensive set of editing tools.  

4.4.3 Feature Highlights and User Experience:

DXO PhotoLab has garnered a strong reputation for its exceptional image quality, particularly in its advanced lens correction capabilities and its powerful noise reduction technology, known as DeepPRIME. Many users praise its ability to significantly improve the quality of RAW files, especially those shot at higher ISOs or with older lenses. PhotoLab utilises a folder-based system for organizing photographs, which some users may find more straightforward and preferable to the catalog-based systems used by Lightroom and Capture One. While DXO PhotoLab offers a robust set of editing tools, it is often noted that some advanced features, such as extensive layer editing and highly refined masking capabilities, might not be as prominent or comprehensive as in Adobe Photoshop or some other alternatives, especially without the additional purchase of DXO FilmPack. Some user reviews also suggest that DXO PhotoLab can have a steeper learning curve for new users compared to the more familiar interface of Adobe Lightroom. Additionally, DXO PhotoLab does not offer built-in cloud storage or mobile editing capabilities, which might be a consideration for users who value these features. Overall, DXO PhotoLab excels in delivering high image quality through its sophisticated processing algorithms, making it a compelling option for photographers who prioritise this aspect. However, potential users should carefully consider the cost of upgrades and the potential need for additional software to achieve a feature set comparable to that of the Adobe Photography Plan.  

5. Long-Term Cost Comparison:

Here’s an estimated comparison of the long-term costs (in British Pounds, GBP) of the Adobe Photography Plan and the alternative software options discussed in this report over a period of 3 and 5 years. These estimates are based on approximate conversions from US Dollar prices using an exchange rate of £1 = $1.25 and assume typical upgrade patterns for perpetual licenses (upgrading every 1-2 years to stay reasonably current). Please note that currency exchange rates are subject to fluctuation, and actual costs may vary.

Adobe Photography Plan (Subscription): The estimated cost is approximately £192 for Year 1, £576 for Year 3, and £960 for Year 5. This includes Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, and 1TB cloud storage. These estimates assume no significant price increases.
Luminar Neo (Subscription): The estimated cost is approximately £55 for Year 1, £165 for Year 3, and £275 for Year 5. This assumes a consistent yearly subscription cost (after potential initial discounts).

Luminar Neo (Perpetual): The estimated cost is approximately £95 for Year 1, £285 for Year 3, and £475 for Year 5. This includes the initial purchase and an upgrade pass cost every 2 years. Actual costs can vary significantly based on upgrade frequency and available discounts. Note that access to Generative AI tools is limited to 1 year from the purchase date.
ON1 Photo RAW (Subscription): The estimated cost is approximately £72 for Year 1, £216 for Year 3, and £360 for Year 5. This assumes a consistent yearly subscription cost (after potential initial discounts).

ON1 Photo RAW (Perpetual): The estimated cost is approximately £80 for Year 1, £240 for Year 3, and £400 for Year 5. This includes the initial purchase and an upgrade cost every 2 years. Actual costs can vary based on upgrade frequency and discounts.
Capture One Pro (Subscription): The estimated cost is approximately £143 for Year 1, £429 for Year 3, and £715 for Year 5. This assumes a yearly subscription for the Pro version. The “All in One” subscription will be more expensive.

Capture One Pro (Perpetual): The estimated cost is approximately £254 for Year 1, £652 for Year 3, and £1050 for Year 5. This includes the initial purchase and an upgrade cost every 2 years. Costs can be high due to the expensive initial license and upgrade fees.
DXO PhotoLab 8 Elite (Perpetual): The estimated cost is approximately £183 for Year 1, £366 for Year 3, and £549 for Year 5. This includes the initial purchase and an upgrade every 2 years. It assumes an upgrade to the Elite version. Additional costs for FilmPack and ViewPoint are not included but can significantly increase the price.

This breakdown illustrates that while the initial cost of some perpetual licenses might be lower than an annual subscription to the Adobe Photography Plan, the cumulative cost over a 3 to 5-year period, especially when factoring in the need for upgrades to stay reasonably current with software features and compatibility, often brings the total expenditure close to or even above the cost of the Adobe subscription. It is particularly important to remember that the Adobe Photography Plan includes both Lightroom and Photoshop. Users who opt for perpetual license alternatives and require the advanced image manipulation capabilities of Photoshop would likely need to incur additional costs for separate software or plugins, further impacting the overall long-term cost comparison. This analysis underscores that the perceived cost savings of perpetual licenses can be significantly reduced or even eliminated by the necessity of regular upgrades.

6. Feature and User Experience Highlights:

A summary of the key strengths and weaknesses of each software option, relevant to a long-time Adobe Lightroom user accustomed to the Apple ecosystem, is provided below:

Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop: Strengths include seamless integration within the Adobe ecosystem and with Apple products, a comprehensive feature set covering both RAW processing and advanced image manipulation, a vast library of learning resources and community support, and mobile app accessibility. The primary weakness is the subscription-only model, which requires ongoing payments for continued access.

Luminar Neo: Strengths include innovative and user-friendly AI-powered creative tools for tasks like sky replacement and portrait enhancement. Weaknesses include less robust catalog management compared to Lightroom, potential performance issues with large image libraries or intensive AI tasks, and a potentially expensive and somewhat unclear upgrade policy for perpetual license holders, where significant new features often require additional payments.

ON1 Photo RAW: Strengths lie in its ambition to be an all-in-one solution, integrating features found in both Lightroom and Photoshop, strong masking and layering capabilities, and the availability of both subscription and perpetual license options. Weaknesses include a browser-based photo management system that some users might find less advanced, potential performance issues, and a user interface that can feel less refined than Lightroom’s to some users.
Capture One Pro: Strengths are its superior RAW processing quality, highly accurate colour rendering, advanced and customisable editing features, and excellent tethered shooting capabilities, making it a favourite among professional studio and commercial photographers. Weaknesses include a significantly higher cost compared to the Adobe Photography Plan, expensive upgrades for perpetual licenses, and a steeper learning curve that might not be suitable for all users.

DXO PhotoLab: Strengths include exceptional image quality, particularly in noise reduction and lens corrections, and a folder-based organisation system that some users prefer. Weaknesses include a less comprehensive feature set in the base application, with functionalities like film simulation and perspective correction often requiring additional paid software (FilmPack and ViewPoint), paid annual upgrades for perpetual licenses, and a learning curve that some users find challenging.

The “best” software choice is highly dependent on the individual photographer’s priorities and workflow. For a user who frequently relies on the advanced editing capabilities of Photoshop, the Adobe Photography Plan offers a compelling and potentially cost-effective solution by bundling both Lightroom and Photoshop. Users who prioritise specific aspects, such as ultimate image quality (Capture One or DXO) or the desire for a one-time purchase (Luminar or ON1), might find these alternatives appealing but should carefully consider the trade-offs in other areas and the potential for similar or higher long-term costs due to upgrade requirements.

7. Conclusion and Recommendations:

Based on the detailed analysis of pricing models, upgrade policies, and the inclusion of Photoshop in the Adobe Photography Plan, the user’s initial suspicion that the alternatives might be more expensive to keep up to date than the Adobe subscription appears to be valid for many users, particularly those who require the functionality of both Lightroom and Photoshop and desire regular software updates.

The analysis indicates that while perpetual licenses might offer a lower initial cost, the necessity of purchasing upgrades to access new features and maintain compatibility over the long term can significantly reduce or even eliminate these initial savings. In some cases, the total cost of ownership for alternatives, especially when factoring in the cost of upgrades, can become comparable to or even higher than that of the Adobe subscription over a period of several years. The complexity and cost associated with the upgrade paths for certain perpetual license options, such as those offered by Luminar and Capture One, are particularly noteworthy.

Considering the user’s long-standing experience with Adobe Lightroom and their preference for the Apple ecosystem, the following recommendations are provided:

Evaluate Photoshop Usage: If the user frequently utilises Adobe Photoshop or anticipates needing its advanced image manipulation features in their workflow, the Adobe Photography Plan likely remains the most cost-effective and seamlessly integrated solution. It provides both Lightroom and Photoshop for a consistent subscription fee, along with valuable cloud storage.

Consider Upgrade Habits: If the user primarily uses Lightroom for RAW processing and basic editing and tends to upgrade software infrequently, exploring perpetual license options such as ON1 Photo RAW or DXO PhotoLab might offer potential long-term savings. However, the user must be comfortable with potentially missing out on the latest features if they choose to skip upgrades and should be fully aware of the cost of upgrading when they eventually decide to do so.

Trial Alternatives: It is strongly recommended that the user take advantage of the free trial periods offered by each of the alternative software options that pique their interest. Hands-on experience will allow the user to thoroughly evaluate the software’s interface, workflow, performance on their specific Apple system, and feature set to determine which best aligns with their individual needs and preferences before making a financial commitment.

Long-Term Perspective: When considering the long-term cost, it is crucial to look beyond the initial purchase price of perpetual licenses and factor in the recurring expenses associated with upgrades that are often necessary to maintain current functionality and compatibility with new operating systems and camera models.

In conclusion, while the appeal of a one-time perpetual license purchase is understandable, especially for users who are hesitant about subscription models, this analysis suggests that the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan often provides a compelling combination of value, comprehensive features (including both Lightroom and Photoshop), and a relatively predictable long-term cost for users who require a full suite of editing tools and regular software updates. The user’s initial suspicion regarding the potential for higher long-term costs with alternatives appears to be a valid concern that warrants careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of individual needs and usage patterns.