Software Solutions

[Splats]

I'll start with a confession.... I have a very old cracked copy of Adobe Photoshop & Bridge CS4 on my computer that has served me for very infrequent use. However, I've recently upgraded to a Canon 760d and Bridge isn't entertaining opening the RAW files. I tried to update the Camera Raw software but it doesn't seem happy - I'm guessing because it's a dodgy copy.

What can people recommend for occasional RAW editing and photo manipulation. Online it looks like I can get the current version of Photoshop and Lightroom for £80 for a year. That's not bad but the problem is it's hard to justify - I can easily go many months (3,6 more even) without ever opening up PS or bridge.

What are my options here? Is is basically Adobe products or bust?

[silobass]

You could get one of the free software tools such as

GIMP - http://www.photoscape.org/ps/main/index.php
Photoscape - http://www.photoscape.org/ps/main/index.php

Lightooom is very good, why not acquire a copy? You don't have to have the latest version.

You can also get the latest version of Camera Raw for free -http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/thankyou.jsp?ftpID=5111&fileID=4750

[Splats]

Been doing more reading and tbh, I'm being a fud. Lightroom and Photoshop are like £8.50 per month - even for occasional use that's pretty good value and having the most up to date features and compatibility means I'll probably be more encouraged to use it. I think I'll just subscribe

[Craikeybaby]

Yes, the monthly deal is great.

At work I have the odd project where I need Photoshop, so just license it a month at a time when I need it. However, at home I have the Lightroom/Photoshop bundle.

[Morbid]

Just use the free Adobe DNG converter and that should allow you to use your existing software (had to do the same as I have a 70D which is not supported in CS5).

[Goody13]

I've always used DPP that comes with the camera. I've not really needed much more for raw shots other than something to occasionally reduce red eye when using a compact, something that is easily done with free software.