In focus: Adobe Photoshop has dominated the photo editing space - but with a new subscription model is there life after Photoshop for small businesses looking for something more cost-effective?
For almost all its 23-year existence, Photoshop has dominated the digital retouching and design world.
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But in June this year, Photoshop did the unthinkable (although Adobe had been thinking about it for some time). It became subscription-only software, no longer available as a boxed product in retail stores where one price bought unlimited creativity.
Now ideas, images and designs can only flow within strict time limits - unless the meter is fed.
I have registered my protest by refusing to sign onto the subscription model. I'm updated through LR5 and CS6, and both those perform more than I can ever hope to learn. In my experience, it has been a relatively stable platform, and any issues I encounter I've found help by numerous online forums.
I will continue to use PS until it no longer works, and then I'll worry about it. By then, either Adobe will have realized it made a huge mistake and return to the modular sales platform, or a viable contender will step up. And Adobe will realize they made a huge mistake :-)
I'm also up to date through CS6 and will not buy in to the subscription model unless they offer something that actually adds value for me... which the current model most definitely does not.
There are so many things wrong with the new business model, including (and not limited to) the fact that they bundle everything together - even programs that you will likely NEVER use; they are charging a fortune for the bundle; and you won't be able to use any PS files on your computer if you don't pay to play. I haven't met a single person who doesn't feel the same way. I wonder how the transition is faring for them...
Simple solution: Free Adobe CS2 + LR4 Capture One Pro... Never been happier.
I did purchase CS2 back in the day but they wouldn't help me activate after a crash so went with the free download. I don't plan to ever purchase under the new subscription model. New glass would be money better spent.
There are so many things wrong with the new business model, including (and not limited to) the fact that they bundle everything together - even programs that you will likely NEVER use; they are charging a fortune for the bundle; and you won't be able to use any PS files on your computer if you don't pay to play. I haven't met a single person who doesn't feel the same way. I wonder how the transition is faring for them...
You can subscribe to just Ps... but it's still way too expensive. I don't *like* subscription models in general, but if they actually add value for me, I can get my head around them. Specifically, if I am giving up my right to perpetually use the last version of the software I paid for, then I better be getting a great discount. Oh, wait, it's actually *more* expensive than buying outright?? Wow, there's a deal I can pass up! ;-)
I have registered my protest by refusing to sign onto the subscription model. I'm updated through LR5 and CS6, and both those perform more than I can ever hope to learn. In my experience, it has been a relatively stable platform, and any issues I encounter I've found help by numerous online forums.
I will continue to use PS until it no longer works, and then I'll worry about it. By then, either Adobe will have realized it made a huge mistake and return to the modular sales platform, or a viable contender will step up. And Adobe will realize they made a huge mistake :-)
I have registered my protest by refusing to sign onto the subscription model. I'm updated through LR5 and CS6, and both those perform more than I can ever hope to learn. In my experience, it has been a relatively stable platform, and any issues I encounter I've found help by numerous online forums.
I will continue to use PS until it no longer works, and then I'll worry about it. By then, either Adobe will have realized it made a huge mistake and return to the modular sales platform, or a viable contender will step up. And Adobe will realize they made a huge mistake :-)
Same here, just upgraded to LR5 and CS6 Production Premium suite. I'll use them until Adobe wises up or somebody better comes along...
I suspect that the model was designed for their institutional users, for whom this might be a good deal. Unfortunately, I also think that they are the bulk of Adobe's consumers, so for us small fry, we're SOL....
I suspect that the model was designed for their institutional users, for whom this might be a good deal. Unfortunately, I also think that they are the bulk of Adobe's consumers, so for us small fry, we're SOL....
Microsoft is doing the same thing for college students -- my daughter leaves on Thursday for college. She bought office and had the choice of a 4 year license with updates or just buying the current version. She bought the current version. The college called to try to talk her into the license, but after she left college, she'd have no software (at least not legally).
I suspect that the model was designed for their institutional users, for whom this might be a good deal. Unfortunately, I also think that they are the bulk of Adobe's consumers, so for us small fry, we're SOL....
Microsoft is doing the same thing for college students -- my daughter leaves on Thursday for college. She bought office and had the choice of a 4 year license with updates or just buying the current version. She bought the current version. The college called to try to talk her into the license, but after she left college, she'd have no software (at least not legally).
IMO, this is how it should be. For once Microsoft did the right thing. The subscription model works great for some people, especially those that will upgrade every time anyway (institutions). But they leave the boxed version available for the people that want a perpetual license.
CS5 was the end here...
Purchased on a student discount, so no cheap upgrade to CS6, or subscription. I understand the subscription model makes sense for businesses. But for the individual, it puts you on a never ending path that you cannot quit.
Adobe does not owe it to me to make a purchase version available. Their company, their software, they can do as they please. They will just have to do it without me.
Core's Paintshop Pro X5 is not CS5, but it does use Photoshop plug-ins. For now, it will do.
IMO, this is how it should be. For once Microsoft did the right thing. The subscription model works great for some people, especially those that will upgrade every time anyway (institutions). But they leave the boxed version available for the people that want a perpetual license.
I can't believe I'm typing this, but yes, MS's subscription model makes a lot of sense. It allows as many as five installs on one subscription, and there is no prohibition on concurrent use. So for ten buck a month, I can have 5 PCs loaded with a constantly-updated version of Office, and no worries. It will save me money in the long run, and eliminate worries about updating everyone's software.
Up to this point I've been a minimal user of PS. And so have stuck with the ancient 6.0 version that I have. But its time to upgrade a little and step into the present. What CS version should I come in at?
But its time to upgrade a little and step into the present. What CS version should I come in at?
Impossible to answer without knowing more about your photography plans, they type of photography you prefer, etc. If you're a minimalist, just about any program will work. If you're heading towards digital art and compositing, and you want to stick with Adobe and not join the Cloud, CS6 is (IMO) your only choice.
