Fresh start - Lightroom, Capture One Pro, something else?
p.2 #1Fresh start - Lightroom, Capture One Pro, something else?
Roaming Scott wrote:
Sure, go pay for your "perpetual" license of another program...that magically doesn't support new cameras next year, requiring you to buy ANOTHER, NEWER "perpetual" license. Play that game a few times and Adobe looks cheap suddenly.
In addition to this, ( in the case of C One at least), if a new version of your OS causes problems with your "Perpetual" version they are not going to update your version.
In a recent instance of this happening, ( a problem with importing files, Mac OS), they did suggest a workaround to the problem but otherwise they suggested buying a new version.
Sure, go pay for your "perpetual" license of another program...that magically doesn't support new cameras next year, requiring you to buy ANOTHER, NEWER "perpetual" license. Play that game a few times and Adobe looks cheap suddenly.
In addition to this, ( in the case of C One at least), if a new version of your OS causes problems with your "Perpetual" version they are not going to update your version.
In a recent instance of this happening, ( a problem with importing files, Mac OS), they did suggest a workaround to the problem but otherwise they suggested buying a new version.
Sep 14, 2026 at 01:11 PM
p.2 #2Fresh start - Lightroom, Capture One Pro, something else?
I shoot Sony so Capture one is my only real option for raw files. Ive done the test as well as numerous other highly respected photographers and Sony colors look better on Capture One. I'll admit I am being very technical and picky here. The greens and skin tones always look off on Sony Raw files in LR.
Anyone else move C1 just for Sony raw files?
Anyone else move C1 just for Sony raw files?
Sep 29, 2026 at 10:52 PM
p.2 #3Fresh start - Lightroom, Capture One Pro, something else?
The Stockholm Syndrome of Lightroom users is funny. Other programs offer subscription option as well. You want to subscribe to Capture One, you can do that, no problem. Capture One lets you choose what works best for you, while Adobe does not. Don't hold that up as a disadvantage of using Capture One.
Sep 30, 2026 at 12:41 AM
p.2 #4Fresh start - Lightroom, Capture One Pro, something else?
I have bought and paid for PS CS6 and Lightroom Classic? - I believe, it's a program I never use. Basically, I use OEM software for all my RAW conversions and only use PS for things like levels, cropping, the healing brush, cloning, content-aware fill, etc. I also use it for plug-ins for tweaking the image. My plug-ins include Skylum Luminar Neo and Topaz Photo AI-a program that I believe is no longer available; only subscriptions remain. I also have a Nik collection, which I rarely use, usually only B&W using Silver Efex Pro2. I prefer to use only programs I can buy, not subscribe to.
Sep 30, 2026 at 02:23 AM
p.2 #5Fresh start - Lightroom, Capture One Pro, something else?
doady wrote:
The Stockholm Syndrome of Lightroom users is funny…
… in the same manner as the attitudes of some Adobe haters who obsessively mischaracterize the company’s products. ;-)
The Stockholm Syndrome of Lightroom users is funny…
… in the same manner as the attitudes of some Adobe haters who obsessively mischaracterize the company’s products. ;-)
Sep 30, 2026 at 08:37 AM
p.2 #6Fresh start - Lightroom, Capture One Pro, something else?
I rarely write reviews. Perhaps My experience will help others though.
I purchased DxO PhotoLab 9 in late July 2026 after testing several raw processors on both Nikon and Sony raw files. I was really impressed with their technology and was preparing to move to DXO PhotoLab from Lightroom and perhaps even Photoshop.
Approximately five weeks after my purchase, on September 1, DxO released PhotoLab 10, requiring an additional paid upgrade to obtain the latest version. At the time of my purchase, I saw no indication that a major new version was just weeks away. Had I known, I certainly would have waited, and like many others I did not click and read screens full of legal text which stated I get no upgrades to future versions with their perpetual license. No 3 months, 6 months -- nothing. So my price for having the laatest software was at that point $400!
What makes this particularly disappointing is how impressed I am with DxO's technology. I was looking forward to a long relationship with the company and had already enthusiastically recommended its software to numerous other photographers.
When I contacted DxO, I wasn't asking for something unreasonable. I simply hoped the company would recognize the circumstances of a new customer who purchased its software only weeks before a major replacement and asked they consider a complimentary upgrade.
Instead, I received repeated explanations that my perpetual license remains valid and that DxO has no obligation to provide future major upgrades. They even quoted their policy to me multiple times which included an outdated 2016 French Law sitation.
I understand their policy. My concern is not whether DxO has fulfilled the technical terms of its license. It is whether this is a fair and reasonable way to treat customers purchasing expensive software shortly before a new release. DxO eventually offered a $50 discount toward the PhotoLab 10 upgrade, which I appreciate. However, the offer still requires me to spend more money soon after my original purchase.
I also discovered another customer's publicly documented experience involving a July 28 purchase. In that case, DxO publicly acknowledged that its Customer Support Manager personally reviewed the complaint and proposed an exceptional goodwill solution. When I asked whether my situation had received similar management consideration, DxO declined to disclose who had reviewed my case.
After multiple exchanges, DxO has maintained its refusal to provide a complimentary upgrade or refund.
I hope DxO's management will reconsider how it handles customers who purchase software shortly before a major new release. A little transparency and goodwill would go a long way toward turning enthusiastic first-time buyers into loyal, long-term customers. In the meantime, I suggest anyone purchasing this software read the terms and conditions of the license and pay very close attention to when the version they are purchasing introduced and their upgrade schedule.
I purchased DxO PhotoLab 9 in late July 2026 after testing several raw processors on both Nikon and Sony raw files. I was really impressed with their technology and was preparing to move to DXO PhotoLab from Lightroom and perhaps even Photoshop.
Approximately five weeks after my purchase, on September 1, DxO released PhotoLab 10, requiring an additional paid upgrade to obtain the latest version. At the time of my purchase, I saw no indication that a major new version was just weeks away. Had I known, I certainly would have waited, and like many others I did not click and read screens full of legal text which stated I get no upgrades to future versions with their perpetual license. No 3 months, 6 months -- nothing. So my price for having the laatest software was at that point $400!
What makes this particularly disappointing is how impressed I am with DxO's technology. I was looking forward to a long relationship with the company and had already enthusiastically recommended its software to numerous other photographers.
When I contacted DxO, I wasn't asking for something unreasonable. I simply hoped the company would recognize the circumstances of a new customer who purchased its software only weeks before a major replacement and asked they consider a complimentary upgrade.
Instead, I received repeated explanations that my perpetual license remains valid and that DxO has no obligation to provide future major upgrades. They even quoted their policy to me multiple times which included an outdated 2016 French Law sitation.
I understand their policy. My concern is not whether DxO has fulfilled the technical terms of its license. It is whether this is a fair and reasonable way to treat customers purchasing expensive software shortly before a new release. DxO eventually offered a $50 discount toward the PhotoLab 10 upgrade, which I appreciate. However, the offer still requires me to spend more money soon after my original purchase.
I also discovered another customer's publicly documented experience involving a July 28 purchase. In that case, DxO publicly acknowledged that its Customer Support Manager personally reviewed the complaint and proposed an exceptional goodwill solution. When I asked whether my situation had received similar management consideration, DxO declined to disclose who had reviewed my case.
After multiple exchanges, DxO has maintained its refusal to provide a complimentary upgrade or refund.
I hope DxO's management will reconsider how it handles customers who purchase software shortly before a major new release. A little transparency and goodwill would go a long way toward turning enthusiastic first-time buyers into loyal, long-term customers. In the meantime, I suggest anyone purchasing this software read the terms and conditions of the license and pay very close attention to when the version they are purchasing introduced and their upgrade schedule.
Oct 10, 2026 at 10:01 AM
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p.2 #7Fresh start - Lightroom, Capture One Pro, something else?
The upgrade is $130, so if they gave you a discount that's like $80. From what I recall their unofficial policy between versions is about 30 days, but I agree there should be a longer and formal policy. Most likely DXO will move to a subscription model like most other companies and then people will complain about that. Unlike some other software, DXO is pretty good about supporting new lenses/cameras for both the current and last versions. If one did not need the new features from each version it was feasible to skip every other version.
I was actually in the opposite situation as you, regretting not getting the DXO PL9 upgrade and waiting a few days too long, so I had to get the PL10 upgrade instead. They won't sell you the older version license.
EBH
I was actually in the opposite situation as you, regretting not getting the DXO PL9 upgrade and waiting a few days too long, so I had to get the PL10 upgrade instead. They won't sell you the older version license.
EBH
Oct 10, 2026 at 10:18 AM
p.2 #8Fresh start - Lightroom, Capture One Pro, something else?
Roy_H wrote:
I rarely write reviews. Perhaps My experience will help others though.
I purchased DxO PhotoLab 9 in late July 2026 after testing several raw processors on both Nikon and Sony raw files. I was really impressed with their technology and was preparing to move to DXO PhotoLab from Lightroom and perhaps even Photoshop.
Approximately five weeks after my purchase, on September 1, DxO released PhotoLab 10, requiring an additional paid upgrade to obtain the latest version. At the time of my purchase, I saw no indication that a major new version was just weeks away. Had I known, I certainly...Show more →
With DXO it's good to clarify the upgrade cycles in forums like FM or others, before you buy. The same applies to their other products. I agree, they should be more flexible, especially since their upgrade cycle is not officially published by them.
But at least it is possible to upgrade DXO products for a reasonable price. Capture One unfortunately discontinued it's perpetual annual upgrade cycle.
You are not alone.
https://forum.dxo.com/t/bought-photolab-9-a-month-later-v10-was-release-denied-upgrade-by-support-is-this-standard-practice/56146
I rarely write reviews. Perhaps My experience will help others though.
I purchased DxO PhotoLab 9 in late July 2026 after testing several raw processors on both Nikon and Sony raw files. I was really impressed with their technology and was preparing to move to DXO PhotoLab from Lightroom and perhaps even Photoshop.
Approximately five weeks after my purchase, on September 1, DxO released PhotoLab 10, requiring an additional paid upgrade to obtain the latest version. At the time of my purchase, I saw no indication that a major new version was just weeks away. Had I known, I certainly...Show more →
With DXO it's good to clarify the upgrade cycles in forums like FM or others, before you buy. The same applies to their other products. I agree, they should be more flexible, especially since their upgrade cycle is not officially published by them.
But at least it is possible to upgrade DXO products for a reasonable price. Capture One unfortunately discontinued it's perpetual annual upgrade cycle.
You are not alone.
https://forum.dxo.com/t/bought-photolab-9-a-month-later-v10-was-release-denied-upgrade-by-support-is-this-standard-practice/56146
Oct 10, 2026 at 09:22 PM
p.2 #9Fresh start - Lightroom, Capture One Pro, something else?
Thanks pete.
I think very few people read all the fine print, particularly for things like software programs. Now that is not enough, you need to research forums But you are right, ultimately the information was out there for me to find and I was focused on the technical performance of the software, not the price policies, quality or attitude of the company towards its customers.
But really, the concern which will result in me no longer pursuing products with this company was my interaction with their Customer Service. When responses from customer service quote fine print policies, French laws, and make statements that they do not disclose what review was done, it is anything but customer friendly.
The offer they gave me only came after several exchanges and a request for upper management review. The offer would expire October 31, and could not be combined with other offers. So this would have saved me about $10-$20 over Black Friday sale prices. While I acknowledge they did move a little bit, I did not accept it as I am likely to move away from this company.
During my 30 day trial - I had a couple questions, and the written responses only came from a rep named "Riley." Than this issue months later - the same thing. Is it possible I just luckily got the same person for three different support tickets, or is there is only 1 person responding, or maybe that is just a generic name for several people?
I think very few people read all the fine print, particularly for things like software programs. Now that is not enough, you need to research forums
But you are right, ultimately the information was out there for me to find and I was focused on the technical performance of the software, not the price policies, quality or attitude of the company towards its customers.But really, the concern which will result in me no longer pursuing products with this company was my interaction with their Customer Service. When responses from customer service quote fine print policies, French laws, and make statements that they do not disclose what review was done, it is anything but customer friendly.
The offer they gave me only came after several exchanges and a request for upper management review. The offer would expire October 31, and could not be combined with other offers. So this would have saved me about $10-$20 over Black Friday sale prices. While I acknowledge they did move a little bit, I did not accept it as I am likely to move away from this company.
During my 30 day trial - I had a couple questions, and the written responses only came from a rep named "Riley." Than this issue months later - the same thing. Is it possible I just luckily got the same person for three different support tickets, or is there is only 1 person responding, or maybe that is just a generic name for several people?
Oct 11, 2026 at 08:57 AM
p.2 #10Fresh start - Lightroom, Capture One Pro, something else?
Outside of Capture One and Adobe, the only other option I'm seeing in this thread is DxO. Am I missing anything interesting?
Oct 11, 2026 at 09:46 AM
p.2 #11Fresh start - Lightroom, Capture One Pro, something else?
Not interested in a subscription model, and I never buy a new version every year, just like I don't buy every new camera. Version improvements tend to be so incremental and trivial it's not worth paying for. I'm currently on DxO PhotoLab 8, which I upgraded to from 5, and before that I think I used 3. It works fine for what I do, which includes Nik Tools' Silver eFex Pro and Viveza Pro, trivial catalog management, and printing on a Canon ImageProGraf 1100.
Although I'm test driving LightCraft currently. It's still a little basic, and of course doesn't come anywhere DxO's DeepPrime noise reduction (but then nothing does) - and I shoot a lot in dark venues at 5-digit ISOs.
Although I'm test driving LightCraft currently. It's still a little basic, and of course doesn't come anywhere DxO's DeepPrime noise reduction (but then nothing does) - and I shoot a lot in dark venues at 5-digit ISOs.
Oct 16, 2026 at 02:12 PM