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Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic

Post by Parker: 30 Years experience!
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In one case upon a time, nosotros simply had one version of Lightroom. Then came along Lightroom CC as a subscription option. This gave us Lightroom 6 and Lightroom CC.

Not long ago, Adobe introduced a third version of Lightroom. This new version took on the name of Lightroom CC, and the "quondam" CC was renamed to Lightroom Archetype.

Confusing correct!?!?

Oh, and Adobe discontinued Lightroom six.

Which version of Lightroom should y'all use?

Well, it depends on your postal service-processing needs.

And so, in this article, we'll encompass the strengths and weaknesses of both. And then, yous'll exist able to determine which version of Lightroom is correct for yous.

Ready? Awesome, allow's go started!

Logo for Lightroom Classic.

Lightroom or Lightroom Archetype?

In essence, the Lightroom CC version is considered a "mobile" app, and the Classic is a "desktop" app.

Here are a few more differences between the two:

The interfaces are different
Classic requires creating a itemize for your data
Some tools have the same function but different names
Lightroom CC tin sync with your smartphone and Classic tin not
Classic has more tools and features for mail service-processing vs. CC

Lightroom vs Lightroom Archetype

In that location are a lot of like tools between Lightroom CC and Lightroom Classic.

Therefore, nosotros're not going to go over every tool or feature in the post-obit strengths + weaknesses sections. Instead, we'll focus on each app's specific strengths and weaknesses.

the Low-Downwardly On Lightroom CC

CC is short for Artistic Cloud. With Lightroom CC, you can save your images to the "cloud" via Adobe'southward cloud server.

You tin can sync your smartphone, with CC, and your images volition car-upload to your cloud account.

It's user-friendly. But information technology can get expensive if you lot need a lot of storage.

Oh, and even though Lightroom CC is considered a mobile app, you lot tin can nonetheless install and use it on your desktop besides!

Lightroom CC Strengths

The following includes a few strengths that you may find useful in your conclusion procedure. This is what sets CC apart from Classic.

Anywhere Editing

Shoot with your smartphone and edit directly on your smartphone! Both your photos and edits are saved to the deject. This allows you to easily switch to an iPad or desktop and choice up where y'all left off.

Photograph Albums

Easily organize like photos or categories of photos into Albums. You can nest your albums into folders to accept your organization up a notch.

Easy Photo Backups

Data management in the deject. Since your photos are auto uploaded to a cloud account, you have an instant backup of all your files. The initial program includes 1TB of storage.

Photoshop Elements to Lightroom CC

If you apply Photoshop Elements 2019 or later, you can migrate your photos into CC. Note, this feature is only bachelor for the desktop version of the Lightroom CC app.

Lightroom CC Weaknesses

Yous're going to notice a whole lot more weaknesses vs. strengths. This doesn't mean that CC is worthless.

The weaknesses are mostly tools/features missing from Lightroom Classic. So, you may not need these "missing" tools anyway. Only, if yous do, then you may want to have a closer look at Lightroom Classic.

Watermark on consign

If you demand to add together a watermark to your images on export, y'all're going to be disappointed. Although, you can do this with the mobile version you lot can't with the desktop app. Fifty-fifty then, the mobile option is express vs. Classic.

Import Presets

Yes, you lot tin create, save, and add together presets in Lightroom CC. Nonetheless, if you lot want to import presets into your smartphone, they'll have to be in the DNG format.

Plus, importing those presets will be a time-intensive process!

No Collections or Smart Collections

Albums and folders are similar to Collections in Classic. They permit you to organize your files into groups of (or categories of) images.

Notwithstanding, CC does not include the almighty and powerful Smart Collections of Classic.

Rename Photos

Renaming files tin can just be done on export. If you have a specific file naming construction, yous'll take to rename with another program or with Classic.

Lack of folders to organize by

Yep, you tin can create folders for your albums. However, you lot can not sync your desktop folder (of images) with CC.

Export File Types

Not all your devices tin export the same blazon of file formats. Hither's a quick listing of file types available on export:

Price

The initial parcel includes 1TB of space. Which may be sufficient for most photographers. However, over time your storage needs are going to grow. Then, the toll is going to exist more that initial price. More details beneath.

the Low-Down On Lightroom Classic

This is the original Lightroom version that was released in 2007. Information technology was designed for use on your desktop (or laptop).

Overall, Lightroom Archetype has more tools and features than the CC version. Including, but not limited to, more options for getting organized, a few more editing tools/features, and the editing tools are more intuitive.

Although, that might be due to using Lightroom since 2007.

Archetype too has private modules for additional options to organize, mail service-process, and share your images.

Lightroom Archetype Strengths

The following strengths include tools and features that I find invaluable as a pro photographer. Although, you don't have to exist a pro to do good from them.

7 Modules

Classic comes with additional software congenital-in. These are known equally "modules."

Each module focuses on a specific chore of your post-production. From getting organized, to editing, creating books + slideshows, and more than.

Library Module

This module focuses on getting your images into Lightroom and getting them organized. The interface is designed to streamline this role of your workflow.

Develop Module

Again, the interface is designed to help y'all chop-chop edit your files. Near tools are included in CC. Notwithstanding, there are some pro-level features in the Classic version. This includes Snapshots + History.

Both of these features allow you to work back in time if needed. In fact, later editing an image and going back to information technology a yr from now, you can see the verbal steps y'all took to get the edit.

Non happy with the edit? Instead of starting over from scratch, y'all tin can go back to a specific point in time and start from there.

Book Module

This module gives yous the tools to create a book from your images. Once your design is completed, you can send it to Blurb directly from Lightroom.

Slideshow Module

Create a uncomplicated slideshow and export it in 1080HD. Perfect for sharing on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, etc..

Print Module

Platonic for those with in-abode printers or just because you'd like to create a photo collage. Yeah, you read that right. Photoshop demand not apply. Information technology'south easy to create photograph collages in Lightroom Archetype!

Smart Collections

Collections are like virtual folders for Classic users. They're similar to Albums in CC. However, Smart Collections take your organization and productivity to a whole new level.

Hither'due south how. Based on the rules you utilize to a Smart Collection, your photos can be added to it automagically!

For example, permit'southward say yous take a Smart Drove that will include the following types of photos: those with five-stars and a keyword of "Disney Globe."

Every bit you brainstorm organizing your photos, from your contempo Disney vacation, you charge per unit your photos and add keywords. Guess what?

As soon as a photo meets the Smart Collection criteria, it's automatically added to the Drove!

Tethered Capture

Classic has the choice to tether your camera with it. This way, as you take your photos, they are automatically added to Lightroom. Perfect for instant feedback for yourself or your clients.

Advanced Workflow

The power of Archetype is in the ability to streamline your workflow. This volition let you to exist more productive and consistent.

Watermark on Export

Need to post your photos online? Yous may want to add a watermark to protect them from thieves. It's piece of cake to do with Classic on export. Add a name or your logo and create a preset to motorcar-utilize on time to come exports.

Soft Proofing

A feature that allows yous to see the colors of your image based on the intended output device. This is essential for critical color correction, and ensuring what you see on your monitor is what you'll go far print.

Lightroom Classic Weaknesses

Just a few things you lot may wish you had if yous liked the strengths of CC. Oh, and a couple of things that might make you call back twice about Classic.

Mobile Car Sync

Color & Tonal Adjustments for Video

Edit Full-Res Images On Mobile

Bloated

More tools and features than the average bear may demand. Personally, of the 7 modules, I merely utilise the Library and Develop modules.

Itemize

A itemize is required to store your information: files, edits, ratings, etc..

A Lightroom itemize is something well-nigh photographers struggle with when outset starting out with it. It'south a necessary evil that must be learned.

Import

Learning Curve

Due to the number of tools, features, and the defoliation around catalogs, Lightroom Classic has a bit of a learning curve.

You could spend days, weeks, months, scouring Youtube videos to learn all you need.

Instead, I'd recommend taking a structured Lightroom Archetype class. This way, you tin get started on the right pes from the starting time. Otherwise, you may discover yourself frustrated with the software!

A Closer Look at Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic

Allow's take a look at some reasons why y'all may desire to utilise Lightroom vs. Lightroom Classic.

Here's why you lot may desire to consider Lightroom CC

On average you process less than 100 images at a time.
You don't have a need to create books, slideshows, or crave any of the other modules.
Beingness super organized isn't a priority.
Yous're a YouTube creator.
Your master photographic camera is a SmartPhone.
Need the ability to edit when y'all're out and most.

In essence, Lightroom CC was designed for those that primarily use mobile devices.

This can include hobbyists, casual users that are active on social media, and others.

Here'south why yous may want to consider Lightroom Classic

Y'all procedure more than 100 images at a fourth dimension. Maybe even thousands at a fourth dimension.
Renaming your files is a necessity.
You like the thought of creating books, slideshows, and print collages in 1 app.
Desire a fast and productive workflow system.
Need tethered capture.
Critical color correction is essential.
Yous need to add together a watermark on export.

Lightroom Classic is platonic for pro and semi-pro photographers that prefer editing on a desktop and/or laptop. Although you lot can edit on a desktop with CC, information technology'southward not designed for the needs of professionals.

At least in my opinion. If y'all disagree, let me know in the comments how you utilise CC as a professional.

Lightroom Costs How Much?

Yet not sure?

Possibly after discovering the actual cost of CC, you may decide to use Classic instead. Let'south discover out.

Pricing is pretty simple. $10 per calendar month for Classic or $10 per month for CC.

Hither'southward whats included…

Lightroom on desktop and mobile.
Your own portfolio website and social media tools.
B of cloud storage (near 20,000 raw DSLR images or 200,000 JPEGs).

Lightroom on desktop and mobile.
Photoshop on desktop and iPad.
Your own portfolio website and social media tools
20GB of deject storage (most 4,000 JPEGs).

Ok, so with Classic, it includes Photoshop. Which is splendid if you lot plan on using it. If not, and so CC may be the better choice.

Deject Storage Cost... the Fine Impress

Have a closer look at the amount of "deject storage" CC has. 1TB sounds similar a lot until you look at how many photos that will shop. Although 20,000 does audio like a lot.

Even so, what if you have more than than 20K photos? You'll accept to purchase more storage in 1TB increments.

Fifty-fifty if you're new to photography, it doesn't have long to go to that number. Ok, peradventure information technology volition accept a few years. It all depends on how much yous shoot.

And so, how much for more than actress storage? Some other $10 per month. Now you're upwards to $20 per month. Then, some other $10 per month for every additional 1TB needed.

Personally, I have 4TB stored in the cloud, and I add about another 1TB per year. With CC, that would cost $forty per calendar month + some other $x per for Photoshop.

Needless to say, I don't use Adobe'southward cloud storage. Instead, I utilise a service chosen BackBlaze.

This service includesUNLIMITED storage for 6 bucks a calendar month!

What if you shoot JPEG and not RAW?

If you shoot exclusively in JPG, then 1TB of storage will take longer to fill up. 200,000 photos is a lot! Fifty-fifty for me.

Just what most the hidden costs?

Lightroom CC Subconscious Costs

With Lightroom CC, you don't have a choice when it comes to storing your photos in the cloud. It's function of the plan and the chief selling betoken for Adobe.

Why does information technology matter?

Well, did you lot consider how all those photos being uploaded to the cloud is going to touch your data plan?

Practise you have an unlimited data plan?

If so, no worries for you. If not, you lot'll accept to consider the extra cost of your data!

Lightroom vs Lightroom Archetype the Verdict.

In the cease, only you know what your needs are and which version will best fit those needs.

Which 1 are you going to use? Permit me know in the comments below and why you chose 1 over the other.

Now what?

If you decide that Lightroom CC is perfect for you, it's time to learn how to employ it for post-processing your images.

If you lot decide that Lightroom Classic is for you, there are a few things you should know earlier using information technology! The about of import is setting upwardly a fill-in workflow for your photos.

Why?

Well, since Classic requires a catalog, there's a chance that the file tin can become corrupted. If it does, you tin say bye-goodbye to all your edits!

Thanks for reading and have an awesome twenty-four hours!

Chris

lowehasy1949.blogspot.com

Source: https://parkerphotographic.com/lightroom-vs-lightroom-classic/