Originally posted by johnhilvert Yeah, I think the days of having one program doing it all, like Lightroom, have been over for some time.
If it only crashes with ON1, I agree there would be an issue. Are you suggesting it's the only software on your device that is causing this?
On1 is the only program I have that won't complete its scan of my photo inventory; it's bug logging makes it impossible for me to even identify what file or files are causing the problem. I went as far as manually dropping in my folders, 1 subfolder at a time to narrow it down. Oddly, this was not a problem with the 2017 version of the program, but that version was slower than all get out. OTherwise, it is the only photography software I have on my computer right now that crashes regularly (DxO, LR, Affinity Photo, Photoshop, etc never crash on me). Actually, as long as I don't use a favorite folder (i.e. its library), I am fine too. But there have been other aspects of its feature set I have not liked. I know it wouldn't be a duplicate of any other software, but it takes me a lot of work to get output I am happy with. Given those issues, it does work as a plug-in, and can continue to. That won't entice me to purchase it again, however.
Quote: I agree it's wise to have alternative options for its features. For example, I tend to use Adobe's underrated Fireworks for final compressing and optimising of processed images to upload to websites, myself.
I agree to an extent, but no one wants to have many tools for many tasks. We'd rather have a few tools for many tasks. I do keep and use a few programs for RAW processing because none of them are perfect, but DxO Elite has gotten me there more consistently than any other software has. LR, often required me to go out to Photoshop to complete or to just use a different RAW program.
Quote: That's just marketing tosh. It's insane to turn your back on software like Lightroom v6.14 if you have it already. Likewise with DxO.
While every program has its benefits, LR6 has been effectively dead for me from the beginning. While it added some features I liked, it was slow for me and require me to take many steps to get the same output I could get with DxO with a few steps. My problem with DxO has been that it isn't that friendly from a workflow perspective although I've learned it a lot better and have made it work for me. Otherwise, when a software advertises features that sound good or that are in the pipeline, you give it a try. Plus, I was relying on the previous On1 plugins quite heavily to make up for the limitations I was finding with LR (from an end-product perspective).
Quote: Did you know I don't use my Pentax kit for all my photography. Lumix LX7 works well for me, when I need to travel light.
Me too, although I am using a Canon G7 x ii for my 2nd camera. Is it perfect, no, but I know when I need it and it is great with a 2 year old daughter running everywhere.
I'm not adverse to multiple tools, but I am adverse to buying tools that serve a limited function. It's a lot tidier to work with as few tools as possible that still achieve your goals, but of course no software can do everything. It is nice when they can do a lot.
My eye is still on the end product, but workflow, speed, even economy play a factor in selecting and balancing compromises, especially as a hobbyist that derives no income from photography. Case in point, if I was making money, I might make more of an effort with Capture 1, which might actually be what I need, but it's cost keeps me away from it. DxO isn't too economical either, but I got it cheap once and bought the upgrade because of the Nik purchase. Not sure I'll do it again, although if the company can stick out its current financial woes, I will support it.