Luminar 3 with Libraries is out

**boriscleto** · 12-18-2018, 01:13 PM - **2 Likes**

You can still get if for $59 until December 19th. The SKY Enhancer is worth that price alone...

Luminar - The Best Photo Editing Software for Mac & PC | Skylum

Those of us who paid Luminar 2018 last year get it free, and free updates till Luminar 4...

**Oakland Rob** · 12-18-2018, 05:01 PM

You can get a demo here: Luminar 2018 Free Trial - Download Luminar for Free | Skylum (ex-Macphun)

I don't think it's worth buying (or even upgrading in my case). But YMMV.

**boriscleto** · 12-18-2018, 05:12 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Oakland Rob

I don't think it's worth buying (or even upgrading in my case). But YMMV.

I decided to stop paying the Adobe Tax. So yes, MMVed.

IgorZ · 12-18-2018, 06:33 PM

So did I. I bet I am going to miss the Lightroom and Photoshop combo, but I got the luminar for now. Looking forward to trying it. I think it might actually work well for me. I don't do serious tinkering that often and when I do I bet I'll miss Photoshop, but serious tinkering happens mostly in the summer with landscapes. Most of the year I don't need all that horsepower...

**AggieDad** · 12-18-2018, 08:39 PM

I’ve been using Luminar for a year or more now and really like it. I also have On1 and Affinity, but I find I reach for Luminar first. For me it is the interface - I find it very intuitive. Yes, I also use the others for certain things but Luminar is my go-to.

They generally have a free trial period, and I think it is at least worth a look-see.

Don

selfnoise · 12-18-2018, 08:56 PM

I tried it out... I actually like the layout and the library function. But man, the more I try other development apps, the more I love Darktable.

barthovis · 12-18-2018, 09:28 PM

Originally posted by IgorZ

So did I. I bet I am going to miss the Lightroom and Photoshop combo, but I got the luminar for now. Looking forward to trying it. I think it might actually work well for me. I don't do serious tinkering that often and when I do I bet I'll miss Photoshop, but serious tinkering happens mostly in the summer with landscapes. Most of the year I don't need all that horsepower...

Affinity Photo is a great PS replacement and is on sale for $40 right now. Combine that with Luminar and you will not miss Adobe.

BSULMON · 12-19-2018, 01:27 AM

Personnaly, i found that the problem with Affinity is the too long time it takes to charge a RAW picture.
For me, it's much much too long even if i use a Icore 7 processor with 32GB of RAM or a HP_Z620 with 2x ZEON processors (32 cores) + 64 GB RAM ....

I have already tested ON1, LUMINAR 2018, AFFINITY .... and i continue to use PHOTOSHOP (old CS5 version). But, i will not buy further version or photoshop (i dislike to have to pay each month).

IgorZ · 12-19-2018, 04:40 AM

Originally posted by barthovis

Affinity Photo is a great PS replacement and is on sale for $40 right now. Combine that with Luminar and you will not miss Adobe.

I've been looking at it as well. Read good things about it. Might give it a try...

barthovis · 12-19-2018, 08:55 AM

Originally posted by BSULMON

Personnaly, i found that the problem with Affinity is the too long time it takes to charge a RAW picture.
For me, it's much much too long even if i use a Icore 7 processor with 32GB of RAM or a HP_Z620 with 2x ZEON processors (32 cores) + 64 GB RAM ....

I have already tested ON1, LUMINAR 2018, AFFINITY .... and i continue to use PHOTOSHOP (old CS5 version). But, i will not buy further version or photoshop (i dislike to have to pay each month).

I agree with you regarding RAW processing with Affinity Photo, however, they have a beta v.1.7 out now which has improved that significantly. They claim to have re-written the RAW processor, as well as a lot of the adjustment algorithms. I don't see a difference in the U.I., but I can tell it is different under the hood, and I think 1.7 is a really solid program now. Affinity's biggest gaffe IMO is lack of any semblance of a file/asset manager. They have something in the works, but aren't saying when it will see the light of day. But if you use Luminar (or ON1, or DXO, etc.) for file management and RAW editing and still want to have a Photoshop-type program available (without paying Adobe), I think AP fills that role very well.

**Oakland Rob** · 12-19-2018, 10:22 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

I decided to stop paying the Adobe Tax. So yes, MMVed.

Yeah, I dropped out of paying the Macphun/Skylum tax. I've had their stuff since they started as Macphun. Gave Luminar a shot, but even at a yearly upgrade fee of $40-50 I didn't feel I was getting enough, especially since I still needed other software along with it. I still use the Creative Kit plugins on occasion, but I don't know how long they'll continue to work and Skylum has stopped updating them.

emalvick · 12-19-2018, 11:33 AM

I need to update my copy. I bought the 2018 version when they finally went to Windows and was a bit disappointed at the lack of certain features once I got working with it. I love the interface though. I was happy the 2019 upgrade did not require a new fee.

We all do need to recognize that most these companies are operating somewhat on a subscription/tax basis, although at least with most of them if you choose not to pay you get to keep the version you are at. My biggest beef with Adobe is that once you stop paying you can't really use it.

As for Affinity, I've been using it to replace Photoshop (I have CS6, so I still use that too), but I use it on Tiff files after running it through a raw processor.

**Craigbob** · 12-19-2018, 12:48 PM

Originally posted by barthovis

I agree with you regarding RAW processing with Affinity Photo, however, they have a beta v.1.7 out now which has improved that significantly. They claim to have re-written the RAW processor, as well as a lot of the adjustment algorithms. I don't see a difference in the U.I., but I can tell it is different under the hood, and I think 1.7 is a really solid program now. Affinity's biggest gaffe IMO is lack of any semblance of a file/asset manager. They have something in the works, but aren't saying when it will see the light of day. But if you use Luminar (or ON1, or DXO, etc.) for file management and RAW editing and still want to have a Photoshop-type program available (without paying Adobe), I think AP fills that role very well.

My biggest gripe of Affinity is that it seems to work on a on a single photo at a time.

One of the things I love about LR, On1, and Dxo Photolab 2 is that I can work on a folder's woth of images at the same time. I don't have to close and open a photo. they are all there available to me to jump between. If Affinity has this, I've not been able to find it.

**boriscleto** · 12-19-2018, 01:56 PM

Originally posted by Craigbob

If Affinity has this, I've not been able to find it.

Affinity does not have that, it is equivalent to Photoshop, not Lightroom...Now that Luminar has DAM it is trying to be Lightroom with better editing features...

Breakfastographer · 12-19-2018, 02:45 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

Luminar 3 with Libraries is out

Out in what sense, though? I see a lot of people on other forums complaining about new bugs including freezing on trying to open a file. I've advised my readers to wait with upgrading.

12-18-2018, 01:13 PM - 2 Likes	#1
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,473	Luminar 3 with Libraries is out You can still get if for $59 until December 19th. The SKY Enhancer is worth that price alone... Luminar - The Best Photo Editing Software for Mac & PC \| Skylum Those of us who paid Luminar 2018 last year get it free, and free updates till Luminar 4...

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12-18-2018, 05:01 PM	#2
Oakland Rob Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Bay Area California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 798	You can get a demo here: Luminar 2018 Free Trial - Download Luminar for Free \| Skylum (ex-Macphun) I don't think it's worth buying (or even upgrading in my case). But YMMV.

12-18-2018, 05:12 PM - 1 Like	#3
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,473 Original Poster	Originally posted by Oakland Rob I don't think it's worth buying (or even upgrading in my case). But YMMV. I decided to stop paying the Adobe Tax. So yes, MMVed.

12-18-2018, 06:33 PM	#4
IgorZ Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ottawa Posts: 1,735	So did I. I bet I am going to miss the Lightroom and Photoshop combo, but I got the luminar for now. Looking forward to trying it. I think it might actually work well for me. I don't do serious tinkering that often and when I do I bet I'll miss Photoshop, but serious tinkering happens mostly in the summer with landscapes. Most of the year I don't need all that horsepower...

12-18-2018, 08:39 PM	#5
AggieDad Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,452	I’ve been using Luminar for a year or more now and really like it. I also have On1 and Affinity, but I find I reach for Luminar first. For me it is the interface - I find it very intuitive. Yes, I also use the others for certain things but Luminar is my go-to. They generally have a free trial period, and I think it is at least worth a look-see. Don

12-18-2018, 08:56 PM	#6
selfnoise Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Westbrook, ME, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 288	I tried it out... I actually like the layout and the library function. But man, the more I try other development apps, the more I love Darktable.

12-18-2018, 09:28 PM	#7
barthovis Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: St. Louis Posts: 68	Originally posted by IgorZ So did I. I bet I am going to miss the Lightroom and Photoshop combo, but I got the luminar for now. Looking forward to trying it. I think it might actually work well for me. I don't do serious tinkering that often and when I do I bet I'll miss Photoshop, but serious tinkering happens mostly in the summer with landscapes. Most of the year I don't need all that horsepower... Affinity Photo is a great PS replacement and is on sale for $40 right now. Combine that with Luminar and you will not miss Adobe.

12-19-2018, 01:27 AM	#8
BSULMON Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 37	Personnaly, i found that the problem with Affinity is the too long time it takes to charge a RAW picture. For me, it's much much too long even if i use a Icore 7 processor with 32GB of RAM or a HP_Z620 with 2x ZEON processors (32 cores) + 64 GB RAM .... I have already tested ON1, LUMINAR 2018, AFFINITY .... and i continue to use PHOTOSHOP (old CS5 version). But, i will not buy further version or photoshop (i dislike to have to pay each month).

12-19-2018, 04:40 AM	#9
IgorZ Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ottawa Posts: 1,735	Originally posted by barthovis Affinity Photo is a great PS replacement and is on sale for $40 right now. Combine that with Luminar and you will not miss Adobe. I've been looking at it as well. Read good things about it. Might give it a try...

12-19-2018, 08:55 AM	#10
barthovis Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: St. Louis Posts: 68	Originally posted by BSULMON Personnaly, i found that the problem with Affinity is the too long time it takes to charge a RAW picture. For me, it's much much too long even if i use a Icore 7 processor with 32GB of RAM or a HP_Z620 with 2x ZEON processors (32 cores) + 64 GB RAM .... I have already tested ON1, LUMINAR 2018, AFFINITY .... and i continue to use PHOTOSHOP (old CS5 version). But, i will not buy further version or photoshop (i dislike to have to pay each month). I agree with you regarding RAW processing with Affinity Photo, however, they have a beta v.1.7 out now which has improved that significantly. They claim to have re-written the RAW processor, as well as a lot of the adjustment algorithms. I don't see a difference in the U.I., but I can tell it is different under the hood, and I think 1.7 is a really solid program now. Affinity's biggest gaffe IMO is lack of any semblance of a file/asset manager. They have something in the works, but aren't saying when it will see the light of day. But if you use Luminar (or ON1, or DXO, etc.) for file management and RAW editing and still want to have a Photoshop-type program available (without paying Adobe), I think AP fills that role very well.

12-19-2018, 10:22 AM	#11
Oakland Rob Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Bay Area California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 798	Originally posted by boriscleto I decided to stop paying the Adobe Tax. So yes, MMVed. Yeah, I dropped out of paying the Macphun/Skylum tax. I've had their stuff since they started as Macphun. Gave Luminar a shot, but even at a yearly upgrade fee of $40-50 I didn't feel I was getting enough, especially since I still needed other software along with it. I still use the Creative Kit plugins on occasion, but I don't know how long they'll continue to work and Skylum has stopped updating them.

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12-19-2018, 11:33 AM	#12
emalvick Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Davis, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,642	I need to update my copy. I bought the 2018 version when they finally went to Windows and was a bit disappointed at the lack of certain features once I got working with it. I love the interface though. I was happy the 2019 upgrade did not require a new fee. We all do need to recognize that most these companies are operating somewhat on a subscription/tax basis, although at least with most of them if you choose not to pay you get to keep the version you are at. My biggest beef with Adobe is that once you stop paying you can't really use it. As for Affinity, I've been using it to replace Photoshop (I have CS6, so I still use that too), but I use it on Tiff files after running it through a raw processor.

12-19-2018, 12:48 PM	#13
Craigbob Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: San Antonio, TX Photos: Albums Posts: 521	Originally posted by barthovis I agree with you regarding RAW processing with Affinity Photo, however, they have a beta v.1.7 out now which has improved that significantly. They claim to have re-written the RAW processor, as well as a lot of the adjustment algorithms. I don't see a difference in the U.I., but I can tell it is different under the hood, and I think 1.7 is a really solid program now. Affinity's biggest gaffe IMO is lack of any semblance of a file/asset manager. They have something in the works, but aren't saying when it will see the light of day. But if you use Luminar (or ON1, or DXO, etc.) for file management and RAW editing and still want to have a Photoshop-type program available (without paying Adobe), I think AP fills that role very well. My biggest gripe of Affinity is that it seems to work on a on a single photo at a time. One of the things I love about LR, On1, and Dxo Photolab 2 is that I can work on a folder's woth of images at the same time. I don't have to close and open a photo. they are all there available to me to jump between. If Affinity has this, I've not been able to find it.

12-19-2018, 01:56 PM	#14
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,473 Original Poster	Originally posted by Craigbob If Affinity has this, I've not been able to find it. Affinity does not have that, it is equivalent to Photoshop, not Lightroom...Now that Luminar has DAM it is trying to be Lightroom with better editing features...

12-19-2018, 02:45 PM	#15
Breakfastographer Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 673	Originally posted by boriscleto Luminar 3 with Libraries is out Out in what sense, though? I see a lot of people on other forums complaining about new bugs including freezing on trying to open a file. I've advised my readers to wait with upgrading.