Lightroom vs Adobe Photoshop

Stone 13 wrote in post #15922536
I have LR4/CS6, I do ~95% of my work in LR4 BUT if I had to chose 1 product it would be CS6. The only thing I'd be giving up would be excellent LR catalog management which I could probably get elsewhere or make due with Bridge. Other than catalog management, CS6 can do everything LR can do and many things it can't.

But can PS do those same things non destructively and create multiple vitual versions without making actual copies of files?

mwsilver wrote in post #15922578
But can PS do those same things non destructively and create multiple vitual versions without making actual copies of files?

Doing edits in CS6 ACR are also non-destructive. I could finish an entire photo without ever editing pixels on a Photoshop layer. I could also "simulate" non-destructive edits using smart objects although I consider that a hack. CS6 also offers snapshots that are admittedly not as flexible as LR virtual copies.

Don't get me wrong, I'd hate to be without LR because all of the things you mention are easier to accomplish there, but they could all be done in in PS by adjusting the workflow.

Stone 13 wrote in post #15922616
Doing edits in CS6 ACR are also non-destructive. I could finish an entire photo without ever editing pixels on a Photoshop layer. I could also "simulate" non-destructive edits using smart objects although I consider that a hack. CS6 also offers snapshots that are admittedly not as flexible as LR virtual copies.

Don't get me wrong, I'd hate to be without LR because all of the things you mention are easier to accomplish there, but they could all be done in in PS by adjusting the workflow.

No arguments there. PS can certainly do it all. I guess where I'm going is that LR has an incredible feature set that is fairly easy to learn and use and is being sold at a bargain price. For many of us who primarily want to alter exposure settings rather than manipulate objects, it may be a more appropriate tool.

I have both and use them in perfect harmony!

mwsilver wrote in post #15922734
No arguments there. PS can certainly do it all. I guess where I'm going is that LR has an incredible feature set that is fairly easy to learn and use and is being sold at a bargain price. For many of us who primarily want to alter exposure settings rather than manipulate objects, it may be a more appropriate tool.

I agree with you there and depending on your needs, I can easily see how someone would choose LR over PS as their only development tool. It's really an amazing bargain.

Moppie wrote in post #15922571
Copy and Paste settings
Sync Settings
Auto Sync Settings
Apply settings to different images in different folders
Create Virtual Copies

I'm fairly sure that can all be done with bridge/ACR.

Audionut11 wrote in post #15922800
I'm fairly sure that can all be done with bridge/ACR.

I am not sure you can create virtual copies in bridge. Also, how do you selectively copy and paste raw adjustments and sync settings in bridge?

I'm getting best possible IQ by taking it under right exposure and with L glass.
I don't sell for stocks, this is why I don't use PS at all.
Only LR, it does have retouch if I need.

dalto wrote in post #15922805
I am not sure you can create virtual copies in bridge.

I've never used virtual copies, but I came across this, http://www.computer-darkroom.com …r/bridge_collec​tion_1.htm

dalto wrote in post #15922805
Also, how do you selectively copy and paste raw adjustments and sync settings in bridge?

With images selected, open in ACR and synchronize. You can selectively choose what to synchronize.

I can see the benefits of LR, for me personally I just flat out don't like the interface. The catalog crap and the slow loading of folders with lots of images bugged me also.
I've tried a few different programs through free trails and I always end up back at Bridge/ACR.

umphotography wrote in post #15921311
IM using LR for the majority of my work & CS6 for detail work. In my opinion, you really need both. But with Adobes announcement about creative cloud as being subscription based...You really have tho think things through. As long as i can Access CS6 with Lightroom and as i update my cameras the information can work in CS6,, i dont see a need to do anything else but to update my Lightroom programs.

This really all depends on what Adobe is going to do with Lightroom continuing to be a stand alone product and Future updates remaining compatible with the last CS6 version

This is not over yet folks..... Adobe hold the ball in their court right now. Next 2 yrs will be interesting for sure. I think they will force us to do what they want because No One has built a better Mouse trap yet. Things will get interesting for sure in the next couple of years.

I would not make any hard or fast decisions yet.

that's exactly what I do -- open my files in LR and finish them off in CS5. that way PS does not need to be current.

Audionut11 wrote in post #15922844
I've never used virtual copies, but I came across this, http://www.computer-darkroom.com …r/bridge_collec​tion_1.htm

that is not really a virtual copy. That is more like a shortcut.

Audionut11 wrote in post #15922800
I'm fairly sure that can all be done with bridge/ACR.

You can copy and paste settings, but it's not as simple to do, and there is no sync option, or auto sync, nor ability to copy paste and sync between images in different folders at the same time as there are no collections.

Bridge is very good, and very powerful, but LR is just that bit more sophisticated and practical.
I do like the batch rename in Bridge, that is something missing from LR that I use on a regular basis.

Moppie wrote in post #15922992
You can copy and paste settings, but it's not as simple to do, and there is no sync option, or auto sync, nor ability to copy paste and sync between images in different folders at the same time as there are no collections.

You're talking about syncing RAW options (develop settings) right?

This can be done in both Bridge and ACR.

Audionut11 wrote in post #15923089
You're talking about syncing RAW options (develop settings) right?

This can be done in both Bridge and ACR.

You can batch edit with ACR, not as smoothly and easily as you can in LR, and you can't add and remove files to the selection in ACR with the same level flexibility you have in LR.

ed rader wrote in post #15922877
that's exactly what I do -- open my files in LR and finish them off in CS5. that way PS does not need to be current.

That's tune I play too ...