Camera software programs...

Gatorbait

Senior Member
Wondering if members here have a preference as to where they purchase software - i.e. PSE, LR, etc. Are there any pitfalls from purchasing these on ebay? I understand that a lot of programs will soon only be available as downloads. Will it be possible to copy to disc for a hard copy? I prefer having a program on CD for use on more than one computer, computer crash, etc. Thanks.
 

wornish

Senior Member
I felt like you for years but have now been converted. The cost of the Adobe Creative Cloud photographer subscription gives you LR and PS combined for only $9.99/mth. It isn't worth buying software anymore. You still have the software on your computer so you can use it offline, it is always up to date and you can run it on any two computers simultaneously and change computers if you want as long as its not on any more than two at once, whats to lose. You can spend more than that a month on magazines. And no I don't work for Adobe.
 

J-see

Senior Member
I prefer to buy what I need in the store; the old-fashioned way. I don't do subscriptions. Look at LR. Everyone's still waiting on their cam updates and wasn't the easier and faster access to updates and changes one of the selling points of PPM?

Yeah right.
 

sonicbuffalo_RIP

Senior Member
I prefer to buy what I need in the store; the old-fashioned way. I don't do subscriptions. Look at LR. Everyone's still waiting on their cam updates and wasn't the easier and faster access to updates and changes one of the selling points of PPM?

Yeah right.

I agree but sadly I believe Microsoft was the first to start subscriptions. I mean, I hate that no matter who was responsible for that brainstorm. I used to sell security systems at one time, and even though I was sucessful, I will never pay to have a subscription to a security company for monitoring. I can use the $40 a month for better things. The same with subscriptons to CC. I won't do it unless I have too. I may have to in order to get the profiles necessary for my equipment, but I will do so begrudgingly.
 

wornish

Senior Member
You certainly won't get camera updates any faster buying packaged software thats for sure.

Its good that we all have a choice and no one forces the decision either way.
 

J-see

Senior Member
You certainly won't get camera updates any faster buying packaged software thats for sure.

Its good that we all have a choice and no one forces the decision either way.

You indeed won't. You get them as fast/slow. As long as there is choice, it's fine to me but in many cases, even that is gone. This tendency creeps in everywhere these days.

The sad part is that too many accept anything as if it is unavoidable. As an example; I remember the days you had to sign up as a beta-tester. These days you automatically become the moment you buy software.
 
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Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I wasn't to thrilled when Creative Cloud came out either but the Photographers Bundle for $10 a month is pretty hard to argue with. I mean seriously... Ten bucks? If you wanna be all indignant about "renting" software fine; but I suggest you try it.

And too clear up some confusion about Creative Cloud apps...

1. Creative Cloud does not require you have a "live" Internet connection to use the applications. CC needs to connect to the Internet once a month to call home and make sure your subscription is active. That's all.

2. The applications DO reside on your computer's hard drive. You install them just like any other application.

3. You can legally install CC applications on 2 computers per subscription. I pay for one subscription but have everything installed on both my desktop and the girlfriends laptop.

4. If you work in education, or know someone who does, you can get the full CC Suite (that's every CC app Adobe offers) for $20 annually through a special program Adobe offers for faculty and staff.

.....
 
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Eyelight

Senior Member
Wondering if members here have a preference as to where they purchase software - i.e. PSE, LR, etc. Are there any pitfalls from purchasing these on ebay? I understand that a lot of programs will soon only be available as downloads. Will it be possible to copy to disc for a hard copy? I prefer having a program on CD for use on more than one computer, computer crash, etc. Thanks.

Yes there are pitfalls on Ebay. Dealing only with sellers with high ratings and easy return policies will help avoid them. Chances are the prices from reputable sellers won't be much better than other online retailers.

You can always burn a download to a CD or other external media.

The subscription service is probably a good thing, but I just hate monthly charges.
 

Gatorbait

Senior Member
Thanks for all the responses - great points from everyone. I will have to ponder this - I'm pretty old-fashioned and like to pay for something once (not counting car payments, insurance, utilities, etc. etc.)
 

aroy

Senior Member
Wondering if members here have a preference as to where they purchase software - i.e. PSE, LR, etc. Are there any pitfalls from purchasing these on ebay? I understand that a lot of programs will soon only be available as downloads. Will it be possible to copy to disc for a hard copy? I prefer having a program on CD for use on more than one computer, computer crash, etc. Thanks.

I would avoid e-bay for software, especially if it is deeply discounted.

Most of the software sold today comes as an "Installation Package", that is you have to run the software to install it. For archiving, just copy the Installation Package to a CD or DVD (depending on size). Many software houses distribute the software over the net, so you have to download the installer package install it and then authorize it. Authorization can be either over the NET or as a dedicated key or a USB Hardware lock (which is sent to you, keyed to your machine). When I buy the software, I copy the installation package and the authorization key on to either a CD (older days) or to a backup disk.
 
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