Adobe just announced its newest products: Lightroom Classic CC and Lightroom CC. Though the names may sound confusingly similar, both products offer different options that seek to embrace all kinds of photographers. If lengthy articles filled with photography jargon intimidate you, this article will quickly update you by explaining the basics of these intriguing news.
Lightroom Classic CC
Lightroom Classic CC is the new and improved version of the Lightroom we know and love. The updated program is ideal for photographers who rely on desktop-oriented workflows, files, folders and mutliple Lightroom catalogs. Of course, the name isn't the only change Adobe has made to the program. LR Classic CC's features include:
- A faster program launch
- A better importing workflow
- Better brushing options
- New tools to improve colour selections
Lightroom CC
Lightroom CC is a completely new photography service which is aimed at photographers who use multiple devices to edit their images. This is described as an 'eco-system of apps' that will focus solely on cloud-based workflows.
Lightroom CC will work and look the same on every device. Every file will be synced to the cloud, which will allow users to quickly sync and share files. Lightroom CC will also automatically tag and keyword photos to make searching an effortless process.
The service comes with a bonus: The Lightroom CC Gallery. The Gallery aims to store and share images with family, friends, and clients within seconds. Any changes you make to your photos will be automatically applied to the same ones in your gallery, making it easy for you to share files without worrying about forgetting an update.
The Main Differences
If the differences between the two products still confuse you, here are 3 main points to keep in mind:
- With Lightroom CC, you can access all of your files on various devices, be it an Apple TV or an Android phone. In Lightroom Classic CC, synchronisation like this isn't possible.
- All of the files in Lightroom CC are uploaded to the cloud and instantly backed up.
- Lightroom CC has special features - like automatic keywording - that make searching, organizing, and sharing very easy. Automatic keywording isn't available in Lightroom Classic CC.
The use of Lightroom Presets
The most important thing in advance: Lightroom Presets will work in both program versions and there are only small differences. In contrast to Lightroom CC, Lightroom Classic CC includes the possibility to use presets and metadata during the import process. But a really useful new feature in Lightroom CC is that you can see a preview of the presets in the large editing window and not in the little navigator window like in Lightroom Classic CC. Let’s hope this will be also possible in Lightroom Classic CC in one of the upcoming updates.
Pricing
If you're interested in acquiring both programs, there are two main pricing options. The difference lies in the amount of cloud storage you need.
- Lightroom CC plan: Lightroom CC and 1TB of cloud storage. US$9.99 per month
- Photography plan: Lightroom CC, 20GB of cloud storage, Lightroom Classic CC, and Photoshop CC. US$9.99 per month
- Photography plan with 1TB cloud storage: Lightroom CC, 1TB of cloud storage, Lightroom Classic CC, and Photoshop CC. US$19.99 per month
Conclusion
To put it simply, Lightroom Classic CC will be loved by fans of previous Lightroom versions. Lightroom CC, on the other hand, will benefit artists who use a variety of devices. Only time will tell if these products end up satisfying most photographers.
More information on Adobe.com: Lightroom CC | Lightroom Classic CC
The All-New Lightroom CC: An Overview by Julieanne Kost from Adobe
Professional Lightroom Presets for Landscape & Travel Photography:
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