Over on my blog, I entertain reader questions weekly. Today I got a question so great I wanted to share the answer with you fine people!
Q. “I have tried both Aperture and Lightroom and I can’t make up my mind. So which one should I get?”
A. At first, one might give this reader the stock answer of “read reviews, try them both and see which one you like better.” Unless you devote yourself wholly to soaking in every last drop of software goodness, I don’t think that the standard 30 day trial is enough time to really get to know a program. Aside from reading reviews, there are two other things to consider when choosing a program.
{Support} In this case, the reader is torn between Lightroom and Aperture. I would suggest that he check out the support out there for the two programs to see how he will be supported in his (hopefully) long love affair with whatever program he chooses. I’m a LR gal myself. And my favourite website about LR is Lightroom Killer Tips. Upon Googling for a similar site for Aperture, I came up with The Aperture Blog. So do a little searching around and see how much there is out there to help you. Oh, and check out your current favourite photograbloggers and see what they’re writing about. For example, does DPS have more information about one program over the other?
{Add-ons} Choosing a program is kind of like buying a new printer. Yeah, it’s flashy and surprisingly cheap. But do the cartridges cost double another brand’s? Check out the different add-ons and plug-ins for a program. Are there more presets for LR than there are for Aperture? How much do they cost? Are there free ones available for the program you’re looking at?
Obviously, there are lots of factors to consider when choosing anything. Other than software, I generally lean towards favouring Apple products because their after sale support is so excellent. So, yes, inquire about support, read reviews and trial the product. But also consider the other two factors above when making the decision to settle on a program. Because you’ll be married to that software for many years to come if you want to get the most out of it.
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