Best software?

vlherring

I use a Mac [Sonoma], Canon camera, iPhone 15ProMax, loved Aperture but know I need to move on, have tried to move to Lightroom Classic but it's just much more than I need. Right now I'm converting my Aperture Libraries to another program and while I started with LRC conversion think that's more than I need. I would like a fairly straightforward program which does provide some DAM features [esp ranking and keyboarding] and editing = right now my conversions are going to LRC or Photos and I do have a license for Luminar but before I move too much further I'd be open to some suggestions. I'd like to avoid a subscription method and would want something that doesn't have a huge learning curve. I really miss Aperture if that helps explain what I am looking for. Thank you in advance.

vlherring

I have continued researching on my own [the request for wisdom here is because while I can research I can perhaps learn more from those here] - and found CaptureOne, Darktable, Luminar, On1, ACDSee, Mylio and of course Photos. The problem I am having is my avoiding a steep learning curve coupled with my desire to have one piece of software both manage photos AND allow edits [and I really want ratings and edits and Photos just doesn't let me easily do that] = thus the Q.

james18

Considering your desire for simplicity and a one-time purchase rather than a subscription, OnOne Photo RAW could be an excellent choice for you. It’s built to be intuitive and comes with essential editing tools. However, if you're looking for more advanced features or a more robust solution, you might also want to check out alternatives like Capture One or ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate.

David_S85

Considering that you are a Mac user, have you looked into the fairly deep capabilities of Apple Photos editing? I, frankly, was blow away at what it can do, and for free. I learned one could import a photo into the interface, hit the Space bar, then click the upper RH "Edit," and the full editing capability of the program will show. Then Export the shot out of there to wherever you want to store the finished pic. For $50 more money, there is Photomator and/or Pixelmator Pro, which offer a bit more possibilities. I have used the Edit function more that I thought I would in Photos for my iPhone shots and only occasionally move them over to Pixelmator Pro for additional work. Of course, for real camera shots, the Mac Photos Editor is somewhat lacking.