>>4376488>>4376491>>4376654>>4376736>>4376753To make it clear. Lightroom is a retouching software with advanced cataloguing and batch retouch or editing features and a non destructive workflow. Photoshop is a raster image manipulation software that can handle RAW files, it is capable of non destructive workflows but requires more knowledge. Can they do similar things? Yes, but if you're working with more images (And I'm talking as little as 20) Lightroom is more efficient. It is like trying to make posters on Indesign if you have access to Illustrator. You can, but it's definitely more cumbersome.
If you do more complex image manipulation, like advanced skin cleaning, shape modification or compositing include PS. If you're an average photographer, stick to LR.
That being said as far as LR alternatives you should DEFINITELY give Darktable or Rawtherapee a try. I feel that going from LR to DT in particular is not too hard. It might just cover all your needs and it will cost you nothing but time. If you don't like them and are willing to pay or pirate, the next real alternatives for RAW editing are Capture One, which is genuinely great (To the level of Davinci Resolve, compared to Premiere. A true professional tool). And ON1 which seems to be good, but I haven't tried it. All these programs come with advanced cataloguing and batch editing featues.
Speaking of Affinity photo. That's another professional grade tool, but like
>>4376749 mentioned. It is more of a replacement for Photoshop. It is an image manipulation tool with RAW editing capabilities. The Affinity suite is pretty solid if you're a professional designer, not a professional photographer.
For your future reference the video editing alternatives for Premiere are: Free: Kdenlive, Olive. And paid: Davinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro if you're on Mac. I've used Sony vegas and hate it.
