Lightroom CC ticks almost all the boxes for what I want in a photo editor, but I still haven’t switched from Classic because it lacks one key feature.
Why I Use the Calibration Tool in Lightroom
Lightroom’s Calibration toolis an excellent way to add the final touches to your Lightroom photos. I often change the hue and saturation significantly in these areas, making my pictures stand out more than eventhe Color Grading wheelswould.
The Calibration feature is also great for correcting colors. My smartphone and DSLR cameras are good at capturing a scene, but they don’t always get the colors right. So, if anything seems off to me, it’s best to edit it with the Calibration tool rather than other editing sliders.
Why I’d Switch From Lightroom Classic if It Became Available in CC
I prefer Lightroom CC in almost every way over Lightroom Classic. If not for the feature mentioned above binding me, I’d switch for these reasons.
1. Cross-Device Editing
Lightroom Classic is only available on desktop, meaning I have to complete any edits I start in the app on my computer. Though not a huge problem, I don’t always want to be on my laptop (and it’s not the most portable editing option).
On the other hand, Lightroom CC is one ofthe best photo-editing apps for iPad; it’s also available on smartphones, Android tablets, and computers. Since everything syncs automatically, I can edit on the go.
2. Lightroom CC Is More User-Friendly
Lightroom Classic’s interface has improved in recent years, but it still looks outdated. It sometimes feels clunky and has a steep learning curve. It took me 3-4 months to learn the basics.
On the other hand, Lightroom CC feels much more streamlined. The software is much easier to navigate and has many of the Lightroom Classic’s features (e.g., Tone Curve, presets, and Color Grading wheels). The user experience is also consistent across all devices.
3. Easier to Transfer Files to My Mobile Devices
After editing pictures in Lightroom Classic, I normally transfer them to an external hard drive. From there, I normally upload them to Dropbox and access them via the mobile app. I can then download the pictures I want. I sometimes use AirDrop for quick transfers, but it’s a slightly longer transfer process than Lightroom CC. If I use CC, I can transfer the image to my device directly from the Lightroom app.
Lightroom CC is almost the perfect photo-editing app, and if it ever gets Calibration, I’ll happily switch from Lightroom Classic.
