Lightroom Classic vs. Capture One: Which photo editing software is better?

Adobe Lightroom Classic is considered one of the best photo editing software and is widely used today. But besides that, Capture One is also an application highly appreciated by professional photographers. So which is the better choice for quality image editing? Let's explore with SaDesign!

1. Interface comparison

Both software offer sophisticated photo editing tools and a full range of image processing options. However, many users agree that Capture One has the advantage over Lightroom because of its more flexible interface and greater customization options.

Capture One allows you to assign functions to keyboard shortcuts, while Lightroom does not. You can change the available shortcuts or add your own. Capture One also allows you to move interface elements around as you like, while Lightroom does not. Lightroom only allows you to rearrange tools in the Develop section.

What really sets Capture One apart from Lightroom is the Layers feature, which is something Lightroom users have been asking for for a long time but has yet to see. Capture One allows for adding layers to images and adjusting them, a process that barely slows down the app, whereas users have reported that Lightroom slows down when making too many local adjustments.

Both software have complex interfaces but are easy to use once you get used to them, overall Capture One has many advantages over Lightroom.

2. Compare ease of use

User manuals and support are very important, especially for beginners. As mentioned, both software are complex and take some time to get used to initially, so it is necessary to provide guidance and help to users.

Lightroom has the advantage in this regard because it is simpler to use than Capture One and you can learn how to operate it much faster, especially since it offers a better support system when users need help. Additionally, you can find a lot of YouTube videos that teach you almost anything related to Lightroom, and there is a Lightroom Classic forum where users of the software can discuss and help each other if they run into problems. In addition to support from Lightroom itself, you can also find a lot of tutorials online from other sources.

Capture One, meanwhile, was originally created for professional photographers, so it’s a bit more complicated for the average user to learn how to use. While Capture One does have a tutorial page on their website, it doesn’t have the same large community as Lightroom.

Capture One's flexible customization features make for a great experience once you get used to it, but for beginners it's complex and difficult to use. So Lightroom has the edge over Capture One in this regard.

3. Compare third-party plugins

When it comes to third-party support, Capture One falls short. The software only started allowing third-party plugins in 2018, and there aren’t many plugins for it either. So far, the only ones available are Format, HeliconSoft, JPEGemini, and Prodibi.

On the contrary, Lightroom has many supporting plugins that are very useful for users and help expand the image editing capabilities of this software. Some of its current plugins are The Fader, Nik Collection and LR/Enfuse.

4. Compare image file export function

Both software offer a variety of export options. Lightroom is simpler to use, allowing you to use presets to export much more easily than Capture One, just hit File > Export to access the export menu.

Capture One, on the other hand, is a little more complicated. If the presets don’t suit your export needs, creating your own can be a bit daunting for beginners. But Capture One’s advantage is that it allows you to export multiple versions of the same image (or multiple images) at once, which is much easier than Lightroom. But if you add some third-party plugins to Lightroom, it’s as simple as Capture One. Overall, Lightroom is still the better choice for export functionality.

5. Compare image processing speed

For processes like importing images, exporting, rendering images, and generating previews, Capture One handles them all better than Lightroom and generally doesn’t freeze or lag. Lightroom can be a little more glitchy and you have to be careful when using it to avoid crashes. So Capture One is clearly better in this area.

6. Cost comparison

Both software offer a paid premium subscription version, and if you want to try it out before you buy it, there is also a free version.

Adobe offers a 14-day free trial of Lightroom, and then you can subscribe for $9.99/month. Or you can subscribe to Adobe's entire Creative Cloud suite for $52.99/month.

There is also the option to try the premium version of Lightroom/Photoshop during a free trial to see how the two work together. But note that if you want to try it for free, you will need to provide an email address and credit card information.

Capture One, on the other hand, offers a longer 30-day trial period, and it doesn’t require credit card information, just an email address. The paid subscription costs $24/month and supports all types of cameras, making Lightroom more affordable than Capture One.

7. Should I choose Lightroom or Capture One for photo editing?

Lightroom and Capture One are both great photo editing software, so the choice depends on your specific needs. If you are new to photo editing, Lightroom is probably better, as it is easier to learn on your own and if you run into problems, there are plenty of resources to help you figure out how to fix them. It is also not as expensive as Capture One, so if you decide to stop using it, you won’t lose too much money.

Meanwhile, Capture One is a suitable software for professionals and those who have previous image editing skills. If you have used other image editing tools, you can experience Capture One, because it is created for professional photographers, so you will find all the necessary features to create great images.

Whether you are a professional photographer or a photo editing enthusiast, choosing between Lightroom Classic and Capture One will depend on your needs and personal style. Capture One offers superior color quality and high customization while Lightroom Classic scores with its easy-to-use interface and flexible syncing features. Want to learn more and make the right decision? Let SaDesign accompany and support you today!