How can I get information from Adobe

[stanwagon]

It appears that my version of Elements (13) cannot read ARW raw files from my SONY A6500. (I downloaded a plugin that seemed like it would work, but it fails).

On a forum, I saw that DNG might work, but a friend argues strongly against DNG. He suggests getting Lightroom.

I see that I can buy Lightroom outright (on Amazon, say, or probably from Adobe), and that seems to me like a better solution that paying a monthly fee. I would like to understand more clearly all my options. Is it possible to telephone Adobe to get all these questions answered. Naturally, the two basic questions are:

Will LR accept SONY Raw. The answer appears to be YES.

How does license work exactly: Can I use Lightroom on my laptop in addition to my iMac desktop?

I suppose I could post a thread with every individual question I have as I ponder what to do, but that seems silly. Does Adobe offer any way for me to have a conversation with someone so I can decide what is suitable for me?

[Peru Bob]

stanwagon  wrote

How does license work exactly: Can I use Lightroom on my laptop in addition to my iMac desktop?

It depends on which version.

CC, yes.

LR6, yes, but only if both Mac or if both PC.

These links might help:

Camera Raw plug-in and Adobe application compatibility

Cameras supported by Camera Raw

[John Waller]

Lightroom has always had multi-platform licensing: same serial number worked on Mac and/or PC.

[Peru Bob]

Thank you for clarifying that.  I was not aware of it being that way.

[stanwagon]

Thanks all for many helpful comments. Of course, more questions arise. How does the Lightroom monthly lease deal work? Does one sign up for a fixed period (one year, say)? Or are there other options?

[Peru Bob]

Here are the plans (click the arrow don options to see all choices):

Creative Cloud pricing and membership plans | Adobe Creative Cloud

[99jon]

Yes you could get LR6. Your camera was supported in LR6.8 but you can buy the final perpetual licence to LR6.14

Bear in mind that this software is no longer supported by Adobe and it could easily become outdated by future OS updates for Windows or Mac OS. Many of the latest tools in LR Classic are missing. Assuming you accept the risks go to the checkout link below to buy directly from Adobe. You can activate the software on two computers.

Personally I would recommend a monthly subscription to a photography plan which will include Lightroom Classic and also the full version of Photoshop. LR Classic can also import your PSE Organizer catalog.

https://commerce.adobe.com/anyware/checkout/?clientId=adobe_com&countryCode=US&languageCode=en&marke...