PS & LR or go with PSE 2023?

[Tintype_18]

I think I know the answer but want to draw on the advice of the forum. I was at a photo club last night. One of the members was said to be knowledgeable about Photoshop and Lightroom. After the introduction, I told him that I have PSE 2021. He stated that one must purchase the current PSE for an updated version. He went on to explain that PS & LR which he recommended, was $9.99 a month with automatic updates. PSE 2023 is $149.99 at Staples; I did the math even though it was evident as to the difference in cost. I do feel that PS & LR would be to my advantage. Looking for replies from the forum members plus many thanks for this inquiry and past replies.

[jrhoffman75]

The primary reason for updating a version of PSE is to have compatibility with a newer camera. Since your version of PSE works with the RAW images of your camera then the only reason to update would be for additional features.

Compare Versions | Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023

[Tintype_18]

Thanks for the comparison link. Being new, there is some terminology that isn't clear to me: moving overlays, warp photos, perfect pet, to name a few. Is there something that would define these terms?

[jrhoffman75 · Accepted solution]

The Adobe website should describe features since they want you to upgrade. 

[John_SD]

I parted ways with Lightroom last year. It's a great product, but I grew weary of the yearly cost. I stick with DPP for now. I've never owned PSE, but have used the trial version. I rejected it as I am not a fan of rainbows and unicorns adorning my photos, nor do I have an interest in replacing the sky and background in my photos. That's just wholesale software manipulation and replacement. Why even bother with photography?