After 14th of February 2023, new perpetual license purchases do not include any feature updates (16.x)
This means that any updates containing new features and functionality will not be included in your license purchase. However, major bug fixes and optimizations will be included (16.x.x) until a new paid version is released (16.x).
As a subscription always provides you with access to the latest version, subscribers are not affected by these changes.
How does it affect you?
Please select from the following:
- I have a subscription to Capture One Pro
- I have a license for Capture One Pro 23 purchased before February 14, 2023
- I have a license for Capture One Pro 23 purchased after February 14, 2023
- I have a license for Capture One Pro 22 or an older version
- I have a multi-user license
- I have an enterprise license
- Frequently Asked Questions
"I have a subscription to Capture One Pro"
The changes outlined here have no impact on Capture One subscriptions.
Subscribers will continue to receive all updates including new features, improvements, and new camera & lens support for as long as their subscriptions are maintained.
If you are unsure on the type of license that you have, check the 'Plans & services management' section of your Capture One profile.
"I have a license for Capture One Pro 23 purchased before February 14th, 2023"
You receive free updates until September 30th, 2023.
If you wish to get a new version of Capture One Pro after September 30th, 2023, you need to buy a new license. Find out what discount you can receive in compliance with our Loyalty Program.
"I have a license for Capture One Pro 23 purchased after February 14, 2023"
You receive major bug fixes (16.x.x) up until a new paid version (16.x) is released. The service updates (16.xx) do not include feature updates.
If you wish to get a new version of Capture One Pro, you need to buy a new license (16.x) – which will contain new features and functionality. Find out what discount you can receive in compliance with our Loyalty Program.
"I have a license for Capture One Pro 22 or an older version"
Your license is perpetual and yours to keep, for as long as you can meet the minimum system requirements and run it on a compatible OS version. To check these details, please refer to our
Capture One system requirements and OS support article.
"I have a multi-user license"
Unless specified otherwise in the terms of your agreement, you will receive free feature updates (16.x) for 12 months when you purchase or upgrade a multi-user license
"I have an enterprise license"
Please check the terms of your agreement with Capture One.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are you getting rid of the perpetual license option?
A: No. The changes we are making allow us to shift to the latest software development practices without removing perpetual licenses altogether. While over half of our users are on a subscription and close to 80% of new users choose a subscription, we still understand that perpetual licenses are important for many of you. That’s why we’re committed to keeping the option open.
Q: I have a license for Capture One Pro 23 I purchased before February 14, 2023 and I will get free feature updates until September 30, 2023. After that date, what happens if I want to get the latest version of Capture One Pro?
A: You will need to buy a new copy of Capture One Pro to be covered under our new license model from October 1st 2023 onwards.
Q: I have a license for Capture One 22 or older. What are my options?
A: If you are happy on your current version of Capture One Pro, great! If you want the latest version of Capture One Pro, you will need to purchase a new software license.
Alternatively, if you’d like to receive all our updates as we release them, you may wish to try out one of our subscription plans.
Q: The current version used to be a year, but how long does a current version last now?
A: We are moving to a ‘release when ready’ model, which allows us to deliver new features and improvements as soon as they are ready. As such, the length of a version will vary based on the time it takes us to develop each feature.
Q: Will there be any change to iPad & Live Support?
A: No, we will continue to support the current (dot) version, plus the previous (dot) version.
For example:
- Current version = 16.0
- iPad & Live support = 16.0, 15.4
Q: Will the number of seats/activations change?
A: No. We are not making any changes to the number of activations you can make per license.
Capture One Pro (perpetual and subscription, and trial) allows up to 3 activations
Q: Why are you removing licenses?
A: We are not removing licenses.
We offer a perpetual license which contains exactly what is stated in the release notes at the time of purchase, and we will continue to do so. This license is yours to own and keep.
The change being implemented from February 14, 2023, will affect new customers and license holders of Capture One 22 and older who wish to purchase a license for the latest version.
These license holders and new customers will have the opportunity to stay on the license they have purchased for as long as they like at no additional cost.
Q: Will I need to pay and upgrade multiple times a year?
A: It is always your decision when and how often to get the latest version of Capture One Pro.
If you always want to have the newest features as soon as they are released, a subscription plan is really the best option.
If you want to make sure that you get the latest version of Capture One Pro each year (as it works under the current model) and don’t need new features as soon as they are released, we want to make sure your cost of ownership does not go up.
Comments
1064 comments
Weldon Thomson
I've received a survey a few weeks ago, it might have been the same.
A few years back I would have recommended C1 without any hesitation, in that last survey I have been somewhat less enthusiastic, but after the license change announcement I would not recommend C1 anymore unless thre person to recommend a softwawre to would be happy with a subscription (and its associated cost implications) and the downside of not being able to use C1 even for the old images after having cancelled the subscription. So, I have received he survey a bit too early.
Thomas Kyhn
Interesting. Do you know how many have replied to the poll?
C1 draws a different picture, over their entire customer base I assume:
This is pretty straightforward: forget all users running versions prior to V22. They have their reasons (probably hardware and gear)
Subscriptions will double pay n the first place, as V23 users will not go into subscription now. The same goes for V22 as it is the reference for at least one year, as there’re no breakthroughs in V23.
From (end of 2023) 2024, subscriptions will raise to an approximate 57-65% (just trying to commit to a number here) and stabilise the years to come at maybe 70-75%. Just guessing here. But there will definitely be an important part of users not going into subscription, not move to another software and jump perpetual versions 2-3 years. Others will join C1 as for the solution. Then there’s innovation on smartphones. There’s something to come, I’m sure and may reshuffle a few things. So C1 better get prepared!
@Pip I agree. Adobe looks more appealing
@Thomas Kyhn Thank you for sharing
@BeO I think most of professionals, probably subscribers, don't follow live on YouTube. It may explain the difference
It says 290 now.
bernhard sanders:
As Capture One's handling of catalogues/metadata is indeed very poor, I'm hoping that rather than abandon the DAM function they'll improve it as an integrated part of the application. I have Photo Mechanic Plus, but I'm not particularly fond of it; it's inefficient, the interface is clunky, it's unable to handle variants, etc. I use Peakto as well, and while it has potential, it isn't yet fully functional for Capture One; but considering its improvements over the last few months, there's reason to expect it will, eventually, be a good supplement to Capture One. Still, using an additional application for handling your Capture One catalogue(s) for the sole reason that Capture One is unable to do this itself, obviously isn't ideal.
In the meantime, almost three weeks have passed since CO announced massive changes to the disadvantage of all perpetual licence holders in an email. As the countless comments on this page alone show, there are many different and very diverse opinions and fears about this. This is mainly due to the fact that CO's management has so far remained completely silent on the matter.
When I try to channel the effects that are really decisive, at least for me, I always end up with the sword of Damocles, subscription.
One can argue whether CO's product features are better or worse than those of competing products. In unison, the IQ achieved from RAW files is THE product highlight for very many. This is also true for me.
Of course, I also have these results in the subscription model. But only month after month. Only as long as I pay continuously. The work of many years that someone has invested in CO can be worthless from one day to the next. Paul Reifer's TIF system doesn't help either. We use RAW files for development and not (finished) TIF files. Or have I fundamentally misunderstood something over the last decades?
And, over the years I have noticed that I can achieve better results from older RAW files nowadays, because CO has developed further.
With a perpetual licence at a clearly calculated, one-off cost, it should be up to me how long I can use the software under the environmental conditions (e.g. OS) for which it was designed.
With a subscription system, the costs for me as a user are escalating and no longer calculable at the start of use. Furthermore, despite the higher costs in the subscription system, I can only use the software for a limited period of time. This is also the reason why many people would rather pay for a house once than live in a rented house for the rest of their lives.
In this respect, Adobe products (e.g. LR et al) are not an option for me either. If my current CO perpetual licence is no longer usable and CO does not offer an attractive, permanent licence model by then, a subscription will never come into question instead. Perhaps there will be a new player in the medium term? Like Serif with the Affinity products?
Thomas,
i agree in in general - but there is no sign at all, especially some here might have made experiences since the Media Expression disaster by C1. I can not believe that they give it a 3rd try. And you are right, i have tried Photomechanic Plus - and came to your result as well. But - the DAM function in Photomechanic Plus is quite new, and they have written to me that there are more refinement and features to come. I will give them some time.
My point now after this discussion is - i definitely want to use a great RAW Converter a,b or c (on my choice) and an independent great and reliable DAM with standard iptc definitions, futureproof. And the DxO Converter and Photomechanic Plus are very promissing.
Doing everything just in one integrated solution means i would be nailed in that environment. We have learned what headache that can cause. I myself am not going to fall back into dependencies from just one vendor with probably a hard way back. Certainly and logic is that C1 only in itself can handle virtual copies or variants since that are not "real" files but just different parameters.
What is going to happen if C1 or any other combination of a RAW converter and an integrared DAM in lets say 5 years does not any more support the RAWs from a Fuji S2,S3 or S5 back from the early 2000 years ? I can use an old copy with an old converter (and if necessary in a virtual engine with Win7) and import the result into a dedicated great DAM or - in case that specific DAM is gone, just export everything into a different DAM. But therefore we have to be sure that they meet the iptc standards and not are too propriatary.
That is only possible when i have a perpetual license of the RAW Converter offline activated or a serial stored somewhere. That would not work with subscription !!
But who ever is happy with integrated solutions - go on. I am not on a crusade and I might be wrong - but more flexible. We are just sharing knowledge here about different solutions for different needs and different workflows.
And to info - well said !
Have a great Xmas and a great New Year
Be0
The problem, at least for me, is trust. Capture One only seems to value “loyalty” (which should be earned rather than expected) as a one way proposition. This is based entirely on my perception of how they continue to mishandle this entire situation and the lack of respect with which they appear to view me as a customer. I have had a C1 subscription previously, and I currently retain a LR/PS subscription which I have also had for years. So, a subscription or license is not the problem, although it is too expensive for what it offers relative to its competition.
It is not entirely what C1 has done but, more so, how they have done it. Based on what I have personally experienced them doing, so far, I must reasonably question what they may do in the future, even I eventually end up on a subscription, when they again feel a need to jack up pricing to satisfy investors needs for ever increasing profitability (for instance). I refuse to get too locked in to their software for my own workflow, therefore the license best works for me, for now. However, it will never be my primary, or my only, tool. Further, whereas other option have gotten significantly better as raw processors, and will continue to do so for significantly less cost, C1 is becoming less and less of a necessity. Had I. It already bought 22/23, I would not now, and I can easily see little need to renew it under any plan they may announce - even though I would probably prefer to.
Capture One -
Screw me once, shame on you. Screw me twice, shame on me.
Bernhard,
You are, of course, right about the risks of relying on one piece of integrated software, and perhaps even more so if that one piece of software is made by a company that isn't entirely reliable. I'm unsure what to do about this risk, except to keep image files and updated sidecar files that are readable by other applications.
A great Christmas and New Year to you – and everyone else here – too.
A couple of random thoughts
1. With regard to user percentages and the recent poll on Paul’s youtube channel, CO is clearly only comparing V23 perpetual to subscription licensees, disingenuous at best.
2. If CO drops the DAM from C1P, then there is no reason not to simply drop C1P and use Affinity Photo. The whole suite can currently be purchased for about US$70 and it is a perpetual license.
3. If Serif were to create for instance “Affinity Develop” as a competitor to LR and C1P or just create a DAM; I would switch IMMEDIATELY!!!
@Thomas Kyhn
> I'm hoping that rather than abandon the DAM function they'll improve it as an integrated part of the application.
I agree. If I am forced to change to another software I would prefer an integrated solution again. Even if it is so poor as C1 solution.
Oh, it looks like Santa has put plenty of presents and the Christmas tree. I see lots of gift cards from Adobe and DXO. And if I look closely, there are also ON1 and Luminar vouchers hidden among the homemade photo calendars.
So now everyone is obviously busy trying out their gifts and getting rid of the tiresome discussion about and with CO. In a few weeks at the latest, when the "loyalty" cat is let out of the bag, there will be new "fodder". Probably no one will really like it. The mountain gave birth to a pebble. And once again CO will have done everything right: simply stoically bounce off all criticism, starve the critics on the outstretched arm and finally leave the battlefield as a radiant victor. In a few weeks, this episode will also be history and no (new) subscriber will ever know who he got involved with. A pity too ...
Appreciation is the magic word. Continuity is a desired quality. And customer satisfaction creates customer loyalty. Quite simple, actually.
Capture One - just listen to your customers instead of your marketing fuzzies. Then it will also work with sales.
Merry Christmas!
Funny thing is... when such things are announced people are looking for other solutions...while if such announcement was not placed they would not...so before I would not even think of switching to DXO: but having some free hours I tested the last version, and for my work with wide and TS lenses it seems their corrections possibilities including volumetric corrections for wide lenses and Viewpoint "free" corrections far superior than what we have in C1. Not even talking about "import free" DAM yet...So I ended up buying DXO package. I like the C1 colors better (not corrected), export speed and healing tool which is better especially when near the image borders, not telling about crop constraint to image content. So I will use both tools hoping the loyalty program will not make me to break the cooperation or skip upgrades. Now looking for best way to synchronize the already made settings both ways. Not going to Adobe since my CS license which was good for couple years become bad in their eyes and I hate software renting.
Just found this article from Imaging Resource by Jeremy Gray posted Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 10:29 AM EST.
It contains an interview with Rafael Orta the new self-described technologist CEO.
My favorite line so far is:
"IR: In your open letter a few weeks ago, you talked about openness and improving communication between the company and the user base. Can you expand on that a bit and let customers know how things are going to be different moving forward?
RO: Yeah, so it's one of the big changes that we have implemented with the team. I want to make sure that everyone who is a customer, trialing the software, or is interested in Capture One not only has an insight into what we can do today but also what we are building.…"
………
IR: Does that mean that user feedback and suggestions are taken into consideration when planning updates?
RO: Most definitely. As we reveal more and more of our roadmap in the next few weeks, I hope that more people will see themselves represented in the work that we are doing. I'm very proud of what we have achieved in terms of sharing and communicating what we are doing, but I'm not satisfied. There's so much more that we can communicate and you will see a lot more from us."
What is Rafael Orta "proud of" regarding user feedback and suggestions?
Quite a while ago (still around version 12, IIRC), user feedback was confirmed as received on the forum by receiving a "Completed" tag. This happened very regularly and during the time around versions 9 - 12 many of my suggestions were implemented.
These times feel long gone. Feedback suggestions just pile up without any form of recognition or receipt of reception. Recent changes to versions are based on what some focus group wants and how Capture One thinks they can widen the customer circle. Judging from the recent uptake of feature suggestions, I'd say they were largely made in vain. Once in a while some long-standing issue (e.g., the broken keystone tool) gets addressed, but those responses seem far and few between all those unexpected developments, some of which have been met less than enthusiastically. Who asked for a feature-reduced export dialogue??? Judging from the response of the user base, it was not the majority.
EDIT: The article was from March 17, 2021, so we should have seen the improved communication already. The export dialogue debacle happend after the interview took place. Whatever he was and is doing, I'd say is not working.
Orta:
Did anyone of you see their roadmap? A roadmap is the plan for the foreseeble future and spans at least one year, in the software industry. I don't remember having see anything like this.
Simply put, a Roadmap is a list of milestones, i.e. features with dates.
Perhaps it would be a good idea to ask him what happened to this openness and improved communication? He's on Twitter with the handle @rafaelcoyote.
· · ·
twitter.com/thomaskyhnetc/status/1608441866898509825?
Please post any answers. I‘m not on Twitter.
Me neither, ernst.w, but I am able to read it.
Btw., the openness was planned for 2021, maybe that plan changed for 2022 ?
Anyway, I don't remember having seen a real roadmap in the last 7 years...
BeO:
I don't remember seeing much openness either.
ernst.w
BeO
Perhaps you have linkedin?
I wrote it there, because I've neither Twitter:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-orta/?originalSubdomain=dk
In the faq you say :
Q: I have a license for Capture One Pro 23 I purchased before February 1st, 2023 and I will get free feature updates until September 30, 2023. After that date, what happens if I want to get the latest version of Capture One Pro?
A: You will need to buy a new copy of Capture One Pro to be covered under our new license model from October 1st 2023 onwards.
My question : what will be the gap between a new subscriber and me?
In the faq you say :
Q: I have a license for Capture One 22 or older. What are my options?
A: If you are happy on your current version of Capture One Pro, great! If you want the latest version of Capture One Pro after February 1, 2023, you will need to purchase a new software license.
If you are considering moving to Capture One Pro 23, our upgrade pricing (33% off the full price) is open to you until January 31, 2023.
Or if you’d like to receive all our updates as we release them, you may wish to try out one of our subscription plans.
My question: "What will the new subscription plans"? It is incredible not to have the data necessary for making a choice!
If you follow this way, I will consider a go to another soft.
Festival Management Announcement:
Our esteemed clientele now has 31 more days to purchase their beloved software at full price and actually 9 more months along with bug fixes also with minimal feature updates as well as profile updates.
Why only 31 more days? Because we have heard you!
We were surprised ourselves, but 80 out of 100 don't want to purchase products at a reasonable price anymore and use them carefree for a certain time. All the stress of "ooh, I wonder how long I'll have updates...." and "uuh, maybe I missed the latest version?" should no longer cast a shadow over Capture One usage.
Our offer: Sign a contract with us that gives you a completely worry-free use of Capture One. All the great new innovations will be automatically included, and even if a new camera is released in November, you'll be able to use it in December. Isn't that great? Of course, you can't do that with Perpetual. Why? Because we listened to you, and simply shouldn't offer that anymore.
So you can't get any closer to your customers than that. Our offer to you: Free eBook "How to save heating" and "Life without Netflix, Sky and DAZN is also possible". Somehow you have to save the 30€/Month for your favorite software. But - you see - we have a solution for that, too.
For us, the customer always comes first!
In this sense,
Happy new year 2023
Udo van den Heuvel
Hi Udo! Do you have LinkedIn? Why you don't write this to the CEO? :-)
Wish you a good new year, if it's with or without C1 :-)
Udo van den Heuvel
Hahahahaha, love it!!!
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