Capture One Express is no longer available for download or activation. The giant decided to focus on its paid version. Consumers have decided not to sit idly by. A class-action lawsuit investigation is now underway against Sony cameras to determine whether consumers were misled or unfairly affected by the discontinuation of this software package.
“We need focus on our main products”
It all started when in December 2023 Capture One sent an email to its users announcing the end of the Capture One Express subscription. The statement read:
“Express is coming to an end. We’re constantly working to improve our tools for you. And, to give you the best creative and collaborative experience, we need focus on our main products. This means that starting January 30, 2024, Express will no longer be available. You won’t be able to download and access. Express from our website after January 30. If you already own an Express license key, you’ll no longer be able to activate this. We’ll end all support for Express after January 30. Your images and edits will still be able until January 30.” And indeed, on February 12, 2024, the software stopped working. This change left photographers without a built-in editing solution, forcing them to acquire alternative editing software.
Users were greeted with this message overnight, and the shock was monumental. Capture One wasn’t just another tool; for many, it was their go-to work tool for editing footage.
Who is eligible for the class-action lawsuit?
The class action lawsuit seeks to determine whether Sony deceived consumers who reasonably expected continued access to the bundled software. If any user lost access to Capture One Express, they may be eligible to participate in the class action lawsuit. With Capture One Express disabled, users had two options: upgrade to a paid version of Capture One Pro or purchase a new third-party editing tool. This change has raised questions about fairness.
The disappearance of Capture One Express created a sudden void for many Sony camera users. This free editing software used to come bundled with Sony mirrorless and DSLR cameras, offering users a convenient and effective tool for organizing, editing, and exporting photos.
Its removal has left users without an integrated editing solution
For many users, Capture One Express wasn’t just a convenience. It was the software of choice, allowing them to get the most out of their camera (including Sony’s native RAW file processing) at no additional cost. Its removal leaves these users without an integrated editing solution.
Sony camera users who relied on the free Capture One Express photo editing software may have been surprised by its discontinuation. Included in many Sony camera bundles, Capture One Express offered users a free and easy way to edit and manage images.
Users can only wait for the class action lawsuit to progress and hope for its success. Until then, there are several options available on the market that may serve as remedies until it is known whether the lawsuit is successful.
