Digital photography software

[Julie Wright]

I am wondering what image manipulation software you folks use.

Currently I am using the software that came with my camera. Camedia, with the olympus D560 camera. Its ok, but I'm sure that is better software out there that won't break the bank. Need my OT $$$ for my other habit. Wood Working

[Keith Outten]

Julie,

I've been using Paint Shop Pro for years, I believe it is in the neighborhood of $99.00. Although I own other photo editing software I seem to always use PSP, I'm used to the software I guess.

[Waymon Campbell]

Julie - I also use Paint Shop Pro. It has the power of Adobe PhotoShop (but without the learning curve or price). You can download a fully functional trial version at www.jasc.com.

Waymon...

[Chuck Wintle]

I have a program(FinePix Viewer) that came with my Fuji camera and it very limited in what it can do. On the other hand I have tried using Adobe Photoshop and found it too complicated for my needs. I like ACDSee 5.0 as it is fairly intuitive and not too expensive ($75US) on the website. Since ACDSee is up to version 6 now maybe on ebay you could find a copy cheap.

[RJ Schuff]

I have used Paint Shop Pro and do like it, but I seem to have settled on Photoshop Elements as my favorite program. It is a scaled down version of Photoshop that is much easier to learn and to use. You can now get it bundled with their Photoshop Adobe Album software which makes organizing your pictures a snap.

RJ

[Glenn Clabo]

Julie,
There are lots of opinions (like tools)...but if you want to use what most pros use...it's Photoshop. However, it has a steep learning curve and steeper price.
So...I would recommend Photoshop Elements. It's relatively cheap...easier to learn...and has a photographers following. Here's the Adobe site..
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopel/main.html
that you can review.

p.s.- Amazon has it cheapest and I think there's a rebate.

[Jim Becker]

Adobe Photoshop Elements is now my program of choice...inexpensive, easy to use and really functional. Every time I use it, I learn new tricks, too.

[John Miliunas]

Julie, yet another vote for PS Pro. Simple, intuitive, lots of "automatic" features, which you can globally adjust to your liking. Been using it for years. And for me, the super-low learning curve is a great asset! :cool:

[Ed Falis]

Julie,

Another option that respects your need to reserve $$$ for your other hobby is the Gimp (http://www.gimp.org/). This is a free software project that has been around for quite a while. It's a bit less capable than Photoshop, but very sophisticated nonetheless.

There are tutorials and other info on the net as well:

A quick overview of photo touchup with the Gimp: http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Haven/5179/

A good tutorial (also available in print form from Amazon): http://gimp-savvy.com/BOOK/

An online registry of plugins: http://registry.gimp.org/index.jsp

It does have a somewhat steep learning curve, but is very capable, and you can't beat the price.

- Ed

[Tom Sweeney]

Hey Julie,
I've tried about a dozen different programs, including photoshop, over the years and I've settled on Ulead photo impact (I think I'm 2 versions behind now- I use ver. 7). It is a great program with a pretty intuitive interface & will do anything you need to do with photos or other graphics. I think the new version is $90. I will say I haven't felt the need to try photoshop elements but have heard good things about it.
http://www.ulead.com/pi/runme.htm

[Keith Outten]

Julie,

Eds right about "The Gimp", its a great program and has been around for a long time in the Linux world. The Gimp is absolutely free and very powerfull software. There are lots of books available at your local bookstore that provide all of the instruction you need.

[Lawrence See]

I just installed PhotoShop Elements. I've been a long-time PSP user, but after trying the automated features of Elements, I got better results fixing some of my rather inept efforts than lengthy sessions with PSP.

I'm impressed - you may be also.

Regards, Larry

[Lloyd Robins]

Hi! I have used Photoshop Elements and others. I am currently using PS Pro 8. All of the more exensive programs have a learning curve, but you can get books to help you with the process. If you have a Costco nearby you can usually get Photoshop Elements 2 or PS Pro 8 at a reasonable price. They usually have the Microsoft offering, but I don't like to give all my money to just one company. Just my $.02 worth. Good luck and Happy New Year!

[Julie Wright]

thanks, I download and try some this weekend