[ndenbow]

Hi all,

Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere - I've had a quick search and couldn't find anything recent.

Whilst my first goal is to get the photograph right first time, I do make mistakes and I'm still learning how to use a DSLR properly. I want to use some software to mainly crop and correct. Does anyone have any comments about Adobe Photoshop Elements (particularly its limitations) or open-source offerings such as GIMP? That £500 price tag for full Photoshop just puts me into a cold sweat.

Any comments and experience welcome.

[Ikki]

For the easiest, Picasa 2 is hard to beat. I find that PSE does everything that I need but I often use Picasa instead for quick adjustments/cropping and it has a good alignment tool and photo organiser - and is free . I have PSE3, there are rumours (maybe users can comment) that PSE4 doesn't have a working levels/curves control. The only other negative comment about PSE (common to most Adobe apps that I have seen) is the long start up time.

You mentioned the Gimp. Gimpshop is worth looking at. It is a version of Gimp that attempts to give a more Photoshop type interface and I find it a lot more useable.

Gimpshop

[senu]

I have PS CS2, APE3 and 4.

CS2 is Part of a work related bundle( i couldnt affort it either . I use it only sparingly but used following a "how to.." recipe it is not unlearnable ,CS (1) or ver 7 are probably available for not much now.
APE4 needs a PC with a little oomph and is a really only a gentle upgrade from APE3.
They are all very capable and can be simple to use provided one paces oneself and learns stuff gradually.
However I use APE3 the most.
From personal experience it can be used for a quick cut and crop, correct lighting ,saturation ,colour casts and has "easy user/ quick fix mode. Its long(ish) loading times are relative and you soon learn not to notice them
The one big advantage is that it will now be very cheap and affordable now that 4 is out and like your DSLR you can use it in simple neebee mode " auto" or advanced mode to do more intricate stuff when you get more confident. It is highly unlikely you'll outgrow it soon and there is an abundance and wealth of info on how to use it both online , in books and in this and other forums. I have a little cd-rom with video tutorials (I can post to you : if you wish just pm with a postal address)

....and No ( before you ask) I DO NOT work for Adobe!


If you have a minute .. ..or 3 have a look at these past threads

Here

over here
right here
down here