Is there any alternative to Photoshop?

[RobinP]

Hi

I don't want to fork out £300 or whatever on photoshop for the use it will get, is there any alternative that will give me the basic functions? If looks like Microsoft has incorporated Digital Image Processor into Windows Vista so is upgrading to Vista a good option? I just want to be able to refine photos using some of the basic techniques, not start a new career as a graphic designer, thanks.

[matt_xyz]

Photoshop Elements is the 'consumer' version and I think the latest version, Elements 6, sells for around £60-70.

There are some free photo editing software packages such as Gimp and Picassa (Picasa? Not sure of spelling). You could do a Google search to see if these are still available.

Matt

[Bub-les]

Google's Picasa2 is free and is very good as a basic prog it will do most things quickly and easily. It will also handle quite a large range of photo types inc. most camera RAWs.
Another if you want to pay is Serif photoplus X2 they also give their earlier versions away I think photoplus 6 is free maybe photoplus 8 is but not sure of that.
Hope that gives you some ideas
Barbara

[Paul mabbott]

Irfan does everything I need and is free:
IrfanView - Official Homepage - one of the most popular viewers worldwide

[RobinP]

Thanks all, I've just ordered Photoshop Elements 6 off Amazon for a grand total of £71 so I'll have a play with that.

[John D]

Originally Posted by RobinP

Thanks all, I've just ordered Photoshop Elements 6 off Amazon for a grand total of £71 so I'll have a play with that.

You wont be disappointed. Elements is excellent and good enough for most of us.
John D

[gfilmsuk]

For me Paint Shop Pro knocks spots off all the others. I use PSP 10 and PSP 7 and get on better with version 7. It's a fabulous prog for around 70 quid.
I've stopped buying photo mags because they insist on promoting PS above everything else. It make me wonder who these mags are sponsored by.

[badger426]

I've got PSE 6 it's very good.

[bob b]

I use Capture nx2 (nikon). Its very easy to use, does everything elements does, without having to grapple with layers, and has an excellent facility for plug ins.

[Jim Ford]

Have a look at the free 'Gimpshop', which is a Photoshop 'feelalike' version of Gimp:

http://www.gimpshop.com/

This may have the advantage that it will will give you enough experience, at no cost, to decide whether you'd like to eventually go for Photoshop Elements or higher.

Jim