image software

[jay37]

hello again
what software do you use,capture nx,lightroom elements etc.do you think some are better than others, what would you recommend and why?
thanks jay

[ron1863]

I have Photoshop CS2 on the main computer and Photoshop Elements 6 on the laptop and I find myself using Elements more often than not, excellent value and easier to learn than CS2.

[Geoff F]

Most people seem to think that the best programme is the one they are currently using. What exactly do you want to do and how much are you willing to spend. At the extreme end, you could fork out around £1000 but there are many perfectly adequate programmes available for under £50, and some reasonable freebies.

The Adobe Photoshop range is probably the most popular and Elements version 2 or 3 is often given away with cameras, printers, etc.

From a personal point of view. I have never got on well with Elements; it seems too cluttered and cumbersome for me. Some people find it easy but others, particularly beginners, can tend to struggle to understand it. A bit too much of a leap in at the deep end.

I like Serif Photo Plus, preferably version 10 or later, but No. 8 is often given away as a freebie. I don't advise anything earlier. Serif seems more user friendly to me and gives you the option of being a beginner or an 'expert'. It has all the popular tools and you can either use auto or advanced settings. But I would advise switching to the more advanced controls as soon as you can. The Help advice is very comprehensive. The latest edition No. X2 costs around £50 but the optional beginners guide may be worth having as well. Try the Serif Photo Plus website for more details.

But that is just my opinion.

ps. Ask again if you want any more information about exactly how the Serif programme or tools work.

[DavyG]

I use Photoshop CS3.

It's one hell of a learning curve and I think I'm only just scratching the surface with it, however the more I use it the easier it gets.

I've found I've learned how to use the prog at about the same rate as I've learned to use my camera kit.

No wonder my pics are rubbish!

Dave

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by DavyG

I use Photoshop CS3.

It's one hell of a learning curve and I think I'm only just scratching the surface with it, however the more I use it the easier it gets.

I've found I've learned how to use the prog at about the same rate as I've learned to use my camera kit.

No wonder my pics are rubbish!

Dave

Yeah that will be right Davy - I've looked at your shots so your Photoshop skills must have vastly improved. I agree with the comments about the learning curve for Photoshop though, but there are excellent free web tutorials.

[Ollie]

I use Elements version 4, I should upgrade really to the latest version but I'm to tight However saying that Elements 4 combined with the Neat Image plug in does all that I require of it.
Roger

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by Ollie

I use Elements version 4, I should upgrade really to the latest version but I'm to tight However saying that Elements 4 combined with the Neat Image plug in does all that I require of it.
Roger

I hit a lucky patch with Photoshop Roger, my brother gave me CS2 last year and when my new laptop was running really slowly after a month I returned it to the shop and they told me to pick a replacement off the shelf and make up the difference, if any.
I asked for a bit of advice and was told to take a similar model - Sony Vaio VGN-FZ38M, which had 4mb ram instead of 2 and double the HDD capacity and with Elements 6 included. The best part was that it was £54 cheaper.

[big bill]

Hello Jay I myself use Photoshop CS3 ,I started of using a very basic prog about 5 years back but found it lacking I then moved onto Elements 6 and found the learning curve hard but perserved I then upgrade to the full Photoshop CS then upto CS3 ,these are difficult at times but once you learn the basics it is an easy program to use .
Once you get used to it you will never look back but if you do not fancy you could always use Elements 6 which is a cut down version of its big brother and offers most of the same but in a cut down package enough for the amatuer photographer and its a lot cheaper than the full version.
The choice is yours pick one that you will be happy with some will say Photoshop is not worth the money others will swear by it,I just love it as I got used to it and have learnt along the way their are tutorials availanlbe in mags and by downloads

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by ron1863

I hit a lucky patch with Photoshop Roger, my brother gave me CS2 last year and when my new laptop was running really slowly after a month I returned it to the shop and they told me to pick a replacement off the shelf and make up the difference, if any.
I asked for a bit of advice and was told to take a similar model - Sony Vaio VGN-FZ38M, which had 4mb ram instead of 2 and double the HDD capacity and with Elements 6 included. The best part was that it was £54 cheaper.

You are one lucky guy Ron. Afraid lady luck doesn't normally shine on me.

I will upgrade one day, probably when I next buy a new computer.
Roger

[shutterbox]

Well Jay i have CS3 on the main computer and elements 6 free trial on the laptop. I find elements easiest to use being a novice with computers so i will buy when the trial time runs out.....JIM