Whats the best editing software that doesnt cost a bomb??

grenl · #1 (**permalink**) 22-12-2006, 06:01 PM

I know photoshop is the best but what else is out there thats good ?????

RobSutton · #2 (**permalink**) 22-12-2006, 06:06 PM

Photoshop Elements (v5.0 for PC's) comes in at around £60 or so on Amazon and does almost everything you need.

carlj · #3 (**permalink**) 22-12-2006, 06:30 PM

The Gimp is freeware - but watch out how you search for it

For raw processing Rawshooter Essentials is, I believe, still available, though not updated and Adobe Lightroom is a free beta download (and also the reason Rawshooter is not updated!).

DaiTheDragon · #4 (**permalink**) 22-12-2006, 07:51 PM

The Gimp in my opinion is the next best thing to Photoshop.

Dai

eeyore · #5 (**permalink**) 25-12-2006, 10:08 PM

if you just want to do simple stuff like resize for web then picasa is worth a look , free download from google - although its main function is catalouging

beyond that photo ele is probably the way to go v.5 just out at 60 folding , v.4 still available ( in staples) at 40, v.2 is frequently given away with DSLRs so someone might have a disk you can have ( unfortunately I gave my spare to a nice young lady).

Also it is possible to download Photoshop CS2 via Bit torrent or to buy pirate copies on ebay but these routes are illegal and I couldnt possibly reccomend or condone them

nightshade · #6 (**permalink**) 26-12-2006, 07:34 AM

Photoshop elements is very powerful belieing its price

eeyore · #7 (**permalink**) 26-12-2006, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlj

The Gimp is freeware - but watch out how you search for it

.

GIMP is an acronym for the Gnu Image Manipulation Programme so you might be safer searching for that

Boddie · #8 (**permalink**) 26-12-2006, 05:21 PM

I am going through CS2 tutorials now before a weeks course. This program really is something else. It is astonishing what you can do with this software if you sit down and learn it properly. It can turn an average image into something outstanding. Well worth saving for, or twisting your bosses arm for.

eeyore · #9 (**permalink**) 26-12-2006, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

I am going through CS2 tutorials now before a weeks course. This program really is something else. It is astonishing what you can do with this software if you sit down and learn it properly. It can turn an average image into something outstanding. Well worth saving for, or twisting your bosses arm for.

I'm not sure my boss , nice tho she is, would go for that

difficult to see how i could make a case

have you got into adobe premeire yet btw ?

Chris_Johnstone · #10 (**permalink**) 26-12-2006, 11:49 PM

I use photoshop and although I'm pretty much a novice to use it I have several digital photography books. Each has a section devoted to digital darkrooms and in every one, the photographer uses photoshop and, often a mac, so I find the incredibly useful. Even though some describe only a few of the basics features and many of which are the same means to an end, the results are amazing.

People might not know a technically good photo when they see one, but altered or enhanced, everyone can appreciated an aesthetically pleasing image. this doesn't mean you're a good photographer because you're a whizz with PS and I recognise the importance of mentioning when an image has been enhanced, rather than claiming you're a fantastic photographer. However, as Boddie says, it can greater increase the power of the image. Credit given where credit due (and due to what).

Chris