Open source editors

cendoubleu · #1 (**permalink**) 13-07-2011, 08:20 PM

Just out of interest, does anyone use open source software for their photo editing? Being a Linux user, I use Rawstudio and The Gimp. What are other members impressions of these apps?

freiston · #2 (**permalink**) 14-07-2011, 12:43 AM

Hi cendoubleu, I use Gimp with UFRaw on Ubuntu 11.04 (Natty).

I tend to use Digikam for downloading from the camera because it creates date-folders. It's also a very good way of searching through thumbnails 'light box' stylee. I ought to use it for meta-data tagging but I'm far too lazy to be that organised & tidy.

A while ago, I've played about a bit with some other software - particularly RAW converters and the eloquently named Qtpfsgui (for HDR). There are some other threads on this board about RAW editors and open-source offerings get discussed along with the closed/restricted varieties

I'm not an HDR nut - most of the time I don't like it, but I have enjoyed playing with it even though my results were not good.

I've also downloaded with the intention of experimenting with 'Exposure Blending' - a program for, believe it or not, blending bracketed shots but it can also be used for focus stacking. Hugin looks interesting for photo stitching & HDR.

What I can't find is an easy to use exif editor with gui - I used to use (iirc) opanda in Windows. I have my name in my camera so that it tags my exif with my name for owner name, copyright etc. - but sometimes I want to strip out those identifiers leaving the rest of the exif intact.

davecatt · #3 (**permalink**) 14-07-2011, 12:51 AM

Try The Gimp. It does all I need, and its free.
Dave

roseway · #4 (**permalink**) 14-07-2011, 06:40 AM

I use Gimp for editing and RawTherapee for RAW conversion. RawTherapee is a terrific program, based on dcraw, and provides an easy-to-use GUI with a host of adjustments to get the best out of your images.

Tringa · #5 (**permalink**) 14-07-2011, 07:57 AM

I use GIMP - powerful, but quite difficult to learn, well it was for me.

My favourite for a combination of being able to do most things and ease of use is Photoscape.

Dave

cendoubleu · #6 (**permalink**) 14-07-2011, 08:59 AM

I did try Raw Therapee but found it very slow compared with RawStudio. Interesting Tringa, your take on the difficulty of using Gimp. I am just the opposite as I started with Gimp and find it very difficult to use Photoshop or one of the other Windows graphics progs. I guess its just what you get used to. I must say, that looking at examples in say magazines, when a technique is being demonstrated, that the look of Photoshop and the others do look good and less 'clunky' than Gimp.

Tringa · #7 (**permalink**) 15-07-2011, 09:28 AM

TBH Cendou some of my difficulty with GIMP is down to me. Most of the time I find I can do all I want with Photoscape and so don't use GIMP as much as I should.

I have not used Photoshop, but I have seen a few comments about GIMP being a bit awkward compared to Photoshop. However, as GIMP appears to all that Photoshop can do and is free it is well worth the effort.

Dave

Jim Ford · #8 (**permalink**) 24-07-2011, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tringa

I have not used Photoshop, but I have seen a few comments about GIMP being a bit awkward compared to Photoshop. However, as GIMP appears to all that Photoshop can do and is free it is well worth the effort.

Here's a 'hack' of Gimp to give the 'look and feel' of Photoshop. I've not used it myself:

GIMPshop.com - A GIMP hack by Scott Moschella

Jim

DorsetDunk · #9 (**permalink**) 24-07-2011, 03:46 PM

I found Gimp very awkward and a bit of let down after starting out with photoshop7 and could never achieve the same results as i did in the latter
I use canons DPP that came with my 40D and from threads i have read elsewhere it on par with pshop for basic editing and cloning so i use that for my main work flow
I have tried out every free ware photo editor available the two that i was most impressed by are:

Helicon Filter 4.93 free edition

supports raw , very advanced editing techniques cloning but no layers a excellent help panel to explain the work flow so still suitable for the novice I really like the option that shows where a particular filter such as sharpening has been applied and its intensity ,raw processing is a little slow but may be down to my system

Paint.NET

very user friendly basic clone of gimp/photoshop no raw support but does feature layers and curves, cloning and magic wand etc
a good help and support forum with downloadable plug-ins
well worth a look if you find Gimp too overwhelming and you wish to experiment with layers
there are number of these cut down clones out there but Paint.NET stands head and shoulders above the rest imo
l