Canon editing software

[ChrisJB]

I've had my Canon 450D for a couple of years now, but have never installed the editing software that came with it. Is it any good? I'm not after anything fancy, just to sharpen and re-size images and have access to a lasso-type tool. Does it perform these basic tasks or do I need to spend a bit of cash on something like Photoshop Elements 10?
One other question, I am buying a new laptop this week with Windows 7 on it and the Canon software disc only mentions Windows Vista, XP SP2 and 2000 SP4. Does this mean I won't be able to install it on my new laptop?

Thanks, Chris

[Jim Ford]

Try 'Faststone', it may suit your needs. It's also free!

FastStone Image Viewer - Powerful and Intuitive Photo Viewer, Editor and Batch Converter

Jim

[loripo]

I have Canon ZoombrowserEx version 6.8.0.10 and this is the photo editing screen...


Not wildly exciting, just basic. If you have a version on CD they say to istall and then you can get free update for the latest version.

(I use mine to convert MOV video to AVI go that I can use Windows movie maker.)

[Geoff F]

A couple of points, Chris.

Which of the Canon editing programmes do you have? DPP for instance works reasonably well for basic editing or Raw conversion.

But it doesn't do anything remotely complicated including any form of selection or working with layers and masks etc. Which, for me, are essential.

Let's put it this way. When I recently purchased a 7D the only Canon editing software which I uploaded was their EOS Utility for direct downloads between camera and computer.

What you want will certainly be found with Elements 10 and if you search around you should be able to get a good deal now. Alternatively you could try the free Gimp or a number of other programmes.

Serif Photo Plus older software like versions 12 or 13, for example, should be available at a good price.

With regard to Windows 7. This is probably a bit uncertain and I can't give any personal advice. Many older programmes don't work on 7 although there are often updates available if you contact the software provider.

Apparently, Windows 7 Pro is backwards compliant but not the home version.

[tom w w]

I have windows 7 pro. DPP works fine with it.

I use DPP mainly for first sort to delete the rubbish. It can crop and sharpen and a bit more. But no layers or selective working.

So I use photoshop most of the time. PS5 is over the top for working on photos, but I have it for work and it will do whatever you want.

[bigdave60dog]

I have the version of Photoshop that came with a Cannon 480 ages ago. It is a bit basic but OK. I also have Zoombrowser which is about the same.
I did download Paintshop Pro 12 as it was on free trail for a few weeks. That was spectacular. I could have bought it for around 50 quid but my RAM memory was a bit small to support it. Likewise with the new Kodak stuff. Be warned. Paintshop Pro took a lot pf my files with it when I uninstalled it.
I have just downloaded the Fastone as suggested. That looks to be better than either Photoshop starter of Zoombrowser. I still have to give it a real run though.
When I pluck up courage to fit some more RAM. I will be going for Paintshop Pro despite it stealing some of my best shots. It leads into a totally new dimension in photography. Once you have tried something like it you will convince yourself that you can`t manage any more without it.
Dave

[Tringa]

Have a look at Photoscape and GIMP. Both are free and in their own, very different ways, are very good.

Dave

[ChrisJB]

Thanks folks for your feedback. I might have a dabble with some of your free suggestions first, they look quite good. If they don't offer what I want, then I might splash out on PS Elements 10.

Chris