Best Editing Software:)

[photography24716]

So what is in your opinion the best editing software? Price? Why? Thanks just need ideas

 

[480sparky]

I like free stuff, like Gimp.

 

[photography24716]

Can you change a color image to b/w? Exposure?

 

[iresq]

Best for who? The standard is PS5. PE is excellent at a much lower price point. Pacasa is free and easy, but limited. Gimp is free and not so easy. You can try PE and PS for free for 30 days. There is also Lightroom that is popular (also by Adobe) but I don't know anything it.

Are you looking for software to make B&W? Not sure what you mean by exposure. Do you shoot raw?

 

[photography24716]

Exposure like as in brightness. Umm I do want black and white and sepia. And what does raw mean?

 

[fjrabon]

Picassa will do everything you've mentioned and is free and easy to understand. I'd start there. Photoshop is the professional standard, but is expensive (though photoshop elements, a stripped down version of photoshop, which is probably all you'd ever need, is $80)

 

[dxqcanada]

There is info about RAW here: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...rum-photo-gallery/123160-tutorial-thread.html

 

[skieur]

No such thing as best editing software. Different software is best for different kinds of editing. Photoshop is excellent for very detailed work but it can be time consuming and not always necessary for the final use of the image. Paintshop Pro X4 is great for fast work to do more major enhancements. Plug-ins incorporate multiple adjustments into one mouse click.

To use examples. If I was doing a book cover or a large poster I would probably use Photoshop. If I was doing images for projection or small size prints for folders, I would probably use Paintshop Pro X4. I would consider using plug-in software filters for scenics.

skieur

 

[Buckster]

"Best" is subjective, but to me, that means the top of the line in capability. That said, the best, IMHO, is Photoshop CS5 Extended, hands down, followed closely by Photoshop CS5 (non-extended version).

It's the most expensive of the editing softwares out there, but it will do anything and everything that is possible in image editing today, which is why it IS the industry standard. It can be used for quick adjustments or conversions, or it can be used for very detailed work - that's up to the user.

 

[KmH]

The industry professional standard is Adobe Photoshop CS5 ($699 retail MSRP). Adobe makes 2 professional versions. The Extended version ($999 retail MSRP) has 3D and scientific features and functions lacking in the regular version.

Those who qualify for and opt to get the Student Edition of Photoshop CS5 get the Extended version ($199 retail, 80% off the regular retail price). Adobe does not offer a Student Edition of the regular professional version.

 

[Garbz]

Can you change a color image to b/w? Exposure?

GIMP is probably one of the best free programs around, and actually beats quite a few non-free programs as well. The question is not if you can change an image to black and white, it's HOW do you want to change an image to black and white. All the tools are there including a desaturate command that gives you the choice of what type of conversion you want, a channel mixer to mix and match how much of the red green and blue contributes to the final image, and a curves tool to manipulate the resulting tone. Same with exposure. It's a question of how you want to adjust the brightness, not can it.


It sounds like you're new at this. I would suggest ignore all this talk about RAW for now and either throw yourself headfirst into the deep end with a powerful program like GIMP, or spend a few dollars for something very userfriendly and yet highly photography specific like Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Lightroom.


The best program by a long shot is Adobe Photoshop CS5 which is more powerful than GIMP, has far more features, and has a cost that puts even students with their heavy discounts down below the poverty line.

 

[480sparky]

No such thing as best editing software. ...........

Exactly. If there was a 'best' editor, it would be the only one on the market. Same for a 'best' camera, 'best' lens, 'best' tripod, 'best' filter............

 

[cyngus]

theres only so many choices =)

i like lightroom and PS .. good combo very intuitive..