Editing Software

[photographydame]

As a beginner, what photo editing software would you suggest? Right now I am using the "free" Picasa. I'm just playing around with editing from automatic mode. I am not even close to working RAW/manual.

Since many of you are far advanced in photography, what software did you begin with and move up to and are currently using?

Thanks for your help.

pd

 

[hankejp]

If your looking for free, try Gimp. Google it online. A lot of people use CS3/CS4 and photoshop.

I personally use Photoshop 7. I'm still learning how to use it.

 

[Samanax]

I used GIMP a few years ago but it's not the easiest program to learn.

When I got my Canon XTi I just used the editing software that came with the camera (Digital Photo Professional & ZoomBrowser EX). It works okay but eventually I felt like I needed something with a little more power to do the kind of edits I wasn't able to do with DPP and ZBEX.

I'm currently using Photoshop Elements 6 to do all my photo editing, but I do have Photoshop CS3 which I don't use at all right now. I figure I'll keep using PSE 6 for a few more months and then start to use CS3 and Lightroom 2 (plan to get it soon).

How much were you looking to spend?

Interesting avatar...first time I've seen the flash come out of the lens.

 

[usayit]

Are we talking raw/workflow applications like Aperture and Lightroom or true editing software like photoshop?

GIMP is free and a very good option. Photoshop Elements will cover 90% of everything most people will need at a wonderful price.

I haven't touched my photoshop CS in a while now and have long migrated to Lightroom.

 

[EhJsNe]

I use picasa with decent results, I tried GIMP, didnt understand it at ALL, im sure if I played with it for longer than 10 minutes i could have found out something more than when i click the oval, i can make one on the picture!

Photoshop is a good option, I personaly havent tried using it, but I hear its a simple to use program and its rather cheap!

 

[dxqcanada]

GIMP is open source, so it is free for all users.
It is available for Linux, MAC-OS, and Windows.
For those that want something similar to Photoshop syntax ... then I suggest GIMPShop.

Photoshop CS4 is the current king of photo editing ... and comes with a hefty pricetag.

Photoshop Elements is not bad.

 

[AlexColeman]

CS4 and LR. DXO for adjustments.

 

[crickett16]

I use Paint Shop Pro X2. So far I haven't found anything that I needed that I can't do with it. I have heard good things about the HDR photo merge process that it offers but I haven't tried it out yet...soon though.

I keep looking for an excuse to upgrade to CS4 but I haven't found one yet enough to justify the price.