poor mans photo shop

Tinderbox (UK) · May 18, 2015

I only shooting Raw, but you should use jpeg if you need continues shooting, you can use a free program like Instant Jpeg from Raw that extract the preview jpeg from the raw file, for Nikon RAW`s the jpeg is full sized and very nice quality for the file size, other camera brands sometimes use smaller embedded jpeg`s so try one and see.

Instant JPEG from Raw

John.

Braineack · May 18, 2015

free online "LR": Polarr Online Photo Editor 2
free online "PS": Online Photo Editor Pixlr Editor Autodesk Pixlr

Dao · May 18, 2015

For what I need, as a hobby, I'd choose Lightroom over photoshop if cost is a concern. I'd a old version of photoshop and I used it in the past. But after I bought the Lightroom, I seldom need Photoshop. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of stuff that Photoshop can do that Lightroom can't. And they both should work together. In some occasion, I did most of the post in LR and then launched PS from within LR and got additional modification.

As for beginner, I'll recommend Lightroom first for photo post processing.

jaycar85 · May 18, 2015

wow talk about info over load. looks like i will be on the desk top for a couple hours when i get home go n threw all these posts and links. thanks again every one for the info dont think i saw one bad post. cant wait to start contributing to this forum other than asking questions

otherprof · May 18, 2015

jaycar85 said:
all good sugestions like i said this is all new to me so all this helps. i purchased aused d7000 and it did not come with the any software so im out of luck using the software that came with it. and i have a mac so can i still use gimp?

Have you tried iPhoto? It should be in your Mac.

miliardo · May 18, 2015

I'd recommend RawTherapee + Gimp if you need layers...rawtherapee has lens profiles so it should correct distortions created by various lenses

jaycar85 · May 18, 2015

"Have you tried iPhoto? It should be in your Mac"

man i havent tried anything just got the camera sat, and have taken some photos nothing more.

Don Kondra · May 18, 2015

A lot of the software companies offer 30 day free trials periods, I'd suggest you try Adobe Photoshop Elements. It can be had for ~ $70 on sale.

A good free program is FastStone Image Viewer.

Cheers, Don

jaycar85 · May 18, 2015

i guess now that i understand it a little more i retract my original thought of paying for a photo shop program. i wouldent mind paying just one time. thought of a monthly,annually payment would be a no go.

raventepes · May 18, 2015

From all the non-Adobe products, I've been happiest with Corel Paint Shop Pro. Sometimes I actually prefer it to Photoshop. Its downside is that it's slow compared to PS, but otherwise, I can't complain.

Gimp is decent, but I don't care for its layout and functionality. Maybe I've been using Photoshop and Paint Shop too long.

Tinderbox (UK) · May 19, 2015

I have been trying the free "RawTherapee" and i am very impressed and it has lens correction profiles.

RawTherapee Features

John.

MrWrong · May 19, 2015

I have been using Corel AfterShot Pro for my photo editing. It is very similar to Lightroom and it works great for my needs.

NCspotter · May 19, 2015

I have a Nikon as well, and only shoot in RAW. I've installed Nikon's View NX 2 program on my computer, which allows me to convert RAW files to JPEG. View NX 2 allows for a little bit of editing, but I haven't gotten used to it yet. I mostly use Pixlr for my edits, which is pretty powerful for a free program. You'll have to open it in your web browser though...I don't think they have a downloadable version.

chuasam · May 20, 2015

it's only $10 a month. just pony up. It's the price of 2 Cafe Latté at Starbucks. Learn the proper software the first time and you don't have to relearn it in the future.

Microbois · May 20, 2015

chuasam said:
it's only $10 a month. just pony up. It's the price of 2 Cafe Latté at Starbucks. Learn the proper software the first time and you don't have to relearn it in the future.

To each is own.

It's 10$/month now, but how much will it be next year, in 3 years? This is the whole point for a company to move to a monthly payment basis, they can raise the price anytime, just like with the gas you put in your car, and you have no choice but pay as you are hooked up and dependent. It's cheap now so they can get as many people on board as possible, but eventually, price will go up. Oh, and you even drank their Kool-Aid "it's only the price of 2 Cafe Latté at Starbucks"... As far as being the "proper software", let me laugh. There are other alternatives that are just as good and efficient.

The only valid reason I see to go with mainstream software is if you work in the field (meaning you make income from photography), and you collaborate with your clients, or you hire helpers. Then, using the same software every professionals are using is a sound advice. You don't want to be the odd one in the corner. But if this is a hobby, there's no obligation to use what the pros are using. At this point, this is snobism.