Photoshop Plug-ins??

[neonmike]

What do you all think are the best plug-ins for Photoshop? I know they come in many shapes and forms, so break it down.

What are the most worthy editing plug-ins and what are the most worthy plug-ins for extras?

I came across a site called the Digital Photography Connection. They sell "action set" that seem to do some really amazing things. Has anyone got any experience with these. Anyone know if they are worth the money?

[jerryph]

Actions give you nothing that you cannot do yourself, this is just easy money for the people selling them. For these, I say, don't get lazy, learn and understand PSing in the ways that these actions do, and get the same results, if not better, for free.

Plug-ins that do things that cannot be done,like Imagenomic's noiseware pro is another thing. This is one of the best noise removal programs on the market.

As far as breaking it down for you, we'd need to write several books to do this. Best thing to do is google and look for reviews. Every user has different needs and therefore different plug-ins that they could take advantage of.

[neonmike]

Thanks Jerry. I didn't mean break it down as in a detailed explaination about each thing. LOL I just figured it'd be easier to classify plug-ins by edititng expansions and actions.

I think you're probably right about actions too. I was looking further at the sets and I realized that all they are, are saved actions someone else already made. So it'd be just as easy for me to create them myself. That way I can tailer them to my preferences.

What other helpful plug-ins are there? I hear a lot about Lightroom but I also here a lot of people talk say it's not needed.

[coffee]

Actions give you nothing that you cannot do yourself, this is just easy money for the people selling them. For these, I say, don't get lazy, learn and understand PSing in the ways that these actions do, and get the same results, if not better, for free.

Plug-ins that do things that cannot be done,like Imagenomic's noiseware pro is another thing. This is one of the best noise removal programs on the market.

As far as breaking it down for you, we'd need to write several books to do this. Best thing to do is google and look for reviews. Every user has different needs and therefore different plug-ins that they could take advantage of.

Don't meen to highjack the thread, but had a question for Jerry while we are talking about plug-ins. I'm in the process of testing noise programs. I have Neat Image but not happy with it. Not user friendly as far as I'm concered.

Do you have a profile for Imagenomic's noiseware pro that I can use as a quick way to compare noise programs? Or maybe you can tell me what preset in INP can be considered a good overall preset. Maybe you can PM me so I don't take anymore focus away. Thank You :)

[neonmike]

No worries Joesph. I'm in the market for the same kind of info. I figured other people must be wondering what's out there too.