Alternatives to Photoshop

[kimapali]

I know that Photoshop is the gold standard, but is there less expensive and acceptable photo-editing software that you recommend? I don't think I'm ready for Photoshop yet!

[gjtoth]

I know that Photoshop is the gold standard, but is there less expensive and acceptable photo-editing software that you recommend? I don't think I'm ready for Photoshop yet!

Kim, there are a LOT of 'em. Freebies include Gimp and Picasa - Picasa is excellent for a quick and easy one. Gimp, while not being QUITE as all-encompassing as Photoshop, is really excellent and will handle almost anything you can throw at it.

[arrowind]

Kim
Check out Corel Photo Shop Pro X2. It is much less expensive and will do just about everything Photoshop will do. Only cost about a hundred.
I have used it for quite a while. I did have Photoshop and went back to Corel. Check it out. I think there is a trial version on the web. Kenny

[Snappers]

I have photoshop but I also use Gimp which is very good once you get used to it and I have used Picasa.

[daltoned]

I use Elements 5, a slim down version of Photoshop, has many of the PS features but costs much less.

[coffee]

I have Elements too. There is a lot to Elements too, but the nice thing is that in Elements there is an area that has quick fixes. Where just the basic editing features are present and very easy to understand. The when you are ready, you can move up to Elements full feature editing. Element 6.0 is the latest version I think. I have 5.0. But for a littl over $100.00, you can use the quick area first, and have the full editing features when you are ready. Keeps from realizing you want something more later and starting over with something new.

[dkippen]

Kim -

I would download the free ones to see what works for you, and as you get more comfortable, then decide if you want something that has more features or tools you can't live without.

As you can see, we all use different software. For myself, I use Photoshop as that's what I'm used to. In the end, we all get similar results - great pictures.

[jonrayner]

Hi Kim

I use photoshop elements 6, retailing about £50-60, but with a search on ebay, managed to get a genuine copy for £25. I think it has everything that I would need at present.

Jon

[dallasm]

I have been using Adobes Lightroom, a very easy program to use. You can download a 30 day trial from Adobe.com. It is also a good program for converting RAW files if you shoot in RAW.

[chris.e.fry]

Recently I decided to give 3 newer, lower priced image editing programs a try. They were Aperture, NX2, and Photoshop Elements 6. Of the three, I felt that PE6 was by far the winner.