Recommended Photo Editing Software

I recently replaced my old 35 for digital (Nikon D50) and am now looking for a mid range editing software package ($100-$150). I plan on using the RAW format for scenic shots and Jpeg for my model railroading. I had a quick look at the Adobe and Microsoft packages but as this is new to me any suggestions or opinions with pros/cons would be appreciated.

Regards

Fergie

 

I used Paint Shop Pro 8 from Jasc (which is now Corel, I think?) I used it for editing photos and graphic design for websites. It was very user freindly. Corel now had Paint Shop Pro 10 out.

 

Don't forget about Gimp. It's freeware, and very comparable in features to photoshop!

http://www.gimp.org/

 

I use Corel's Paint Shop Pro. It's listed at $119, but they run sales on it from time to time for $89.

I use it to edit all the photo's of the JJJ&E.


Stay cool and run steam.......

 

I use either Canon's DPP or C1 then do any other cleanup in PSE 4.0. I think i get some good results. I have a new piece of glass to try out this weekend so we shal see how my new MAC handles the picures.
Steve

 

Many cameras come with Adobe PhotoShop Elements, which has most of the capabilities of PhotoShop, but with functions grouped for photos, not just any graphic image.

Since I have a Mac with OS X, I also have iPhoto, which is good for basic edits, resizing , and clean-up.

Andrew

 

I don't have a recommendation for software. I use Adobe Photoshop C2 because my work is in this area.

I do have a question about shooting Raw without a really competent software package. I used to shoot Raw with the D100, because it was reddish and sometimes muddy. But since the introduction of the D70, I've found the Nikon's in-camera processing of JPG's to be exquisitely accurate. The D50 uses the same in-camera processing. Unless I'm under some strange lighting conditions, I now shoot JPG exclusively. For most scenes (not all), the in-camera processing is superior to what I can achieve manipulating Raw in the full Photoshop.

Beyond those considerations, the most important feature in a package is the ability to save to a loss-less format. Since JPGs are compressed and decompressed every time they are opened, you'll eventually lose some quality. Or so the axiom goes--I've never really seen it or tested it. So the abiulity to save in something other than JPG is important. I save in Photoshop (psd) or tiff anything I'm really pleased with.

 

My wife, a canvas and photographic artist, has found Photoshop Elements to be an excellent system for the non-professional photographer. The supplied user's manual can be confusing and difficult to follow. However, Mikkel Aaland has written, and kept current, an interactive instruction book, Photoshop Elements 4 Solutions - The Art Of Digital Photography, published by SYBEX. Aaland's book is well written and easily followed, especially with the included interactive CD. Even I, an obsessive retired electronics engineer, can follow it.

Amazon.com lists the Version 4 software package for ~$75, and Aaland's Version 4 book for ~$18.

 

I use several and in combination as needed

I use those that came with the Cameara, Scanner, and those already installed on the PC. They all have their pros/cons so I use the features of each as needed so pick those that work best for you.

:lightbulb: :lightbulb: :lightbulb: :lightbulb:
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My choice has been Paint Shop Pro 9. It has served my needs for an electronic darkroom and much more. I find the cost reasonable.

 

I use Corel Paint Shop Pro X. The price was right at less than $100. For me, the learning curve was high since I am rather dense and it was the first and only editing program I have used. Over several months, I have become more adept at it.

 

Nikon member exposed! (all pun intended)

Okay I've stayed out of this forum because I work for Nikon and barely have enough time to check in once and awhile. I know the slew of questions will come with that knowledge!

In any event, first let me thank you for purchasing a D50. It is a remarkable camera for the money (trying to avoid commerical promotion here).

For RAW processing, nothing beats Nikon Capture 4 and nothing will beat Capture NX which is about to release.

I happen to be launching Nikon Capture NX this month, a new image editing software and it will be available as a trial version shortly. it sells for between 149.95-174.95 and will change how people work with images. It's design is visually intuitive and can make difficult corrections easy. It does NOT do things like composite images or cut and paste from one image to another. No cloning, but for actual photographic work-it is incredible. We are almost out of final testing and I expect it to release very shortly.

For the record, I am the Sr. Manager, Software & Hardware Applications and responsible for the marketing and development of the software. I work for Nikon Inc. in the U.S. and can address U.S. market questions only and general Nikon gear questions. For more information on Capure NX, please visit www.capturenx.com and www.nikondigital.com for all other products.

Thanks and best regards,

Michael Rubin

 

Michael,

A Nikon employee and a train nut???!!!! Oh baby, let me have your home phone number! I've been shooting Nikon digital since the days of the Coolpix 950 (still have that baby and still use it). Now I'm shooting a D70 - bought it when it first came out.

I've heard abut NX and the concept of editing photos will change forever. No need to have a PhD in Photoshop. BTW, will there be a special price break for Capture 4 owners? What about a 30 day trial thingy like Capture 4?

 

There will be a very special, limited time upgrade for Capture 4 US Owners of $89.95. It will be available only on NikonMall.com. As far as a 30 day trial-absolutely.

I'll message you privately with my work contact details and home # if you like LOL. Just don't call after 11PM-our baby is 11 months old!

By the way, the 950 was my baby (prior to the current baby of course!!) and really launched us in digital. I joined Nikon in late 1997 to launch the Coolpix 900 and Super Coolscan 2000. It's been an amazing run and I was also involved with the D1 until 4 months before launch. So I've had my finger on the trigger for a while now. Only got back into Model railroad in late 2004.

Michael

 

Michael R,

I'll have to try it again. The last time I installed it, it seemed to substitute itself for parts of Photoshop's Camera Raw. I don't use Raw that often any longer, as I'm usually very pleased with the in-camera processing of the D70.

I'll admit to being prejudiced about Photoshop, as I've used it virtually since the beginning and know it pretty well.

 

OK here's where I sit...

I've had experience with Paint Shop Pro 7 and 8 and don't mind it. The way I read it is the majority of you prefer PSP software. However this new Software package by Nikon sounds awesome! I head for the Arctic for 5 weeks at the end of this month and I need something now and I need a package that provides a disc that can be loaded onto two computers (Home and work)! Government does not allow for pirated copies to be down loaded onto their systems. So Micheal I may be contacting you! If you don't mind of course. BTW I've owned Nikons for some 28 years, started with a FM and a 50-300 Nikkor.

Fergie

 

That was the plug-in for Capture which can easily be removed and allow use of Camera RAW.

I've used every single version of Photoshop since version 2.0 or 2.5 (can't remember).

Best,

Michael

 

Fergie, sounds like you and Marine Research, Dartmouth have one heck of a marketing opportunity for Mike and Nikon. Hope it works out.

 

Feel free to contact me.

Our EULA (End User License Agreement) allows for install on two of "your computers," however only 1 copy can be used at a time and no network access of the software is available except between those two machines. Certainly that is a little open-ended and common practice (home and work machines-just look at the idiots who lost their laptops full of Veteran's personal information!) as long as you didn't leave the government and they owned the license.

The 50-300 is an old venerable performer! And the FM was nearly bullet-proof.

Best,

Michael