Bout a new Mac, what editing program should I get??

[mitchell1383]

I was raised on PCs and we just bought a MAC...So I am having to learn how to use a computer all over again :) I have Paint Shop Pro Corel on my PC that I bought like 6 years ago :) So now it is time to upgrade. I really want to get a new program for the MAC, any suggestions? I also would like to avoid paying an arm and a leg ;) Thanks!

[hue-e]

CS5... and apparently Lightroom (cause everyone seems to be using it these days.

[texxter]

The top choices are Aperture, Lightroom or Photoshop, depending on your style and volume. Photoshop gives you the most versatility, but Aperture and Lightroom give you the most return on editing time.

[dmarty78]

Originally Posted by hue-e

CS5... and apparently Lightroom (cause everyone seems to be using it these days.

What he said.

[tukaniray]

Aperture and Lightroom for Color Adjustments. If you need something to manipulate photos ... Photoshop is the top choice for most of us.

-Ray-

[Tom]

I do all my editing in Photomatix Pro.

[hue-e]

keep in mind that you can do the same thing in Photoshop, as you can in Lightroom, just might take a little longer in some cases.

but if you are only buy one single piece of software, I'd personally go for Photoshop before anything else.

and don't worry, you can still open your RAW files if you download the free Camera RAW plug from Adobe.

[Some Idiot]

Originally Posted by hue-e

keep in mind that you can do the same thing in Photoshop, as you can in Lightroom, just might take a little longer in some cases.

but if you are only buy one single piece of software, I'd personally go for Photoshop before anything else.

and don't worry, you can still open your RAW files if you download the free Camera RAW plug from Adobe.

X2, if I had to pick one, Photoshop all the way

[texkam]

+1 to ^, but $$$$$

I also would like to avoid paying an arm and a leg

Then go to Google and type in "free image editors for macs"
and "web based image editors"

GIMP on OS X
GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program

[hue-e]

you can always download gimp for free... GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program

edit: oops, didnt see that last post.

[srwatters]

For me, Photoshop has been an excellent investment. Then again I hand retouch every final image that I deliver. Although Lightroom and Aperture are very useful programs for other types of work, they are fairly useless to me. Of course YMMV...

[mitchell1383]

Thanks for all the recommendations! I mostly do childrens photography in my home, and some outdoors photography with families. I don't do a whole lot of editing on the photos, maybe add an overlay layer, soften the skin, change the background...Nothing too fancy :) I'll look more into the photoshop and lightroom...

[texkam]

Seashore

http://seashore.sourceforge.net/comparison.pdf

[picman]

Also depends on your budget - - Photoshop Elements is about $80.

Trial versions of Lightroom, CS5 and Elements are available on the Adobe site - give them a shot a see what works for you.