Photo editors

[DeLeon]

I notice alot of PS users here....just wondering if anyone has used the GIMP.
I use it and PS Elements, I get the same results from both, the only difference3 is that I paid 69.00 for the student version os PS and the GIMP is a free open source program here is a link to download.com
http://www.download.com/The-GIMP/300...ml?tag=lst-0-1

[srwatters]

I use Suse Linux 9.2 on my workstation at the office and have used GIMP with a raw converter (I shoot Nikon NEF). I can't get the same results that I can from PSE3 or Nikon Capture 4. Probably because I don't really know how to use it all that well and don't need to learn yet another program. I've also had some problems writing tif files on occasion. For basic crop, resize, and file conversion it works great and I don't have to reboot into (yuk) Windows, but for real image work, I'm staying with PS.

[Jim]

I use Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop, and I'm not changing! :lol: :lol:

[Steelsun]

I have the "free" version of PS Elements that came with the 20D, but have not tried it, mostly because I still use an older version of PS 7.

I tried GIMP once a few years back when it first ported to PC, but did not care for it (mostly because I was already used to PS).

[Hogleg 44]

Yea, I tried it too once, Years ago, When the Windows version was brand new, (It was originally a Unix program)
I wasn't too impressed and pretty much forgot about it.
Apparently the serious photo-folks don't do much with it because you rarely see any mention of it in the forums.
PSCS seems to be #1, with Elements 3 and PaintShop Pro following.

[kevinb]

What features are commonly used in PSCS that aren't available in Elements 3.0?

[jeffkohn]

Originally Posted by kevinb

What features are commonly used in PSCS that aren't available in Elements 3.0?

The big one is Curves. Camera RAW also has some additionaly functionality in PS. I'm not sure what else is different because I haven't looked all that closely at Elements but I believe 16-bit editing capabilities are somewhat reduced.

[Hogleg 44]

Originally Posted by kevinb

What features are commonly used in PSCS that aren't available in Elements 3.0?

Also, I'm not sure that all plug-in's for PS will work in Elements. Plug-in's can add a lot of functionality to the program.

[srwatters]

My biggest complaints about PSE3 is no actions support and very little controls in 16 bit. No healing brush, clone stamp, etc. while in 16 bit. It's ok for minimal editing, but anything serious or using actions is a no go. If you're serious enough to use a DSLR, get PSCS. I'm buying it for my new iMac 20" that got ordered today!!! woo hoo!

[Abel]

wow i did not know that..

then PSCS is the only way to go...

[JamesB]

I use Ulead Photo Impact XL. Its almost as good as Photoshop at fraction of the cost. I use photo shop when i am trying to do something photo impact cant do, so thats like 2 or 3 times a year

James

[kevinb]

I have Elements 3.0 and curves was a free plug-in, but I wanted more capability in 16 bit mode.
Adobe had an offer of $350 off the full price of PSCS that was included with a Wacom tablet I recently purchased. PSCS is now on order for a total of $330.11 including tax and shipping. The offer expires on 2-28-05.
Now the long learning process begins to try and master the power of PSCS.

[swanny338]

i use PSCS and Breezebrowser pro to go thru all my images when I get home. get nice big thumbnails that are easy to look at in bulk

[MitchYoung]

I have used gimp...... the windows and linix version....


gimp is "exactly like photoshop" except that it leaves out some of the MOST IMPORTANT elements.... in MY opinion, the newest gimp.. is equivilent to .. say... photoshop 5 ? (ps cs is 8)

just my opinion though... some people absolutely swear by it. but i will never give up PS :)

i like the tools too much

[AustinModelsAndTalent]

I use a variety of programs depending on what I'm doing. Have tried GIMP and didn't like it. For most things I use PaintShopPro. It's quick and simple and does the job. Ulead Photo Impact has some nice filters and tools in it that I use from time to time - but maybe only 2 or 3 percent of the time with 80% being PSP. I use PhotoshopCS only when I need to use a specific plug-in (Knockout, for instance), or to "save for web." Recently acquired BreezeBrowser and use it for HTML gallery creation only.