Photo Editing Software

[ACE]

OK, I know I've ask this before, but now it's time to buy and I don't want to spent major bucks. :lol:

I'm looking for a good photo editing/graphics software at a reasonable price. Does anyone know about Ulead Photoimpact?

I really enjoy doing the avatars and wallpaper (or at least trying) but I'm trying to keep the cost under a $100.

Anyway, I think you get the point. Any suggestions?

Thanks Allot,
:wave: ACE

 

[pisco]

I think the best bet would be Photoshop Elements. I've seen it as low as $69 from time to time. It is essentialy Photoshop with some of the more pro-level features taken out.

Cheks it out at http://www.adobe.com.

 

[ACE]

Anyone else have any info or recommendations?

Thanks pisco for the input. I appreciate it.

:wave: ACE

 

[no2apprentice]

There are several websites that sell older versions of software at discounts. Sometimes the discounts aren't all that much, sometimes you can get a pretty good deal.

Two of the discount sites I know offhand are:
www.bigclearance.com and www.buycheapsoftware.com.

If you already knew about these, sorry for the redundant info.

The more powerful graphics programs would still probably be more than $100, but you would be getting a better program.

Pisco had a good recommendation with Photoshop Elements. I believe you can download a demo version from that website: it just won't allow you to save your work (I think). I've read good reviews about Elements, that it is a great alternative to the more expensive programs.

Good luck with your shopping and decision.

 

[ACE]

Thanks for the info no2apprentice. Have you ever heard of a program called Photoimpact by Ulead? I've read a couple of good reviews on it but am still kinda leary.

Anyway, thanks again for the info.

:wave: ACE

 

[pisco]

Let me throw a couple of more thoughts in here.

Re. Ulead. I have never used Photoimpact, but based on my experiances with other programs of theirs I would say steer clear. They just don't stand up to products made by software comapnies that target pros (i.e. Adobe).

Also, if you are braver that I am you can get Gimg for free (www.gimp.org). The Gimp is a freeware, open source program that is comparable to Photoshop in most ways. The reason I mention bravery is that it is a freeware app and largely undocumented. Because of this the support is just not going to be as good as if you had purchased from a commercial software vendor.

Lastly, since it doesn't seem like any of us have anything useful to contribute re. Photoimpact have a look at the reviews on Epinions.

Hope all this helps.

 

[no2apprentice]

You may also find some reviews on Photoimpact at www.cnet.com, www.zdnet.com, or www.pcmag.com (you may find similar reviews: PC Magazine is published by ZiffDavis and I think C/NET and ZiffDavis are now connected). Just do a search on Photoimpact.

Of course, with reviews in magazines, you run the risk of getting a biased review because magazines don't want to tick off their leading advertisers. You'll probably get a more unbiased review at a site like epinions.

I'll try to find some of my old PC Magazines and see if I can find any reviews on Photoimpact - if I haven't thrown it out!

 

[no2apprentice]

I must have thrown it out. Oh, well.

So, I did some quick research. This is a link to a review on cnet.com on Photoimpact.

http://www.cnet.com/software/0-4296...tag=st.sh.4773334-311-7425930.dir.productinfo

 

[no2apprentice]

And, here's the link to a review of Adobe Elements on cnet.com.

http://www.cnet.com/software/0-429627-1204-20149968.html?tag=pdtl-rtg

Happy hunting!

 

[ACE]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the help. Now to make a decision.

:wave: ACE

 

[MrPromey]

Originally posted by acellis_99
Thanks guys! I really appreciate the help. Now to make a decision.

:wave: ACE

Well, as someone else pointed out , Gimp is FREE. You might want to start with that one and move on to choice #2 if it doesn't work out for you since it won't cost you anything to give Gimp a go.

 

[NowInc]

Just a side note....there IS gimp documentation Its just not official..you can find it in most national book stores...i forgot the title..but yeah..its all about using Gimp..and its actually REALLY good (from what i saw when fingering thru it one day)


GIMP is a fantastic program..dont let the fact that its free make you think any different....

 

[Tramp]

I use Adobe PhotoDeluxe Business Edition...it came free with my printer. It's a kid's version of Photoshop but I've been able to do most anything I wanted relative to manipulating photos.

I haven't won any of the few contests that I've entered but that is far more the lack of artistic skill than the lack of sophisticated photo editing programs.


Ace...gotta love your avatar...!:wave:



PS:...I also use Gif Construction Set to make animated gifs....thats how I made my avatar...this is another FREE program that u can download from the net.

You can find a lot of free programs at
www.Tucows.com

 

[ACE]

Thanks for the info guys. I think I will try some of the free programs first.

Tramp - Of course, I changed my avatar just before I read your post.:lol:

:wave: ACE