Help...which editing program is best for me?

[ranthony]

OK--I know very little about Photoshop or any of the others.

My DH asked if I want Elements 7 for Christmas (I have no other editing software).

I mainly want to edit family pics and maybe try out HDR a bit. I don't really have the time know to spend hours learning a program.

Any suggestions on what is best for me?

TIA

 

[MICKEY88]

paint shop pro is another great editing program, it has an easier learning curve than photoshop does...

a lot of cool things are built in as one click actions...yet as you learn the program you can choose to do these things manually and have a little more control over it..

 

[Chikabowa]

I personally think that Elements is the best program for the amount of money you spend on it. It's quite powerful.
And you can get lots of actions for Elements just like for the full photoshop. Some are free, some are pay-for, but all in all, there is a lot of stuff out there.

 

[MICKEY88]

I personally think that Elements is the best program for the amount of money you spend on it. It's quite powerful.
And you can get lots of actions for Elements just like for the full photoshop. Some are free, some are pay-for, but all in all, there is a lot of stuff out there.

Elements and PAint shop pro are fairly equal with PSP actually being more powerful from what I've read.... I can do anything with PSP that I've seen done with elements or with cs4 for that matter when it comes to photo editing.. cs4 has the edge in graphics.., PSP is cheaper ( 80 dollars as opposed to 130) and has an easier learning curve..

 

[michellem1118]

If you've never used any editing software, either Elements or Paint Shop Pro should be just fine, and both will provide you with all of the tools you need. The learning curve on both programs is quite similar, if you've never used any other product in either family. The recommendation often comes down to personal preference (I prefer Photoshop Elements), but both are good programs. I believe Elements is a bit cheaper, but both can be had for under $100.

 

[MICKEY88]

I'm fairly sure that paint shop pro and photoshop elements, can be downloaded , and tried for 30 days for free

I forgot to mention if you try psp go with the ultimate

 

[YesDear]

I use CS3. My wife uses Photoshop elements and I have a free version of Paintshop Pro that came with something.

I prefer the CS3 or Elements personally, but a caveat that I learned Photoshop first. I just find Photoshop more intuitive to me.

I was very impressed with Elements and what it could do. I think for many photographers it would do 95% of what you want it to do.

I will also say we both use the mac versions of the software.

 

[ranthony]

DH just left the house to do the shopping (nothing like waiting until the last minute! ) He'll be looking for Elements 7.