Photo editing software

I'm currently using an old version of Paint Shop Pro for general photo and graphics work. I like it mainly because I'm used to it!

But, I have been tempted by Photoshop Elements CS - I'm going to try out the demo later to see what its like.

Any opinions or advice on graphics editing software? - The types of things I'm looking for are;

- Layers, mixture of vector and bitmap, and the abilty to 'mix' layers
- Good selection tools (feathering etc)
- Good colour mixer, so you can click on a colour and get its HTML code for example
- Ability to add text as vector layer
- Effects, distortion, noise removal, sharpen etc.
- Colour adjustment, RGB, Hue, Saturation, Brightness, Contrast, Gamma

Well... Now that I look at the list PSP gives me all of this already... But Photoshop Elements is what everyone is talking about. And it's got red-eye removal and a nice photo-organiser built in. I just want to make sure I'm not missing out on anything!

P.S. And I'm talking WinXP here before someone recommends Gimp.... (You know who you are.... :lol: )

P.S. And I'm talking WinXP here before someone recommends Gimp.... (You know who you are.... :lol: )

I use gimp on XP

Cheers,
~Al

Hmm..... I just looked at the Gimp website. Looks nice.

The last time I looked at it a few years ago I have memories of being stranded with a totally unfamiliar interface and not having a clue how to do anything.

But, I think I'll try it out later .... I'll compare it to Photoshop Elements and let you know my conclusions!

Photoshop Elements is a massively cut-down version of PS CS. It comes free in many magazines. I received a copy with my Canon EOS300D. Not impressed.

Have you thought of upgrading to PSP9? I have that and I think it is as good as PS CS. Lots of new functions. It's an ovbious attempt to copy PS CS.

I thought of getting Photoshop but the price put me off so I upgraded my PSP5 to PSP9.

I'm currently using PSP 6.02. I never bothered to upgrade as I read some negative reviews about the performance of subsequent versions. Don't know what it's like now though. I just stuck with the version I knew.

I downloaded GIMP to give it a go. Here's my initial reaction;

- Interface much improved over last time I tried it. Far more intuitive
- Tons of plug-ins and scripts, loads of really nice effects
- Very nice colour mixer
- Loads of brush shapes/sizes and types
- Good text features
- Good layer management
- Cropping/resizing feature v. nice!

And now the things I'm not liking;

- Thumbnails - This is the big thing that's putting me off. I want to just select a directory and get a thumbnail view of all the pics in that directory.
- The whole 'image management' side of things is not there. Moving, grouping, deleting images from the UI would be nice.
- MDI interface - I would much prefer a full-screen app. Seeing my desktop clutter in the background, and having to manage/move/resize all the GIMP windows gets a bit irritating. Individual preference.
- No 'preview' option for some effects and filters etc. You have to make your adjustments blind, and then click 'ok' to see if you get what you wanted.
- Can't find obvious things like 'red-eye removal'. Okay, I know the 'experts' use other methods for this, but it should be there as a menu option for completeness.
- Why have the GTK install separate? - A lot of people won't understand this. Just bundle it in with the main install and let it happen transparently.