Summary: Moving Up in Digital Imaging Software
Comment: When I was younger and had more time on my hands I was a very serious amateur complete with his own film darkroom (you remember those, don't you.) The advent of the digital camera and imaging software has actually allowed me to get back into the "digital darkroom" at a lot less expense and time commitment, and with a quantum leap (maybe even two or three leaps) in creativity opportunities. Also, I have a technical background and am very comfortable with software. My first experience has been with software that came with my digital camera, namely Photo Impressions 4, and with my computer, namely Dell Imager. I found both of these to be really good and user friendly for a beginner. These programs got me hooked on digital imaging. Once hooked, I wanted to move on to software with more capability, but didn't want to go the full Pro route. After researching the subject, I decided to download free trials of Adobe Photo Shop Elements 2 and Jasc Paint Shop Pro 8. I made the assumption, well supported by other reviews, that either program would have more than enough capability for my needs. I focused on user friendliness, ease of learning, and how likely I would remember how to use the software after a period of a month or so of not using it (probably typical for most beginners/amateurs). This last point is important, because it could become a barrier to continued use. Without going into all the gory details (see the other reviews - they make excellent points on technical details), here's how I reacted. After using the Adobe product for a few hours, I decided that it isn't particularly user friendly and would take quite a bit of effort on my part to learn how to use it with confidence. Also, I was convinced that after a month or so of non-use, I would have to retrain. I decided not to purchase the Adobe product. After using the Jasc product for about 15 minutes, I got hooked. It's user friendly, intuitive, fairly easy to learn, and I am sure that I'll be able to get back up-to-speed quickly after a few months of not using it. This is a no-brainer, I'm going to purchase Paint Shop Pro 8.
Customer Rating:
Summary: OwnZ! This thing Rocks!
Comment: This program is excellent, it could be used to fix up fix up old photo's, and great for web design. I love this program. It contains a better interface and almost the same possibilities as photoshop. Get a demo at adobe.com if your unsure. Its very good, the online photoshop tutorials all work great with Elements. Elements was originally based off Photoshop, this is like Photoshop LE pretty much...
Customer Rating:
Summary: Photoshop Elements is a really useful tool!
Comment: I don't really use Photoshop Elements for that many photos...though when I do use it for photos, it's really fun. I replaced the background of a photo of my parents, transporting them to a different setting- much like how one reviewer said he'd like to place Neil Armstrong on Mars. Another time I airbrushed the blemishes off a friend's portrait- he had a breakout, so Photoshop helped him look much better. I think if you want to be creative with your photos, you should definetely look into getting this program.
I mostly use Photoshop to color art I've done. I've since moved on to 7.0, but I experienced most of my self-imposed "training" on Elements. It's simpler and more user-friendly than 7.0, so I think it gives you more brain power to think about your work rather than thinking about how to use the program. In one particularly complex coloring job, I was juggling about twenty five different layers, almost all of them set on different modes and transparencies. Yeah, Elements is pretty cool. It handled the thing without a glitch (the file was HUGE when I was working on it, since layers take up a lot space; I was scared that I didn't have enough memory). Great for someone just starting out, and also great for someone who isn't.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Does the job for a lot less!
Comment: I had used a friend's Adobe Photoshop 6.0 and was contemplating the purchase of the newer 7.0 when I spotted an ad for this version for amateurs. At one sixth the price it was sure worth a try. All I can say is that I got more than my money's worth. This simpler version has everything the non professional would want and more.
It is easy to install and uses less computer space than its big brother.
Helps to easily import photos from cameras, CDs or scanners.
It has all the simple fix-its you might need- such as auto enhancers, red eye reduction,ability to crop, straighten, focus, fade,blur, change the background, layer, create panaramas etc.
Easily compresses photos and attaches photos to emails or helps create web galleries using templates and even animations for your web site.
Creates dozens of special effects.
Prints multiple photos on one page to save photo paper.
My only complaint might be that there is too much that you can do and it gets daunting at times. It is however far simpler and user friendly than the professional versions.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A Lot To Learn
Comment: Wow. After using the software that came with my Canon A70 this is a quantum leap in sophistication
I'm not a computer geek but pretty familiar with various pieces of software. To say that this is going to take me a while to learn is an understatement.
On the other hand, once mastered, this is going to make me very productive.
I do have one major gripe....why isn't this program compatable with AOL? (Hey, Adobe, you have heard of AOL?) For crying out loud, there's no way to register the software online or access the tutorials if you're an AOL user!!! Pretty lousy support from Adobe.
As mentioned, I'm pretty new to this particular software but it seems that everything is there if you're willing to invest your time and effort to extract it.
I hope to post a follow up review in a few months.
Meanwhile, if Adobe is listening....what were you people thinking (or not thinking) by making online registration impossible for a large number of your customers? Dolts!
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