What version of photoshop would you use? Photoshop C2 ( the newest version) maybe more than you want, performance and $$. Maybe Photoshop v6 or v7 will be better for you. Then there is Photoshop Elements, version 5 will be released soon and it looks real promising. I am probably going to get that version.

I dont know about pro XI, but a coworker uses and he has some good stuff.

How much are you willing to pay for editing software? Then we can go from there.

Joe

I wrote a diatribe about it on my V for violets thread. Paint Shop Pro is easier to learn, but Photoshop is the best imo. PSP is a little more intuitive, I still had to put a lot of effort in learning how to use it effectively, and got tired of it when I couldn't do some the the neat things the PS people were able to do. Granted I guit upgrading at version 5, don't know what the latest version is like. I know it is a lot cheaper, but the way it was cobbled together with upgrades, vectors (don't have any use for that yet), I grew disenchanted with it. Jasc started it, now I think it's been sold to Corel, not sure who markets it now.

Believe it or not, I still like my little PSP 5 version, was using it right along with PS, but haven't used it for months now. Sometimes I do get stuck and have to pass a file to PSP to tweak something I don't know how to do yet in PS.

I guess you could look at it this way. PSP is cheap enough that you could start with that and save up to buy PS CS2 once you have built up some basic skills, and look for a deal. $650 is pretty steep for a private user if you aren't using it in conjunction with your employment.

I'll tell you...I'm not willing to spend big bucks! I am using the trial version of Paint Shop Pro XI right now and if I decide to keep it, it will bee 99....which seems pretty reasonable when I look at the prices of Photoshop. There are so many versions of it. I was thinking about the Element because it was under 100. So...with that being said, do you know how Paintshop Pro stacks up to Photoshop element?

PSP7 kicked my behind and I finally just gave up and uninstalled it.

I've heard and seen some really great stuff with PS Elements.

I never installed Elements, gave it to my granddaughter so she could get a copy of PS CS2 for $299. I think it's probably ok, just not as fully functional as CS2.

If that version of PSP works on your system (some people had trouble with it, can't remember what that was about), it should do pretty much what you need until you know which direction you want to go. I think for people who are serious about post processing photographs, Photoshop has better filters, features and nice plugins. I love my plugin Velvia Vision which I had to purchase for somewhere around $25.

Since I shoot RAW now and follow more discussions about that, most people in that circle are using CS2, DPP, RSE, some Picasa2 (free, but don't know if it handles RAW files), don't know what else, think the Nikonians have some proprietary software, also some use Bibble. I tried DPP and RSE but prefer CS2. You end up there doing final adjustments anyway if you have it, why not start there (I'm talking for people like me)?

If you can get a copy of Elements that is upgradeable, I'd go that route and get PS CS2 for $299. The offer is supposed to be good until November. Otherwise, stick with PSP. It served me well until I felt I outgrew it.

You have the Sony DSC-H5. That doesn't look like photos will need agressive post processing, just cropping and resizing, maybe a little tweaking now and then. Pictures seem to be pretty sharp right out of the camera.

If you decide on Elements wait for Version 5. It will come with RAW support and it will include a function called curves, a feature you will become very familiar with if you use Photoshop. If you can find a earlier version of Photoshop for about $100 (it is possible) most of the time they are not upgradable. That is why they are cheaper. If you find an upgradable cd, they go for about $300. That's because you can pay another $200 and you have CS2. Not a bad route to get CS2 since you will save a couple $100 that way.

Photoshop has more filters and plugins simply because it has a larger user base. There are plenty of people doing magic with PSP it looks as good as Photoshop.

I would probably stick to PSP or Photoshop Elements v5.

Thank you all so much for your advice! I'm busy trying to get ready for an out of town trip to central Oregon....that's why I'm not quite as responsive as I should be. But you've all given me some great stuff to think about. For now, I think I'll just enjoy the free PSP and then decide after that. Heard of something else too, today...Picassa, I think? I guess it's free?

Ok...back to the salt mines...

My pick is P Elements. Bought the new upgrade for raw format. Problem is....I like the old for a few options which work better (or easier to manipulate) than the upgrade. Use both, new for raw, old for my old brain. Just my take.

And here is the monkey in the barrell - I like Microsoft Digital Image Suite. Lots of bells and whistles - but EASY to use. Also not a lot of $$. The most current editon (Anniversary Edition) is on eBay for $49 - that is a Great Price - you can't buy it from MS that cheap. You could also buy DIS 2006 - virtually the same program - just a year older.

You can also d/l a trial version of it from MS.

I much prefer the MS program over Adobe products. It also has a great Library built into it. Makes it very easy to find pictures down the road.

I also like the fact I can do labels, cards, scrapbook, etc. with it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Anniversary Edition Digital Image Suite

Another smart little post processing program that handles nicely and costs only US$39 is CodedcolorPro from Germany.
It comes in English and German languages. It includes Curves, Smart Fix, Levels, RAW, SmartFlash, Noise reduc., Visible Watermark, EXIF and the usual enhancements. Easy to use for many corrections but not at the same level as Photoshop.

Sharon