Post Production Software
Dec 1, 2016 16:14:52 #
kfoo
Loc: Arkansas
I am new at this. Can any one suggest some software that would be simple to use, just to get my feet wet.
Dec 1, 2016 16:20:28 #
I would suggest On1 - very easy to use, lots of adjustable presets - you can use them as is or customize them and save them as your own. The newest version reads and converts raw files. The full version usually costs $120, but is on sale for $100.
The other alternative, for about the same price, is the annual subscription to Photoshop and Lightroom, which is $10/mo.
There are other cheaper and free applications but none will produce the quality of the images you get with either recommendation. It all boils down to what your goals are and how much time you want to put into learning an application.
The other alternative, for about the same price, is the annual subscription to Photoshop and Lightroom, which is $10/mo.
There are other cheaper and free applications but none will produce the quality of the images you get with either recommendation. It all boils down to what your goals are and how much time you want to put into learning an application.
Dec 1, 2016 17:18:02 #
Both PhotoScape & FastStone are free, easy to use, & do a great job. I used them both for years before I bought Elements 13, & I still use them, in conjunction with Elements. They can be easily downloaded from Google.
Dec 1, 2016 20:13:02 #
kfoo wrote:
I am new at this. Can any one suggest some software that would be simple to use, just to get my feet wet.
What OS do you use?
I can't speak to Windows because I have an iMAC but if you have an Apple computer Macphun Creative Kit, Macphun HDR and Macphun Luminar are good choices.
Dec 1, 2016 23:30:20 #
DOOK wrote:
Both PhotoScape & FastStone are free, easy to use, & do a great job. I used them both for years before I bought Elements 13, & I still use them, in conjunction with Elements. They can be easily downloaded from Google.
Excellent advice.
Until your editing skills are more advanced and you are ready to get into complex layer manipulation, PhotoScape and FastStone will get the job done without costing you a penny.
Dec 2, 2016 05:51:06 #
ON1 is very powerful and fast but has minimum hardware requirements that obviate a current laptop/desktop. Their recently released RAW program is very fast but it NEEDS at least OpenGL 4.1 (for me that meant a new video card - $40).
ON1 uses side car files rather than catalogs like Light Room or Capture One Pro. I just received my copy of ON1 Raw so I have not played enough to judge its output, but I found the output from Capture One Pro to be noticeably better than Light Room.
ON1 uses side car files rather than catalogs like Light Room or Capture One Pro. I just received my copy of ON1 Raw so I have not played enough to judge its output, but I found the output from Capture One Pro to be noticeably better than Light Room.
Dec 2, 2016 07:09:14 #
mikiSJ wrote:
RAW program is very fast but it NEEDS at least OpenGL 4.1 (for me that meant a new video card - $40).
That may be part of my problem running On1.
Please share a link to the card you purchased.
Dec 2, 2016 07:11:20 #
Kfoo, It depends on your budget. Most photo editing software is good. That said there is software that does a lot of stuff for you, but these programs are a little too much for some budgets.
As you only want to get your feet wet try some of the free apps, most are simple but limited in what they do. Google: free photo editing apps and try them out in turn.
There are many excellent free programs which require investment in time and study to fully master the tools, filters, and options within the program. Many have already been mentioned in the posts above. I will add GIMP which is a superb program and it has recently been upgraded. Yes, it's free, I use it and I am a fan.
To download GIMP go here: https://www.gimp.org/ Avoid other sites as they may add trash programs or worse.
For tutorials, download Pdf files which allow you to print out lessons as you need them, go here: http://www.gimp2tutorials.info/downloads.htm . Scroll down the page for the Pdf files and images to work with, if you need them.
Whatever you use have fun.
As you only want to get your feet wet try some of the free apps, most are simple but limited in what they do. Google: free photo editing apps and try them out in turn.
There are many excellent free programs which require investment in time and study to fully master the tools, filters, and options within the program. Many have already been mentioned in the posts above. I will add GIMP which is a superb program and it has recently been upgraded. Yes, it's free, I use it and I am a fan.
To download GIMP go here: https://www.gimp.org/ Avoid other sites as they may add trash programs or worse.
For tutorials, download Pdf files which allow you to print out lessons as you need them, go here: http://www.gimp2tutorials.info/downloads.htm . Scroll down the page for the Pdf files and images to work with, if you need them.
Whatever you use have fun.
Dec 2, 2016 07:42:36 #
jwn
Loc: SOUTHEAST GEORGIA USA
if you have Canon use the DPP4 that came with the camera. It's free and integrates with camera and lens. Lot's of tutorials on you tube by canon professionals. spend you money after you learn what you want to do in post processing.
Dec 2, 2016 07:46:03 #
Depends on where you want to be a year or 2 from now. You can buy easy, very affordable software now, that does not grow with you but allows you to play and get good results, or you can buy something you really want to learn and continue to grow with. There are tons of free and relatively less expensive software out there that will allow you to play and be creative. If you want to go the professional route, I suggest starting out that way with On1, Photoshop, Lightroom, Alien SkinX2 or starting with the less expensive Photoshop Elements.
Dec 2, 2016 08:00:17 #
Mac wrote:
What OS do you use?
I can't speak to Windows because I have an iMAC but if you have an Apple computer Macphun Creative Kit, Macphun HDR and Macphun Luminar are good choices.
I can't speak to Windows because I have an iMAC but if you have an Apple computer Macphun Creative Kit, Macphun HDR and Macphun Luminar are good choices.
I also have a Mac...with all the PP plugins for Photoshop. Macphun is great as is is NIK (I think I heard NIK is now free)>
Dec 2, 2016 08:05:04 #
If you use Windows 10, Photo Gallery is an included app. You may have to use the search tool (Cortana/search box to the right of the Windows logo (extreme right of taskbar) to locate or click the Windows icon, scroll down to Windows Accessories. It is simple to use and FREE. It's an intro to post processing. I'm sure Apple has equivalent apps.
Mark
Mark
kfoo wrote:
I am new at this. Can any one suggest some software that would be simple to use, just to get my feet wet.
Dec 2, 2016 08:33:16 #
Linckinn
Loc: Okatie, SC and Edgartown, MA
I also find Capture One noticeably better and plan to buy their new version 10 today.
Dec 2, 2016 08:36:53 #
Photoshop Elements newest version is $99 and last version (which is just as good) $69. Most of us use some version of Photoshop so we can advise you when you need it. David
Dec 2, 2016 09:35:41 #
kfoo wrote:
I am new at this. Can any one suggest some software that would be simple to use, just to get my feet wet.
Try using the software that came with your camera. Or Photo Shop Elements.
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