Question about editing software.. I have several issues working against me... I'm old; I can't afford pricey software; I don't understand many of the terms / processes in PhotoShop...

filzfotoz Loc: Nashville, TN

I have several issues working against me... I'm old; I can't afford pricey software; I don't understand many of the terms / processes in PhotoShop, Lightroom, etc. I use Picasa because it's free from Google. I don't want to spend a lot of time away from the camera while doing PP on my 'puter. Should I spend the bucks for PS and learn it or is Picasa okay? Recommendations, please!?!?!?

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

If you are willing to make a one-time purchase, you might try Corel PaintShopPro. They have 2 versions, Regular and Ultimate. Usually available for between $50 and $100, often on sale for a significant discount. It will do most everything PS will do, but I think it is more user-friendly and will also accept most plug-ins that are available for PS. There are quite a few on UHH that use it along with Picasa and some other low priced options. Serif.com also has a Photo Plus and they often sell the previous versions for around $20.

Grandpa in the mountains Loc: Wyoming

You guys crack me up. No offense intended, but you'll spend a few thousand dollars on a camera and lenses, hundreds of dollars on gas to get to your photo destination, and you are willing to struggle with an inferior editing software to save $50.

My question is: what is the best editing software, and why?

JD750 Loc: SoCal

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filzfotoz wrote:

I have several issues working against me... I'm old; I can't afford pricey software; I don't understand many of the terms / processes in PhotoShop, Lightroom, etc. I use Picasa because it's free from Google. I don't want to spend a lot of time away from the camera while doing PP on my 'puter. Should I spend the bucks for PS and learn it or is Picasa okay? Recommendations, please!?!?!?

Some things for you too consider.

Any new software will require time to learn. Photoshop has a pretty steep learning curve. The cost is $120/yr forever but that rental fee also includes Lightroom, which has a less steep learning curve. But it's a great deal because Photoshop is a heavy duty graphis editing software. It is The software for graphics pros and digital artists. But that doesn't sound to me like what you describe as your needs.

I can't tell you what to buy but consider the following.

Are you unhappy with your current software? Why? What do you hope to accomplish with editing software that you can't do now?

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Grandpa in the mountains wrote:

You guys crack me up. No offense intended, but you'll spend a few thousand dollars on a camera and lenses, hundreds of dollars on gas to get to your photo destination, and you are willing to struggle with an inferior editing software to save $50.

My question is: what is the best editing software, and why?

What are you calling inferior? PaintShopPro is NOT an inferior package!! Besides, if we spend the kind of money necessary to get a good camera we shouldn't NEED super expensive software!!

Buy your camera and gear, learn how to properly use it and there will be very little need for super-special post processing software!!

filzfotoz Loc: Nashville, TN

Grandpa in the mountains wrote:

You guys crack me up. No offense intended, but you'll spend a few thousand dollars on a camera and lenses, hundreds of dollars on gas to get to your photo destination, and you are willing to struggle with an inferior editing software to save $50.

My question is: what is the best editing software, and why?

Sorry if I might have misled you, Gpa, but I don't have the kind of wealth you refer to in your comment. I managed to buy a Nikon D5100 recently for less than $400 and the rest of my kit might make a total of $800. I'm a newby to digital & trying to learn as much as I can as quickly as I can before senility sets in! My dream is to take QUALITY photos that might be looked upon one day as my legacy but I find I must do that on a shoestring budget. So... I repeat... Is Picasa acceptable for my needs or should I pony up for something more "involved"?

anotherview Loc: California

Only you really can answer your question: It's Picasa acceptable for my needs or should I pony up for something more "involved"?

Your answer lies in the quality of results your present software produces. If that quality suits you, then you have the software for your needs.

filzfotoz wrote:

Sorry if I might have misled you, Gpa, but I don't... (show quote)

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

try watching tutorials of pp programs on youtube. may help you decide on a pp.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Another option? DxO Optics occasionally offers free licenses for previous revisions. I think Photoshop 4.0 can still be found (also free). Doesn't Nikon offer post processing software with their cameras?

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

don't forget gimp.. it free too :thumbup:

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Grandpa in the mountains wrote:

You guys crack me up. No offense intended, but you'll spend a few thousand dollars on a camera and lenses, hundreds of dollars on gas to get to your photo destination, and you are willing to struggle with an inferior editing software to save $50.

My question is: what is the best editing software, and why?

I guess you've got a point there, Gramps. Me? I had to save $400 for each of my digital cameras. My kids fill my tank for me occasionally; otherwise I take the train. I have a lot of free and/or old software, but I sure would like a free version of PSE 12 or 13 or a gift subscription to PSCC (or whatever they're calling it now). Until then, I'll mostly plug along with outdated film and my nephew's dark room.

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

filzfotoz, if you want something that is comparable to Lightroom 5, try the free source called Lightzone 4. It's just as good as LR5 and it's FREE!!!

http://lightzoneproject.org/

JD750 Loc: SoCal

filzfotoz wrote:

My dream is to take QUALITY photos that might be looked upon one day as my legacy

Ambitious goal. I think Michelangelo managed to achieve that.

As others have suggested, it would behove you to decide what it is that you want from post-ware then you will be able to gauge if your current software is meeting your needs.

Nobody can do this for you better than you.

Many software companies offer free trials. So if you have a burning desire to see what else is out there, try a few of them.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Grandpa in the mountains wrote:

My question is: what is the best editing software, and why?

The one you have on your computer and understand how to use to get the results you desire.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

filzfotoz wrote:

I have several issues working against me... I'm old; I can't afford pricey software; I don't understand many of the terms / processes in PhotoShop, Lightroom, etc. I use Picasa because it's free from Google. I don't want to spend a lot of time away from the camera while doing PP on my 'puter. Should I spend the bucks for PS and learn it or is Picasa okay? Recommendations, please!?!?!?

Based on what you're saying you don't seem interested in any more than very basic post processing and you don't want to spend any money or any significant effort learning the terminology or the software. Stick with Picasa. To get the best from any full function software will take a lot more time and effort to learn properly then you seem to want to spend. If you don't know what you're missing and how other software will fill that void I'm not sure how we can help you. When you are ready to take the next step, you are not going to need our advice to take it.