Waltm Loc: Fredericksburg, VA

I have been using Paint Shop since way back in the Jasc days. I still use Pro version 8, but I often wonder if I am being left behind in terms of ease of use and variety of tools included. I don't need PhotoShop, for sure, but I wonder how improved the newer programs are?

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

I think it all depends on what your needs are. Excel, for example, is a very powerful program. But if Microsoft "improves" it by adding enhanced pivot tables, VBS programming capability and three-dimensional design templates, and all you want to do is keep your family budget, are those enhancements of any value to you?

So it is with photo software. I purchased Lightroom, but I very quickly hid the web, books, printing and other "enhanced" features because I just don't find I need them.

On the other hand, if Adobe improves the masking tools, adjustment brushes, and tools I use, then upgrading to me is a no-brainer.

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

Your post prompted me to open my old Jasc Paint shop Pro version 6.02 which I have kept on successive computers since the dark ages.

Layers, yes but not easily manipulated
Layer masks, no

Just these two items when compared with a modern image manipulating programme puts Jasc back into the cupboard for me.

Corel bought Jasc and now rival Adobe (for less money) for imaging software. Even some of the free programmes provide a lot more flexibility with more tools and abilities. If you enjoy working on your photos, then take a hard look at what is available, once familiarity with the new software sets in, you will probably enjoy manipulating your images much more.

pixbyjnjphotos Loc: Apache Junction,AZ

I started with JASC Paintshop Pro 7 years ago. I have never used version 8 but, I have used version 9 (at work) and I own versions X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, and now X6. I tried X7 for the trial period and did not upgrade. There have been a vast number of improvements since version 7. I love Paintshop Pro (PSP) X6 Ultimate. It is everything I need and allows me to do some outstanding things to photos. X7 is a great program. I just didn't see that many improvements over X6 so I did not upgrade. The vast number of improvements since the JASC days are wonderful and very useful. PSP still remains pretty easy to learn and use. I see you use version 8 and I think that, if you were to try out PSP X7 Ultimate, you would see a lot of familiarity while being delightfully enlightened with all the improvements. I would recommend PSP X7 Ultimate to anyone who asks, especially newbies. Be sure to get the Ultimate version. Just a little better than the standard version. You can see a comparison at Corel's site. Hope this helps you a little. Whatever you choose to do, I wish you the best and have a GREAT DAY!

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

I use the x6 version of Paintshop Pro all the time. It is a user friendly program that will grow with you. Paintshop Pro will run most the plug-ins the Adobe will including all the Topaz ones at a fraction of the price.
Why not give it a try with Corel's free full 30 day trial on their web site? You have nothing to loose, plus the x6 and x7 versions are 64 bit so if you have a 64bit operating system they run even faster and smoother.

Waltm Loc: Fredericksburg, VA

Thanks to all. I have been a bit leery about using the Corel versions, since I didn't think they did a great job of handling WordPerfect when they bought it. Maybe it is time to try it out.

buddah17 Loc: The Bahamas

Based on previous posts, I consider you a "learned" person in photo software. You mention "if you enjoy working on your photos you should take a hard look..."
I want to work more on my images as I have a painting background.. However I find Adobe VERY complicated and (seemly) too many steps one has to perform to get any changes.
So I was wondering if you had any suggestions or recommendations on other imaging softwares I might look at that are geared more to the manipulation of the image, rather than the sorting and filing...? Thanks for anything you can do.

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

My first thought is that Photoshop Elements is tailor made for you. (Not the full Photoshop). My reasoning is that Elements is broken down into sections which as well as doing a very good job, will enable you learn how to do various things without an accompanying nervous breakdown. The programme is also powerful enough to achieve very sophisticated levels of correction and art (not my strong point) when you want to, rather than when the programme decides you have to.

For example, a novice in PP may be wary of attacking his image with the "Levels" adjustment. Elements makes it easy in Guided section. A couple of tries in the Guided section, and you will see what the controls will do - no headaches.

There are quite a few artistic effects under your control as well.

Another reason I would advocate Elements is the enormous amount of help available if and when you need it, videos, books, articles, even tutorials on the Hog.

I cannot say anything about Corel because I don't use it. I do know that Corel users like it - a lot.

GIMP is free, is very versatile but needs to be worked at as does the full version of Photoshop. There are hundreds of tutorials available for GIMP, again there are quite a few on the Hog, mainly written by Shakey who I consider to be a GIMP expert.

Picasa suits many, but is for global editing - i.e. you have to change the brightness overall, not just where you want it.

I have not mentioned my favourite programme, Lightroom, but in your case I think Elements would serve you better. If you do not need the file management, then software with layers and brushes (and perhaps later adding a Wacom graphics tablet) will allow you to paint and create with astonishing results.

buddah17 Loc: The Bahamas

Thank you SO much for your detailed answer to my question. The thing is, you have answered SO many of my questions WITHOUT ME EVEN ASKING THEM!! I shall go through this in greater depth, and try the things that you suggest!!
(And to think I'm spending SO much money going to school at and advance age.. )


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