Camera Cost vs Software (Page 3): The reason that I personally wanted to try some of the free programs was to learn. I have never done any PP on the computer so did hot have a clue...

Sam55

Adirondack Hiker wrote:

Why do so many spend $1200-$1500 on a camera, want to add a high end lens, then treat it like a p&s by leaving it in AUTO mode, and using free software to process the images, or worse, take the memory card to the corner store, then complain about the results? While CS5 is overkill, no free program, or one size fits all machine can come close to matching the results that can be achieved in programs such as Elements.

The reason that I personally wanted to try some of the free programs was to learn. I have never done any PP on the computer so did hot have a clue where to start. With the price of some of the programs, I felt that I had to make the same choice about it as I did when I purchased the camera, buy once! However I will not get on here and cry about my choices, I will do the best that I can with what I have. After all is said and done I am trying to make things better for myself.

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

If you want free software, use something like FastStone, or Picasa, which will get you started. Remember you get what you pay for.
Gary

Adirondack Hiker wrote:

Why do so many spend $1200-$1500 on a camera, want to add a high end lens, then treat it like a p&s by leaving it in AUTO mode, and using free software to process the images, or worse, take the memory card to the corner store, then complain about the results? While CS5 is overkill, no free program, or one size fits all machine can come close to matching the results that can be achieved in programs such as Elements.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Why is it such a big deal? In film days we spent a lot for cameras and lenses then spent just as much for a Bessler enlarger and lens and all the dark room equipment. I don't see a difference in todays world; software is a darkroom whether free or costly. With software I can take an excellent photograph and make changes to match my taste.

Adirondack Hiker wrote:

Why do so many spend $1200-$1500 on a camera, want to add a high end lens, then treat it like a p&s by leaving it in AUTO mode, and using free software to process the images, or worse, take the memory card to the corner store, then complain about the results? While CS5 is overkill, no free program, or one size fits all machine can come close to matching the results that can be achieved in programs such as Elements.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Adirondack Hiker wrote:

Why do so many spend $1200-$1500 on a camera, want to add a high end lens, then treat it like a p&s by leaving it in AUTO mode, and using free software to process the images, or worse, take the memory card to the corner store, then complain about the results? While CS5 is overkill, no free program, or one size fits all machine can come close to matching the results that can be achieved in programs such as Elements.

Free is good. I can make some quick corrections using Irfanview in less time than it takes Photoshop to load.

For a quick adjustment, free programs can be fine, depending.

dragonfist Loc: Stafford, N.Y.

Adirondack Hiker wrote:

Why do so many spend $1200-$1500 on a camera, want to add a high end lens, then treat it like a p&s by leaving it in AUTO mode, and using free software to process the images, or worse, take the memory card to the corner store, then complain about the results? While CS5 is overkill, no free program, or one size fits all machine can come close to matching the results that can be achieved in programs such as Elements.

I guess it all depends on how critical you want to be. If I have to take a 5 power glass to see some minor flaw I'm not going to worry about it. As far as that goes maybe the guy that buys an expensive camera is good enough with it to just need minor adjustments that freeware can accomplish. Gimp is freeware and not exactly basic. Them as wants to be absolute perfectionists are welcome to knock themselves out but to me the result ain't worth the effort. It's kind of like peeing your pants in a dark suit. It will give you a warm feeling but who is going to notice?

DavidT Loc: Maryland

photogrl57 wrote:

Nikon_DonB wrote:

"And Awaaaay WE GO!"

One of these days Alice .....

Only the 50+ group will understand JG's sense of humor.

Going back to the original question...Why? probably, in part, due to the need for instant gratification. I'll leave it at that.

BOB Loc: Texas

Well beside all the "human nature" problems most of the high end photo sofe ware (REALLY HARD)photo shop for example take no less than a PH D and a career college education to learn how to operate !!!!! nuff said!

overthemoon Loc: Wisconsin

sinatraman wrote:

why do people spend 40 k on a 4wd pickup that will NEVER see adirt road let alone a 2 track? why do women feel its neccesary to have 20 pairs of black shoes? (opps. i started it now!) why do people continue to study for liberal arts degrees in this economy where there is no chance they'tt be employed anywhere that doesnt have a fry machine and golden arches upon graduation?

20 pairs of black shoes I guess I wont be going to the grand ball in my hiking boots. don't even own on pair of black shoes(:

Why people 'WANT' and feel they need stuff or want an easy way out of finding joy in life. Its a dirty word 'Work' at being happy.

photogrl57 Loc: Tennessee

BOB wrote:

Well beside all the "human nature" problems most of the high end photo sofe ware (REALLY HARD)photo shop for example take no less than a PH D and a career college education to learn how to operate !!!!! nuff said!

Or a willing tutor to talk you through your process.

MtnMan Loc: ID

In Idaho your citizenship papers require that you show evidence of your pickup. Alas the days of the 40K pickup are past. You pretty much need a diesel in Idaho.

:XD:

Bmac wrote:

sinatraman wrote:

why do people spend 40 k on a 4wd pickup that will NEVER see adirt road let alone a 2 track? why do women feel its neccesary to have 20 pairs of black shoes? (opps. i started it now!) why do people continue to study for liberal arts degrees in this economy where there is no chance they'tt be employed anywhere that doesnt have a fry machine and golden arches upon graduation?

Why? And Thanks

PlushToy Loc: Nebraska

Freedom of choice

Cappy Loc: Wildwood, NJ

sinatraman wrote:

why do people spend 40 k on a 4wd pickup that will NEVER see adirt road let alone a 2 track? why do women feel its neccesary to have 20 pairs of black shoes? (opps. i started it now!) why do people continue to study for liberal arts degrees in this economy where there is no chance they'tt be employed anywhere that doesnt have a fry machine and golden arches upon graduation?

Sinatrman. GREAT comments. My wife has about 45 (that I know of) pocketbooks and always looking for another. By the way, I have 1 wallet & it's about 7 years old.

JohnnyRottenNJ Loc: Northern New Jersey

Because this is America, and we are free to do and go wherever the hell we want. I buy AWD vehicles. I don't go four-wheeling off road EVER. But I do like the assurance that if it snows I'm not likely to get stuck somewhere.

Besides, even leaving your camera on "P," you still have way more control than 99% of the P&S cameras out there.

notnoBuddha

How do you stop the
rain from falling down?
How do you mend a broken heart?

Why - ask why?
Let me guess - because.

notnoBuddha

Cappy wrote:

quote=sinatraman why do people spend 40 k on a 4w... (show quote)

Well, I reckon you could buy another 45 wallets to put you in the lead, but they really are not interchangable.