anthonyedler Loc: Chico, CA

It seems Paint.net is only for nonMac computers. Is this still correct. Tony

rps Loc: Muskoka Ontario Canada

I discovered one amazing quality of Gimp. If you use the "cartoon" setting at minimum, it is an incredible sharpening tool. I took already good images and they came out like something from an 8x10 view camera. Also there is none of the pixelating and noise often produced by the PS sharpening tools.I'm not sure if the difference will still be so noticeable after going through the Internet, but I have attached before and after examples.

Unprocessed


Processed

rps Loc: Muskoka Ontario Canada

I discovered one amazing quality of Gimp. If you use the "cartoon" setting at minimum, it is an incredible sharpening tool. I took already good images and they came out like something from an 8x10 view camera. Also there is none of the pixelating and noise often produced by the PS sharpening tools.I'm not sure if the difference will still be so noticeable after going through the Internet, but I have attached before and after examples.

Unprocessed


Processed

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

That example is good enough to warrant posting it twice.....Oh, wait, you did.

Excellent work.
--Bob

dsnoke Loc: North Georgia, USA

I use GIMP on and off, largely because I like the idea of free software (as in free speech, not at no cost.) I do contribute money to the GIMP development. I used GIMP a lot more in years past when I used only Linux and neither Windows or MAC.

I have found GIMP a bit difficult, but if I used it regularly, I suspect I'd start to remember a lot more. Note that GIMP, like Photoshop, is a tool for any sort of image creation, so many features do not apply much to photo processing. Still, the basics are not difficult, and I do recommend GIMP if you're not satisfied with whatever software goes with the camera. I bought Nikon Capture NX2, and I use that for almost all my picture development (aka post-processing.) I use GIMP on those rare occasions when I need a feature like composites that Capture NX2 just won't do. I have found many online tutorials on GIMP, and I have found a number of books also.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

An astute observation on your part!

The "cartoon" plugin is essentially a different Unsharp Mask algorithm. It compares each pixel with the average of pixels around it. That is done by blurring the surrounding area, which is exactly what Unsharp Mask does.

I don't see much advantage to using "cartoon" because it doesn't have the range of adjustment that Unsharp Mask does.

idrabefi Loc: Michigan

GIMP learning is easily achieved. Just search your topic via google/youtube. This is a different type of learning though. Not appropriate if you're accustomed to reading start to finish.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I have suggested GIMP to many people. Long ago, in it's infancy, I used it and even the older versions did exactly what you are asking. I'm sure the newer versions do it better, and easier.

If I ever really retire, I will probably give up my CC subscription, and move back to Gimp, and be very happy with it.