rmalarz wrote:
GIMP - but has a menu learning curve.
Light Zone - Very nicely done.
Dark Table - another nice program
Fast Stone - another nice one.
If you use Mac, Phocus is pretty nice.
Not only are the above free, but they also include, at no extra charge, a learning curve.
--Bob
If you have a Mac, try the resident PHOTOS app for camera exposure adjustments and Adobe Photo Elements for pixel editing.