imaging software - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

02/18/2006 08:04:37 AM · #1

I am greener than the grass in springtime, so...I? am using Microsoft Digital Image Suite6 and Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9. I see so many people in these forums that use Photoshop and have looked at some mighty awsome pictures. Is this something I should switch to as I am learning?

Anders

Nikon D300

02/18/2006 08:12:49 AM · #2

Paint Shop Pro 9 should be fine. im using 8 and am learning fast, there are lots ot tutorials to read. i think photoshop has a few features which PSP 9 doesnt have (although im not sure of specifics), but its still a great platform to start out on. start by editing photos that dont matter so much, then if you save by accident (without using a new file name to create a copy) it wont matter so much. Photoshop is on my wish list but im more than happy with PSP8 right now- it should serve you well :) have fun

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

02/18/2006 08:15:55 AM · #3

Thanks for taking the time to help. I am so eager to advance my capabilities and just want to know that I have the right tools to do so. And yes, the tutorials in PSP9 ARE very helpful. Thanks again! Cindy

woohoopepper

Nikon D70

02/18/2006 08:16:27 AM · #4

Photoshop is like comparing Canon to Nikon. Photoshop is more popular and definitely by the professionals; however, I've been using PaintShopPro for about 5-6 years and am always learning something new with it and am too stubborn to switch. I'm on version 9 now. I also occasionally use NeatImage (a free download) and another program to convert my raw files.

I know there are Photoshop workshops all over the country. I would love to see some PaintShopPro workshops as well, but have yet to find one anywhere. I do have a good book from Borders on using PaintShopPro.

Message edited by author 2006-02-18 08:17:56.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

02/18/2006 08:20:19 AM · #5

woohoo...do you shoot RAW images? As I mentioned, I am a NEWBIE and the book alone on my camera is overwhelming with information!! Looking into some courses to take, however, people like yourself who take time for Q & A's for people like myself are such a tremendous help!! Thanks

Anders

Nikon D300

02/18/2006 08:21:10 AM · #6

no problem :) PSP has most of the features of Photoshop, and as such a lot of the tutorials for Photoshop apply equally to PSP, for example Konador's selective desaturation tutorial . im with woohoopepper in that Photoshop is aimed at the more 'professional', but theres still a lot to be had from PSP9. enjoy learning :)

02/18/2006 08:22:03 AM · #7

Just had a Borders open up here...I'll have to look into that today.

02/18/2006 08:24:42 AM · #8

andersbs...VERY nice gallery. Wish I could use some pics I took from Guernsey, CI from my 6 trips there!! Loved England!! :O)

goc

Apple iPhone 4

02/18/2006 08:55:08 AM · #9

my advice : stick with what you have and you'll be fine ...

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

02/18/2006 09:03:28 AM · #10

Originally posted by gooc:

my advice : stick with what you have and you'll be fine ...

Thanks gooc...I'll do just that. Saves me $99 :O)

woohoopepper

Nikon D70

02/18/2006 02:12:04 PM · #11

Hi again Cindy,

Had to be somewhere earlier, but now am back home relaxing until I have to get out for a few more errands. The PSP book I got from Borders is from the makers of Digital Camera Magazine and titled "The Ultimate Paint Shop Pro User Guide." I believe it is for version 8, and I got it before I upgraded to 9, but I still refer to it often. Maybe they have a newer edition by now. It's awesome and a lot easer to understand than the user guide that comes with PSP.

I shoot RAW when I'm only doing a portrait of one family or pets. I shoot jpeg when I intend to shoot about a "million" photos of people or a sporting event, whatever. Last weekend I did 59 portrait shots of daddys-daughters (dance), so I shot jpeg, then all I had to use to post process was PSP and only do minor adjustments to curves and possibly levels. BTW, as nervous as I was, I was thrilled with the results! With RAW I tend to put in more time and honestly, yeah, I do love raw, but my jpeg photos come out as well.

KiwiShotz

Panasonic DMC-FZ20

Panasonic DMW-LTZ10 1.5x Teleconverter

02/18/2006 02:21:00 PM · #12

Photoshop will cost you more, use more of your resources and for all of that, you will get little or nothing more from it than Paintshop Pro.

Brett

awpollard

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

02/18/2006 03:38:19 PM · #13

Digital Image suite 2006 I assume you meant. Yes/No? Anyways you can do almost anything that you see here on DPC with DIP10 (Digital Image Pro 10 is the editor in Digital Image Suite 2006). I would definatly be using DIP over PSP.

If you plan on getting a job where PS skills are needed than you would want to go the Photoshop route.

If you want to take, correct and embelish photos easily...get to know Digtial Image Suite (watch the videos that are on the CD to get an idea how to do the basics), beside the cataloging program in suite (Digital Image Library) is pretty darn effective as well.

The Jargon is different but all the same functions are there. Layers, Level and Curves, Color and Contrast, Blemish tools, scratch removers and DIP uses Photoshop Filters (no actions).

There are a few here that use DIP10, so just ask if you got any questions.

02/18/2006 03:48:26 PM · #14

Thanks guys.!! Was getting ready to make a purchase that I really didn't need to. Been laying with both of them today, watching the tutorials as well, and opened some doors for myself that I was unaware of. I know where to go for help. Good luck to you all in upcoming challenges.
cindy

Beetle

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

02/18/2006 04:12:39 PM · #15

Cindy, just to confuse you a bit more *g*......:

I used to have PSP and was quite happy with it. I still think it is a very good program.
However, nearly everything I saw about post processing - every bit of forum talk, tutorial, advice, samples, terms etc etc etc - were about photoshop and I felt too left out.

I finally caved in and got PS - and never regretted it once.
I now feel like I'm swimming with the stream instead of against it, which makes the support and learning much easier.

02/18/2006 04:31:43 PM · #16

Originally posted by Beetle:

OK *g*...thanks Beetle. I guess the basis of my asking in the first place is because of just that. SO much of the forum chat in re: Photoshop and I felt that I could better understand if I were using the same program. I am now back to....hmmmmmmmm Do I get it or not???text I can't imagine I could possible go wrong having access to different software programs...NOW...which Photoshop would I get ?? :O)
Thanks, Beetle...very unique gallery

Beetle

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

02/18/2006 04:38:31 PM · #17

Originally posted by dolphnz8:

..NOW...which Photoshop would I get ??

If you can afford it (from $150 with certain conditions, I believe), go for the latest and greatest - PS CS2.

If not, I believe Elements 4 is very very good, and at least you're on the same wavelength as PS proper... the terms are the same, and much of what you read still applies to you.

I imagine that upgrading from Elements to PS CSx will be easier than changing over from other programs.

02/18/2006 04:45:39 PM · #18

Originally posted by Beetle:

[quote=dolphnz8]..NOW...which Photoshop would I get ??

If you can afford it (from $150 with certain conditions, I believe), go for the latest and greatest - PS CS2.

Just reading about CS2..Buy.com has it @ $149. Might just invest in that instead of wanting to upgrade later.thanks again for the input.

Beetle