What phot editing software is best for me?

[Dogmatix]

Hey all.

I've just got into photography and well, I'd like some editing software now to fine tune my pictures.

I'd like to try and make use of HDR, and layering to make things move, for example: skateboarders doing tricks...

Other than that, just general tweaking, and flaw ultering.

I've been looking at things like Paintshop Pro X2, but seems Photoshop Elements is used widely in the magazines, and as I have very limited knowledge on using said software, the mags and here will become my bible to using the software.

But, whats going to best, I know theres a dramatic differ in prices, but is there much in the differ of use? i.e what can one software package do, that the other can't etc.

Would be great if someone to could point me in the right diarection.

TIA

 

[Escy]

For the price you cant really go wrong with Elements 8, its a cut down version of Photoshop, but would do everything you want and more.
If its free you are after then take a look at Gimp, along the same lines a PS.
And of course as you have a Nikon there is always NX2 and View NX. All can be donwloaded and trialed so that you can decide.
And I suppose id better mention the L software before someone else does , Lightroom, not much to say about it really but there are a lot of people that use it.

 

[Dogmatix]

I did have a go with the nikon software, didn't like it toooo much.

Does elements have raw and hdr capabilities?

 

[Karlos]

PS elements definitely has RAW capabilities, but you need to download the plugin for free from adobe, as for hdr I'm not too sure

 

[Dogmatix]

Anyone got veiws on paintshop pro x2?

 

[whiteflyer]

PSE 8 on the Mac comes with the full Adobe CS4 Bridge, and one of the option is PhotoMerge® Exposure which blends the exposures of multiple images (I guess kind of HDR) Not sure if this is in the Windows version.

PSE 8 will certainly work with RAW images, but a lot of editing can only be done on 8 bit images not 16 bit like the full CS4

For the vast majority of users I think PSE is more than adequate

I paid £50 for mine from Amazon against the £450+ for CS4

 

[Dogmatix]

I'm running Vista.

Would you still recommend PHE8?

 

[whiteflyer]

I know on vista it does not come with Bridge, but something called organizer, there is a good forum all about elements at http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/index.php i'm sure they could answer your questions better, but I think PSE 8 is very good value for the money.

 

[Dogmatix]

Thanks for the advice. It's most aprecated.

 

[Craikeybaby]

Another vote for Elements here, it seems to be much more widely used than PSP.