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Hi,
I have downloaded the trial version ov CS5 and to be honest, this sort of programme does my head. I am not very good with what to me is a complicated piece of software.
I am on my first digital system camera, and I can cope with that without problems, but have never used PS or similar software before.
Is there an easier to use programm out there, capable of cloning out, basic retouching that can be worth trying?
Photoshop Elements is a stripped down version of PS. Much cheaper too. It does all of the basic stuff without getting overcomplex.
Echo Chris, Photoshop Elements V8, Apart from being cheaper than CS5 it has pretty much all the power to do what you require, Help with this program is more widely publicised due to its popularity, The similar interface to Photoshop CS5 also means that any time spent learning Elements, Will make a later transition to CS5 much easier.
Thanks, guys...sounds like Elements then. I saw there was a wealth of tutorials for it as well, and I need that help
Echo all of the above - and also, don't worry about mastering all of the techniques straight away - magazines and online tutorials are brilliant ways to get used to the interface and common tasks.
The algorithms and filters aren't as good as Elements or CS5, but GIMP is worth taking a look at, and it's free.
Corel paint pro is also a good choice not quite as famous as photoshop very simlar to elements
Quote: don't worry about mastering all of the techniques straight away
That is probably the best piece of advice
Any pointers to a recommended tutorial??
Quote: this sort of programme does my head
I have the same problem....and have reverted to the very simple Picasa
A friend suggested I should try that. Do you know if it has a clone feature?
I've just opened it up - it really is basic - no fancy stuff like cloning Mind you it's a very handy bit of software - I'm using it on my pc at work for the very basic bits that need doing on the odd picture and at home to keep track of all my photos.
I'd also happily recommend Paint Shop Pro - I've been using it for a good few years now though also have Elements. Certainly if you ever intend to upgrade to Photoshop then Elements would be the way to go, if not then Paint Shop Pro. That said there's always the freebie GIMP although I've never tried it.
Quote: no fancy stuff like cloning
not cloing per say, but has a re-touch feature
Quote: Use the Retouch tool to remove unsightly blemishes and improve photo quality. It can also help you to restore old photos with marks, water stains, and scratches to excellent condition.
it works ok on simple areas, but struggles where it touches the outer borders
Picasa's "straightening" tool is the easiest to use that I've come across and some of the other tools have their uses.
I occasionally go there instead of Photoshop for certain things.
Jester.
Photoshop seems to be designed so that it'll cope with even the most demanding job that any professional can throw at it. I can't see how any but the most advanced amateur needs its facilities, especially when Elements does the basics for a fraction of the price. But I seem to be one of very few to have paid for a road-legal copy of Photoshop.
When each new version of PS comes out, I take a look to see whether it's worth the upgrade. I went from PS2 to 4 to PS7 and then CS2. The last upgrade gave much better 16 bit facilities, so it was well worth the price.
The new CS5 does seem worth a look but then I'd be using it for my living.
There are a number of free photo editing software programs that you can download from the web.
Just Google "free photo editing software" to see what the search throws up. You can download more than one so what not try several of them.
Serif do a very good version of Photoplus for free and it has almost all of the tools that you will need to get you started.
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