SmartSHOW 3D Slideshow Software Review

Features
Ease Of Use
Performance
Verdict
System Requirements

With SmartSHOW 3D, photographers can transform their photos into slideshows to share with friends and families. Slideshow videos can be created in HD then exported to Youtube, Facebook or burnt to DVD. SmartSHOW 3D is available for Windows and it's priced at $57 (£39) for the standard version and $85 (£59) for the deluxe version. 

AMS Software SmartSHOW 3D Features

• Make animated slideshows with photos, videos, and music
• Add voice comments, captions and title clips
• Convert photo movies to any video format or burn to DVD
• Number of animated effects available 
• Use slideshow templates to save time 

AMS Software SmartSHOW 3D Ease Of Use 

After you've downloaded and installed SmartSHOW 3D, which doesn't take long at all, you can open it up and you'll be greeted by a window that has 3 options: New Project, Slideshow in 5 Minutes and Open Project. The first time you use it you'll be clicking on one of the first two options as you won't have created a project previously. The other thing you might notice when you first open the software is that its design is a little dated but don't let this put you off using it. 

 'Slideshow in 5 Minutes' is a great time saver and you simply select a preset slideshow theme, add all the photos you want to use (the software recommends an ideal number so you're not left with empty slots), add music if you so wish and then, the software builds the slideshow for you. Then, you can just save and export the creation or you can edit it further, something we'll be looking at in more detail next. 

If you choose to start a new project, you build the slideshow from scratch and after exploring the software for a few minutes, you'll see that it's really easy to use. Most of the actions are 'click, drag and drop' or 'double-click' and speed's not an issue with edits / effects being applied practically instantly to frames. 

Towards the bottom of the screen is the timeline where you can add frames, transitions and music to build your slideshow creation. To the left is where you access files you want to use in your slideshow, add collages to frames so multiple images will appear in one frame, add subtitles and title clips. 

Slideshows can actually be built in a matter of minutes, particularly if you use a preset template, and thanks to how easy the software is to use, even a novice will find that it doesn't take very long to construct a slideshow. 

Images are simply dragged onto the timeline and so are transitions. If you don't know, transitions are used to smoothly move between images and there are plenty available in the software all of which can be previewed before you add them to your timeline. Animations can be added to individual slides and again, there are plenty to choose from, although some do look a little dated. We found the simple animations such as zooming out or panning worked the best but there are more creative options such as 3D effects and even snow falling available should you wish to use them. If you do want to add more templates and effects, there are downloadable packs available on the SmartSHOW software website. 

You can add music to your timeline but unlike other slideshow software such as Magix Photostory 2016, there are no music tracks built-in but there are a few sound effects you can apply to individual slides. If you do use music, it snaps to fit the length of your slideshow which is a great feature as it means you don't have to mess around editing and cutting the soundtrack to size. 

When you've finished your edits, you can create a slideshow video to be played on a computer, tablet or smartphone, burn it to DVD or export it ready for various social media and video sharing websites. When saving, there are various formats as well as quality options you can pick from and depending on which you pick will dictate how long it takes to export the project. A nice feature is that you don't have to know what quality the video needs to be for specific sites as the software gives you all the available options. 

AMS Software SmartSHOW 3D Performance 

We had no issues constructing slideshows with SmartSHOW 3D. The software might not be the slickest looking software in the world but it is really simple to use and slideshows can be constructed in no time at all. In fact, if you use the 'Slideshow in 5 Minutes' option, you'll finish your slideshow even quicker. The software runs smoothly with no lag when dragging and dropping or making adjustments but exporting can take some time but we're not talking hours, just enough time to check your email or make a cup of coffee. 

Value For Money

When compared with other slideshow software that's available, both versions of SmartSHOW 3D are reasonably priced. Alternatives to SmartSHOW 3D include MAGIX Photostory 2016 currently available for £34.99 (usually £44.99), Proshow Gold from Photodex which is priced at around £49 and PhotoStage priced at around £28. There are plenty of other slideshow software versions out there, some of which are free to use, but not all are as user-friendly or offer as many tools but then again, if you're only looking for something basic then one of the free options may be suitable for you. 

AMS Software SmartSHOW 3D Verdict

SmartSHOW 3D is really easy to use and price-wise, is on par with other slideshow creating software such as Magix Photostory 2016 Deluxe. There are enough options and features built-in to give you the tools you need to make a creative slideshow without the software being overly complicated. You can work independently or use the built-in wizard to create your slideshow and no matter which option you choose, you can have a complete slideshow in not much time at all. 

Some of the effects won't be to everyone's liking but there are so many options available that you can make your slideshow as minimalist or extravagant as you like. If you're a photo slideshow fan who enjoys sharing them with friends and family, you'll find SmartSHOW 3D is perfect for you. 

AMS Software SmartSHOW 3D Pros

Easy to use 
Quick to create slideshows in 
Plenty of creative options available   
Reasonable price 
 

AMS Software SmartSHOW 3D Cons

Some animations / transitions are a little old fashioned 
 

FEATURES
EASE OF USE
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

SmartSHOW 3D is easy to use and slideshows can be created in a matter of minutes. 

AMS Software SmartSHOW 3D System Requirements 

• Compatible with Windows 10, 8, 8.1, 7, Vista, XP