Image handling software for occasional users

blaze_away

blaze_away

Messages
195
Name
Frank Wilson
Edit My Images
Yes
Last night I did a presentation all about people photography to a group of lady golfers and we had a great time.

During the session we took some photos which I then downloaded and post processed through lightroom, photoshoot and OnOne software.....obviously very impressed by this they've asked 'could we buy and use that software ?"

Obvious answer is yes but its probably over kill for there compact camera needs.

So question is what would you recommend as a sensible alternative ?

Cheers
 
A lot of compact cameras do come with some editing software. There are also free software editing packages for Windows and Mac such as GIMP
 
http://www.getpaint.net/index.html This is one I use quite a lot which is fairly straightforward. The button you need for the download is “download Now dotPDN” on this page; http://www.getpaint.net/download.html#download , as if you’re not computer savvy there are a lot of trials and toolbars you’ll accidentally download.
Creative Commons software.


Picasa 3 is another easy-to-use editor I use, there is now Picasa 4 released but I’ve not downloaded it so I’ve not provided a link.
That’s a Google programme.

They’re both easier than Gimp which I’ve got but not learnt yet. You can do more with Gimp but it depends exactly what they want to do really, I don't believe they do curves but you can change a lot of other bits.

QS
 
I am currently using picasa 3 for my initial import from the camera and initial viewing, any keepers make their way into iPhoto with editing done in GIMP from iPhoto to make use of the non destructive editing. Anything left in Picasa then get's binned, but there's nothing to stop you using Picasa full time, as it's a very capable piece of software and what I would use if I didn't already have everything in iPhoto.
 
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If you're on Mac, try Pixelmator. I think it's about £40 and it's quite capable while remaining easy to use.
 
For anyone with a compact camera (or indeed anyone else) there is a lot of free software available., eg

Photoscape, Irfanview, Silkypix,

and many more.
 
+1 for Picasa. I've recommended it to friends who don't want to learn a more complicated piece of software.

If they then want something more advanced, they can try Gimp (free) or Adobe Elements (about £50?).
 
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