Posted by Eddie Haine on November 14, 2008 at 8:49 AM
I have recently started to use RAW with my Lumix cameras. A quick search of my hard disc offers me 4 applications that will let me "manipulate" these files.
PS Elements 6
Aperture 2.1
iPhoto 7.1.3
SilkyPix 2E SE
(The last one came free with a camera)
Can anyone give me any comparisons of these, or any opinions about them?
Thanks
Posted by Dan Borzynski on November 14, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Personally, I would go for Elements 6 (although I *think* 7 was just, or about to be, released). Here's why: Of all of the programs listed, any version Photoshop has the most users and the most references. Some of the PS references will carry over to non-Photoshop programs for things like a general introduction to sharpening but it will be easier to be using the same software the reference is using. From your question, I am assuming that you are new to digital work and when you are starting, having learning resources is a huge help.
Secondarily, Elements is a good lead in for the full version of Photoshop. Right now, you may not need CS4 (and I wouldn't spend the money for it the first time through), but if you eventually go that route, the transition is very natural.
Elements also has most of the tools you'll ever need. It really is a first class image editing program.
And for what it might be worth, although I am now a full CS2 user, until recently almost every image I have ever sold, as prints or stock, was edited using Elements 1 or 3. 7 is even better.
Posted by Richard Ditch on November 14, 2008 at 5:01 PM
I agree with Dan 100%. PS Elements has a lot of the power of the full program and will serve you well as you learn the basics of digital. I started with Photoshop LE (bundled with a film scanner) and had Elements 1, 2, and 3 along the way before getting CS2 and then CS3. Everything I learned in the simple programs translated over to the full application.
Many of the images I processed in PSE look about as nice as what I could produce if I reworked them in CS3. It will take you a while to outgrow PSE 6.
Posted by Larry Fischer on November 19, 2008 at 8:59 AM
You are in Europe. Does Phase One in their Capture One v. 4 list your camera?
They have settings for most...
Here is the site.
http://www.phaseone.com/Content/ContactUs/LocateDealer.aspx
Larry
Discussion
3 repliesPS Elements 6
Aperture 2.1
iPhoto 7.1.3
SilkyPix 2E SE
(The last one came free with a camera)
Can anyone give me any comparisons of these, or any opinions about them?
Thanks
Secondarily, Elements is a good lead in for the full version of Photoshop. Right now, you may not need CS4 (and I wouldn't spend the money for it the first time through), but if you eventually go that route, the transition is very natural.
Elements also has most of the tools you'll ever need. It really is a first class image editing program.
And for what it might be worth, although I am now a full CS2 user, until recently almost every image I have ever sold, as prints or stock, was edited using Elements 1 or 3. 7 is even better.
Many of the images I processed in PSE look about as nice as what I could produce if I reworked them in CS3. It will take you a while to outgrow PSE 6.
They have settings for most...
Here is the site.
http://www.phaseone.com/Content/ContactUs/LocateDealer.aspx
Larry