OT: Photo Editing Software

Nak · Mon Mar 02, 09 5:09 pm **OT: Photo Editing Software**

Just got a Canon 40D on a killer deal, so I'm looking to get some decent photo software. I can get Photoshop CS4 for $200, my kids are students, but I'm wondering if that's overkill? Things I'm looking for:

1. I'd like to be able to work with RAW images
2. I'd like to be able to correct for distortion in the lenses. Ideally I'd like to be able to configure a setting for each lens, with aperature and zoom, so I can quickly correct photos

Beyond this, I'm not really sure what I need? Very Happy

Any help you photographers out there can give me would be much appreciated!

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

I don't know what I'm talking about, but if you want the most flexibility, I'd go with Photoshop. If you're a Mac guy, I see a lot of guys using Apple Aperture, but in the end you should be able to do more with Photoshop and for the same price.

Mark · Mon Mar 02, 09 6:50 pm

Look into Photoshop elements. It does most things. Can be found online or at costco for around $60.

It may meet your needs. It does everything I want it to do.

kiteboard117 · Since 02 Mar 2005 450 Posts PDX McLovin

Photoshop can do everything you could posibly need but if your not sure it the investment would be worth it you might give Gimp a try. (http://www.gimp.org/) Its not quite as straight forward or quick as adobe but Its free and pretty damn powerfull. There is raw support and some good distortion correction tools.

Bettyboarder · Mon Mar 02, 09 7:42 pm

Nak have you used Picassa yet? It's free....I like it. Super simple basic fixes but maybe try it first then get photoshop if needed.

http://picasa.google.com/#utm_source=en-all-more&utm_campaign=en-pic&utm_medium=et

stringer · Since 31 Jul 2007 694 Posts Chucktown Flying Tomato

Yeah give GIMP a shot.
You might as well, Its free.
The only thing is photoshop is more efficient.
That also means most plugins are free too, you can find some pretty helpful ones.
Picasa works well as a free uploading/sorting tool, plus their viewer kicks ass on windows.
Its definitely good to have it so you can view your raw files easier.
$200 is a pretty good price on Photoshop though.

Nak · Mon Mar 02, 09 9:11 pm

Thanks for all of the input! Very Happy

I should have mentioned I'm using MS Digital Image Pro now. It does all of the basics, but I'm looking for something more powerful. Not that I can use all of it's features yet, but if I'm going to invest the time learning to use something I want it to be something I can grow into.

I've been reading lens reviews, and some of them mention being able to plug values for a specific lens into a tool and basically correcting distortion, vignetting, CA, and such with just a couple of clicks. Something like that is what I'm after. I don't mind spending time learning to use a program, as long as it pays off in the end. On the other hand, easier is better! Very Happy

Stringer, Amazon sells CS4 for $198, you just have to have a college student be the official recipient. (Proof required.)

I'm not clear if what I want can be a plug in to something like Elements or Gimp, or if I need CS4?

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Mar 02, 09 11:11 pm

Mike, photoshop is the way to go for shure. Its probably one of the best known and more powerful editing software out there. As a side note though, I thought people were done actually paying money for software? I'd go limewire, update your virus protection and download a copy and a keygen software.

Safe your $200 and take a weekend class on how to use it or at the very least, buy a classroom in a book.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1738 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

nak,
if you plan on taking a shitload of raw, consider something like apple's aperature or adobe's lightroom for workflow management.
I use lightroom for the majority of my work and PS for additional effects.
one thing to keep in mind is if you use something like aperature, an apple product, you can get training on that specific software at the apple store for $100 a year.
also a great opportunity to learn FCP, FCX, or IMovie if you ever consider video editing.

good luck with your decision,
stringy

fokiten · Since 04 Mar 2005 188 Posts Stoked

Why not just use the Cannon software?

anyway...

Here's the latest free ware: http://www.my-spot.com/RHC/ .

so what chew thinking willis?

You plan on going artsy farsty?

don't go there, it's no place for a swinging dick...

Be a man, don't tweek your geeks, just represent, don't be no photo fag.

Spend your money on better Glass, that's where the real value resides...

regards
fo

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Mar 03, 09 10:36 am

"It puts the lotion on its skin or it gets the hose again"

Nak · Tue Mar 03, 09 7:05 pm

Thanks for all of the additional help everybody!

No, I don't have the talent to ever be a Stringy or Henry. Very Happy

Just trying to find the best tools to make what I will do easier.

Good to hear from you again Fo!

Miner · Since 14 Sep 2008 43 Posts Â

I would have to go with pdxmonkeyboy besides the lime wire. Lime wire sucks you need to use torrents. Go to isohunt.com and look for cs4. Then you can get all of the cs4 things even more then photo shop.

fokiten · Since 04 Mar 2005 188 Posts Stoked

right-on,

welcome to the show!!, photography is on hell of a nice hobby, well, since digital freed things up...no more buying film, paying for processing etc.

I'd suggest you might eventually explore the world of adapters, and manual focus/ M-42 lenses from days gone bye...

Also might as well download the kick-ass free photo viewer.

Goggle "Faststone image viewer" and rejoice...

anyway, don't get caught kipeing (whens the last time you head that word?) software.

right-on rock on with your finger down...
f

Onad · Wed Mar 04, 09 12:32 pm

Hey Nak, hope you don’t mind if I slightly hijack your thread?

Looking for suggestions on decent HD video editing software that doesn’t have too steep a learning curve. Any suggestions?

Shooting with a Cannon Vixia HF10 (1920x1080, 30p Progressive and 24p Cinema).

Tx, Onad

PS I'd like to get this wipe out footage to production... Laughing

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

Dan, for AVCHD, Sony Vegas is your best bet on a PC. The Pro additions are capable of doing just about anything Final Cut (or any other pro programs) can do, but with a little less complicated interface. Wouldn't even bother trying to edit on a laptop though. My stupid PC lags on AVCHD with a 2.5gHz quad core processor, 4gb RAM, and a 512mb video card...

Time for a Mac with twin 30s!