What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures?

What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures?

What is the best software to quickly fix photos.

Before rushing to say Photoshop, while I agree for more complex
digital photo manipulation it can't be beat, I want something that
does common corrections the average novice often needs, such as red
eye, bluring , dust removal, lighting adjustments, etc quickly.
Ideally what program has the best "one step fix" function?

Re: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures?

On 4 Sep, 16:22, Barry Goodthrall <BarryGoodthrall....@gmail . com >
wrote:
> What is the best software to quickly fix photos.
>
> Before rushing to say Photoshop, while I agree for more complex
> digital photo manipulation it can't be beat, I want something that
> does common corrections the average novice often needs, such as red
> eye, bluring , dust removal, lighting adjustments, etc quickly.
> Ideally what program has the best "one step fix" function?

I've been using the free program Irfanview for basic adjustments, but
I'm looking for more functionality so I'm intersted in answers to this
too. I'm currently looking at Paintshop pro X or XI. I've used a very
old version (5) and it is excellent for graphics but poor for
photographs probably because of it's age. However the new versions
seem to be highly rated and geared towards photo editing and a LOT
cheaper than photoshop. Not sure where you're from but I can pick up
Paintshop Pro X for around =A330 compared to around =A3100 for Photoshop
elements (a cut down version of the full photoshop).

Re: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures?

loony wrote:
> On 4 Sep, 16:22, Barry Goodthrall <BarryGoodthrall....@gmail . com >
> wrote:
>> What is the best software to quickly fix photos.
>>
>> Before rushing to say Photoshop, while I agree for more complex
>> digital photo manipulation it can't be beat, I want something that
>> does common corrections the average novice often needs, such as red
>> eye, bluring , dust removal, lighting adjustments, etc quickly.
>> Ideally what program has the best "one step fix" function?
>
> I've been using the free program Irfanview for basic adjustments, but
> I'm looking for more functionality so I'm intersted in answers to this
> too. I'm currently looking at Paintshop pro X or XI. I've used a very
> old version (5) and it is excellent for graphics but poor for
> photographs probably because of it's age. However the new versions
> seem to be highly rated and geared towards photo editing and a LOT
> cheaper than photoshop. Not sure where you're from but I can pick up
> Paintshop Pro X for around £30 compared to around £100 for Photoshop
> elements (a cut down version of the full photoshop).
>
You should be able to find PSE MUCH cheaper than that. The usual
discounted price in the US is about $72, so your quoted price is way
over that.

Re: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures?

On Wed, 05 Sep 2007 03:09:22 -0500, Ron Hunter <rphunter@charter . net >
wrote:

>loony wrote:
>> On 4 Sep, 16:22, Barry Goodthrall <BarryGoodthrall....@gmail . com >
>> wrote:
>>> What is the best software to quickly fix photos.
>>>
>>> Before rushing to say Photoshop, while I agree for more complex
>>> digital photo manipulation it can't be beat, I want something that
>>> does common corrections the average novice often needs, such as red
>>> eye, bluring , dust removal, lighting adjustments, etc quickly.
>>> Ideally what program has the best "one step fix" function?
>>
>> I've been using the free program Irfanview for basic adjustments, but
>> I'm looking for more functionality so I'm intersted in answers to this
>> too. I'm currently looking at Paintshop pro X or XI. I've used a very
>> old version (5) and it is excellent for graphics but poor for
>> photographs probably because of it's age. However the new versions
>> seem to be highly rated and geared towards photo editing and a LOT
>> cheaper than photoshop. Not sure where you're from but I can pick up
>> Paintshop Pro X for around £30 compared to around £100 for Photoshop
>> elements (a cut down version of the full photoshop).
>>
>You should be able to find PSE MUCH cheaper than that. The usual
>discounted price in the US is about $72, so your quoted price is way
>over that.

I recently got PS Elements 5.0 AND Premiere Elements 3.0 together for
under $70.

Re: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures?

> What is the best software to quickly fix photos.
>
> Before rushing to say Photoshop, while I agree for more complex
> digital photo manipulation it can't be beat, I want something that
> does common corrections the average novice often needs, such as red
> eye, bluring , dust removal, lighting adjustments, etc quickly.
> Ideally what program has the best "one step fix" function?

The best "one step fix" I've seen is implemented in Upshot
(w w w .upshotphoto . com ), but I don't like the interface if you want to do
anything more complicated. They have a free trial download.

Re: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures?

On 4 Sep, 17:07, "Victek" <Vic...@xyz . com > wrote:
> > What is the best software to quickly fix photos.
>
> > Before rushing to say Photoshop, while I agree for more complex
> > digital photo manipulation it can't be beat, I want something that
> > does common corrections the average novice often needs, such as red
> > eye, bluring , dust removal, lighting adjustments, etc quickly.
> > Ideally what program has the best "one step fix" function?
>
> The best "one step fix" I've seen is implemented in Upshot
> (w w w .upshotphoto . com ), but I don't like the interface if you want to do
> anything more complicated. They have a free trial download.

I use Irfanview or adobe photo shop elements 4

Re: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures?

Barry Goodthrall added these comments in the current discussion
du jour ...

> What is the best software to quickly fix photos.
>
> Before rushing to say Photoshop, while I agree for more
> complex digital photo manipulation it can't be beat, I want
> something that does common corrections the average novice
> often needs, such as red eye, bluring , dust removal, lighting
> adjustments, etc quickly. Ideally what program has the best
> "one step fix" function?
>
there is no best anything, I'm afraid. e.gg., what is best? a sub-
compact car, a 4x4 SUV or an exotic million dollar sports car or
anything in between. Please elaborate what subject(s) you intend to
shoot, an estimate of your skill so far with graphics and your
camera, and what you expect some software to do for you.


--
HP, aka Jerry

Re: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures?

On Sep 4, 10:44 am, "HEMI-Powered" <n...@none.sn> wrote:

> shoot, an estimate of your skill so far with graphics and your
> camera, and what you expect some software to do for you.
>
> --
> HP, aka Jerry

If I was going to do something more complex I would use photoshop.

But I am trying to find a program for my mother who is a novice so
what I would like is a program that with a very few steps could fix
the most common photography errors such as lighting, blurs, dust (in
the case of scanning), red eye, etc. What would really be great would
be a "one step fix" that just looks at the photo and makes the needed
corrections.

In short, I would like a program that fixes photos without any
thinking, (well without lots of thinking) from the person using the
program.

Again, if more complex editing is needed she would send the photo to
me where I would use photoshop.

So, I mean best in meeting those qualifications.

Re: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures?

Barry Goodthrall wrote:
> What is the best software to quickly fix photos.
>
> Before rushing to say Photoshop, while I agree for more complex
> digital photo manipulation it can't be beat, I want something that
> does common corrections the average novice often needs, such as red
> eye, bluring , dust removal, lighting adjustments, etc quickly.
> Ideally what program has the best "one step fix" function?

Faststone will probably do all you wish and it's free from-
* w w w .faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm


Dennis.

Re: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures?

Dennis Pogson wrote:
> Barry Goodthrall wrote:
>> What is the best software to quickly fix photos.
>>
>> Before rushing to say Photoshop, while I agree for more complex
>> digital photo manipulation it can't be beat, I want something that
>> does common corrections the average novice often needs, such as red
>> eye, bluring , dust removal, lighting adjustments, etc quickly.
>> Ideally what program has the best "one step fix" function?
>
> Faststone will probably do all you wish and it's free from-
> * w w w .faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm
>
>
> Dennis.
>
>
FastStone is the best I've come across for a free utility that does
almost everything. It stops short of paint brush tools, layers etc and
for that I'm using PhotoPlus. I've used PSP version 7 and if I had to
buy a package today would probably get the latest version of that, but
would still use FastStone for quick corrections.
My default viewer is Irfanview, it's good for bulk resize/resample and
file move.
Dave Cohen

Serif PhotoPlus - free on CD from Serif


"Dave Cohen" <user@example . net > wrote in message
news:d4jDi.6616$2N2.2035@trndny03...

> FastStone is the best I've come across for a free utility that does almost
> everything. It stops short of paint brush tools, layers etc and for that
> I'm using PhotoPlus. I've used PSP version 7 and if I had to buy a package
> today would probably get the latest version of that, but would still use
> FastStone for quick corrections.
> My default viewer is Irfanview, it's good for bulk resize/resample and
> file move.
> Dave Cohen

-------------

Serif are currently giving away 5 of their older programmes for absolutely
nothing (you pay 89p for the CD & P&P) They make a half-hearted attempt to
sell you the latest version when you telephone them for the free software -
but that's it.

Among the freebies is version 7 of PhotoPlus (free web update available)
which is a Photoshop clone (or maybe PS is a PhotoPlus clone ;) Same
tools,same layout etc (I believe that you can even run PS actions in it!)

It's got to be just about the best free piece of photo software available at
the moment - I got it because it was free, although I use Lightroom, and was
very impressed.

Serif Photoplus free offer details....


"wohwagen" <mail@whonwagennospam.uk> wrote in message
news:5k68t6F2928gU1@mid.individual . net ...

> Serif are currently giving away 5 of their older programmes for absolutely
> nothing (you pay 89p for the CD & P&P) They make a half-hearted attempt
> to sell you the latest version when you telephone them for the free
> software - but that's it.
>
> Among the freebies is version 7 of PhotoPlus (free web update available)
> which is a Photoshop clone (or maybe PS is a PhotoPlus clone ;) Same
> tools,same layout etc (I believe that you can even run PS actions in it!)
>
> It's got to be just about the best free piece of photo software available
> at the moment - I got it because it was free, although I use Lightroom,
> and was very impressed.

-------------------


For those in the UK who fancy the free Serif free package:

PagePlus 8

PhotoPlus7 (web update available)

DrawPlus 6

WebPlus 7

MediaPlus

The Serif contact number (UK) is 0800 376 5472, quote code USC/CAC/FOC
(from 'Out & About', the Camping & Caravanning Club member magazine) Offer
closes 29th September.

Dunno what the other programmes are like - but, as stated, PhotoPlus 7 is
very good with all the usual Photoshop-type tools

Worth 89p postage to try it, anyway.

Cheers

Re: Serif Photoplus free offer details....

wohwagen wrote:
>
>> Serif are currently giving away 5 of their older programmes for absolutely
>> nothing (you pay 89p for the CD & P&P) They make a half-hearted attempt
>> to sell you the latest version when you telephone them for the free
>> software - but that's it.

The down side - and I have this verified here - is that Serif readily
sell name and address details of applicants to junk mail outfits. If you
do order the (mostly worthwhile!) software, make it clear to them that
you don't want your postal mailbox spammed.

--
Adrian C

Re: Serif Photoplus free offer details....

On Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:41:03 +0100, Adrian C <email@here.invalid>
wrote:

>wohwagen wrote:
>>
>>> Serif are currently giving away 5 of their older programmes for absolutely
>>> nothing (you pay 89p for the CD & P&P) They make a half-hearted attempt
>>> to sell you the latest version when you telephone them for the free
>>> software - but that's it.
>
>The down side - and I have this verified here - is that Serif readily
>sell name and address details of applicants to junk mail outfits. If you
> do order the (mostly worthwhile!) software, make it clear to them that
>you don't want your postal mailbox spammed.
>
>--
>Adrian C

Hi

The other downside in my experience is that whilst the software is
very good and the retail products reasonably priced, the company
itself is very, very, hard sell.

The free offer (whilst genuine) is basically a ploy to get you on the
end of a phone by giving away out of date software so they can try and
sell you their latest offering. Phone the contact number and, far
from being half-hearted, they will go to any lengths to persuade you
to upgrade to the latest product - or perhaps I was just unlucky.

The last couple of times I have phoned Serif for the activation code
for a free download, the latest product started around £100 (special
price as an existing customer, Sir). When I said I was only
interested in the free product, the price dropped, eventually
bottoming out at around £25 (I have just had a word with my supervisor
and he is prepared to offer a very special price just for you...).
When I still refused, they got quite abusive and came very close to
accusing me of ripping them off by only ever using their free programs
(not actually true - I have bought Serif software on more than one
occasion in the past). When I stuck to my guns, insisting that all I
wanted was the activation code for the free download, they eventually
gave me it, after threatening to bombard me with sales calls for not
upgrading (I never actually received any further sales calls from
them, so obviously they were bluffing). I came very close to reporting
them to Trading Standards.

Having said that, I have been using Serif products from the mid 1990's
and find them extremely good - especially the free ones!!!! Dealing
with the company on the phone however is another matter - just grit
your teeth and keep reminding yourself that the software is free. To
be quite fair, I haven't had my postal mailbox spammed with the
exception of a "special offer" letter from Serif a couple of times a
year.

By the way, if you visit < * w w w . fr eeserifsoftware . com /> you will
find most of their earlier software as free downloads. Just remember,
when you do phone for the activation code, stick to your guns and
don't let them bully you.

Regards
KGB

Re: Serif Photoplus free offer details....


"KGB (KGB)" <FedUpWithSpam@NoEmailAddre.ss> wrote in message
news:46dfd75c.10452546@news.enta . net ...
> On Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:41:03 +0100, Adrian C <email@here.invalid>
> wrote:
>
>>wohwagen wrote:
>>>
>>>> Serif are currently giving away 5 of their older programmes for
>>>> absolutely
>>>> nothing (you pay 89p for the CD & P&P) They make a half-hearted
>>>> attempt
>>>> to sell you the latest version when you telephone them for the free
>>>> software - but that's it.
>>
>>The down side - and I have this verified here - is that Serif readily
>>sell name and address details of applicants to junk mail outfits. If you
>> do order the (mostly worthwhile!) software, make it clear to them that
>>you don't want your postal mailbox spammed.
>>
>>--
>>Adrian C
>
> Hi
>
> The other downside in my experience is that whilst the software is
> very good and the retail products reasonably priced, the company
> itself is very, very, hard sell.
>
> The free offer (whilst genuine) is basically a ploy to get you on the
> end of a phone by giving away out of date software so they can try and
> sell you their latest offering. Phone the contact number and, far
> from being half-hearted, they will go to any lengths to persuade you
> to upgrade to the latest product - or perhaps I was just unlucky.<



Perhaps *!* was just lucky -;} I phoned for the CD and got a young girl on
the other end who didn't make much of an effort to sell me anything - just
'special price' £49 upgrade. When I declined she made no further sales
attempts - and the CD duly arrived a few days later.

Perhaps I interrupted her doing her nails? -;}

Probably worth setting up a throw-away mail address with Yahoo (or similar)
so that if any spam does arrive from Serif or their 'specially selected
partners' (i.e, anyone who pays for the info) you'll never see it.