What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures?

On 4 Sep, 16:22, Barry Goodthrall <BarryGoodthrall.....RemoveThis@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).
 >> Stay informed about: 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
(www.upshotphoto.com), but I don't like the interface if you want to do
anything more complicated. They have a free trial download.
 >> Stay informed about: 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
 >> Stay informed about: 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-
http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm


Dennis.
 >> Stay informed about: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures? 

Unless you define "Best" there can be no "Best."

Your skill level, the features needed, the cost, the ease of use, your
tolerance for errors, likely continued support etc.

There are a lot of good ones out there.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia 's Muire duit


"Barry Goodthrall" <BarryGoodthrall.213.RemoveThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1188919350.048400.256110@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
> 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?
>
 >> Stay informed about: 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-
> http://www.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
 >> Stay informed about: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures? 

"Dave Cohen" <user.DeleteThis@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.
 >> Stay informed about: 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?
>

I have found that Photoshop Elements has the best 'quick fix' feature,
which automatically fixes many problems, but it can go WAY off the track
now and then.
 >> Stay informed about: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures? 

loony wrote:
> On 4 Sep, 16:22, Barry Goodthrall <BarryGoodthrall.....RemoveThis@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.
 >> Stay informed about: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures? 

You could take a look at:
http://www.download.com/8301-2007_4-9770956-12.html?tag=nl.e415

"Barry Goodthrall" <BarryGoodthrall.213.TakeThisOut@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?
>
 >> Stay informed about: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures? 

"wohwagen" <mail.DeleteThis@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
 >> Stay informed about: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures? 

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
 >> Stay informed about: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures? 

On Tue, 04 Sep 2007 18:03:51 GMT, Dennis Pogson wrote:

> Faststone will probably do all you wish and it's free from-
> http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm

I'm glad you suggested this. I've been using CompuPic for years, but it is
seriously unstable on XP and hasn't been updated since 2003. I need a
change.

Unfortunately the first hour of using Faststone has exposed some
defficiencies, including:

1. Very weak, minimalist help system

2. Can't select pages to print from a multi-page contact sheet job

3. The "superior" red-eye remover has no flexibility and is pretty well
useless

4. Weird user interface in places. For example: double-click a browser
thumbnail; make a change to the full size image; hit ESC to return to the
browser; click on another thumbnail. Message pops up: "Do you want to save
the changes you have made to this image?" The wrong image is highlighted!
And why not ask the question as soon as you hit ESC?

On the plus side, Faststone has been stable on XP... so far. Most of the
functions I need work very nicely. And the price is right.

Pete
 >> Stay informed about: What is the Best Software for Fixing Pictures?