Photo editing software.

BlakeShellman · 12-02-2014, 08:20 PM

I learned how to use Photoshop for graphics long ago and that's been my primary choice for photo editing. However it's expensive and I'm looking for a cheaper alternative. On the other end of the spectrum is Paintshop Pro X7. Lightroom is a couple of hundred more and if there's a benefit I'd be willing to switch.

Can someone tell me what Lightroom can do that Paintshop Pro can't? And if they can both do the same what makes Lightroom the better choice?

Thanks...Blake

Rimfiredude · 12-02-2014, 08:48 PM

CS2 is now free to the public. It works just fine. The only catch is Adobe does not suporrt CS2 anymore.
Adobe Photoshop CS2 Free Download - TechSpot

Not a Number · 12-02-2014, 08:56 PM

Originally posted by Rimfiredude

CS2 is now free to the public. It works just fine. The only catch is Adobe does not suporrt CS2 anymore.

The only catch it is not free. The Adobe download page clearly states that the downloads are for users that have previously purchased a valid license.

**boriscleto** · 12-02-2014, 08:58 PM

This compares Lightroom to Photoshop, but it applies to Paintshop too.

Photoshop Versus Lightroom Which is Right for You?

The bottom line is that Lightroom is a workflow system for photographers rather than an image editor.

**kiwi_jono** · 12-02-2014, 09:18 PM

Theres always the Gimp which is free. It is pretty capable but it does come with its own learning curve.
I use Gimp and Darktable but then I can't stand Windows anymore so I run Linux.

BlakeShellman · 12-02-2014, 09:22 PM

Originally posted by Rimfiredude

CS2 is now free to the public. It works just fine. The only catch is Adobe does not suporrt CS2 anymore.
Adobe Photoshop CS2 Free Download - TechSpot

That release is the one I used extensively prior to drifting away from it because of price. I think I'd go back to. One thing though is I have an Intuos tablet and I don't think the pressure sensitive brushes function with CS2.

Pioneer · 12-02-2014, 09:34 PM

In my opinion GIMP would be an excellent alternative, if it worked with 16bit files. Until then it is Photoshop CS6, for which I have a license.

Actually I have no problem with CS6, though it was a bit pricey upfront. The Creative Cloud is also an option if you don't mind a monthly fee.

If I had a choice between Lightroom and Paintshop Pro, I would personally choose Paintshop Pro but for one problem. If you work with RAW images then PaintShop Pro is just not in the same league as Lightroom or Photoshop. However, if like my wife, you prefer to work with jpeg images then Paintshop Pro is a terrific photo editor. The tools will take some time to get used to if you are presently a Photoshop user but IMHO they are every bit as strong.

And the price is certainly right.

PeaceFroggy · 12-02-2014, 09:46 PM

Thought about checking open-source/freeware programs like digiKam (cataloging and basic raw processor) and GIMP (photo editor, but indeed no 16bit capability)?

damianc · 12-02-2014, 09:53 PM

The development version of GIMP (2.9) will work in 32 bit, however, last time I used it it was quite memory hungry.
Digikam is a richly featured cataloguing package, but my preference for raw processing is Rawtherapee.

PeaceFroggy · 12-02-2014, 10:42 PM

Originally posted by damianc

...but my preference for raw processing is Rawtherapee.

+1 for RawTherapee (which I completly forgot to mention). Use it myself as my main raw processor

**dms** · 12-02-2014, 11:06 PM

If you look there was recent post on the free CS2, and it gave another site than adobe to download it from--apparently with no requirement of prior license. Works fine for at least up to the Q and K-5, and the raw files. If you used photoshop it seems like a natural.

Aksel · 12-03-2014, 03:55 AM

I use mostly DXO Optics Pro, RawTherapee, Xara Designer Pro and Zoner PhotoStudio.

GIMP so far has been a bit complicated to me, but really want to learn to use this program.

**Rondec** · 12-03-2014, 04:00 AM

I use a combination of Lightroom and Nik Effects for the most part. Lightroom can do 95 percent of the editing I need to get done. It can do simple cloning/healing things, fix white balance issues, crop/straighten photos. Those are probably the big things.

For big clone jobs, I use an older copy of Photoshop Elements.

I guess a lot depends on what you are wanting to do.

StephenHampshire · 12-03-2014, 04:18 AM

Originally posted by PeaceFroggy

+1 for RawTherapee (which I completly forgot to mention). Use it myself as my main raw processor

I find RawTherapee excellent for highlight recovery (K5 DNG files)

I currently use Sagelight which I find fast and easy, but it is not great at masking unfortunately. Works well for tonal adjustments on RAW and JPEG, has some useful tools including a good noise/definition tool. It also can be used with PS plug-ins, for instance I use Topaz DeNoise from Sagelight. Also useful is Helicon Filter- I think you can get older versions free, actually I prefer v4 to v5

Oldbayrunner · 12-03-2014, 05:55 AM

Originally posted by BlakeShellman

That release is the one I used extensively prior to drifting away from it because of price. I think I'd go back to. One thing though is I have an Intuos tablet and I don't think the pressure sensitive brushes function with CS2.

I dunno, for me the $9.99 per month for both the latest editions of Lightroom and Photoshop with continued upgrades for no additional charge is well worth it more to me than the $600 per upgrade I paid previously. So I have to give up a couple double cheeseburger meals per month at SmackDonalds or something. Before someone chimes in about the Cloud thingy you work off your computer not the Cloud, unless you choose to up load to it..

12-02-2014, 08:20 PM	#1
BlakeShellman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 224	Photo editing software. I learned how to use Photoshop for graphics long ago and that's been my primary choice for photo editing. However it's expensive and I'm looking for a cheaper alternative. On the other end of the spectrum is Paintshop Pro X7. Lightroom is a couple of hundred more and if there's a benefit I'd be willing to switch. Can someone tell me what Lightroom can do that Paintshop Pro can't? And if they can both do the same what makes Lightroom the better choice? Thanks...Blake

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12-02-2014, 08:48 PM	#2
Rimfiredude Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Washington Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,176	CS2 is now free to the public. It works just fine. The only catch is Adobe does not suporrt CS2 anymore. Adobe Photoshop CS2 Free Download - TechSpot

12-02-2014, 08:56 PM	#3
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by Rimfiredude CS2 is now free to the public. It works just fine. The only catch is Adobe does not suporrt CS2 anymore. The only catch it is not free. The Adobe download page clearly states that the downloads are for users that have previously purchased a valid license.

12-02-2014, 08:58 PM	#4
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,476	This compares Lightroom to Photoshop, but it applies to Paintshop too. Photoshop Versus Lightroom Which is Right for You? The bottom line is that Lightroom is a workflow system for photographers rather than an image editor.

12-02-2014, 09:18 PM	#5
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	Theres always the Gimp which is free. It is pretty capable but it does come with its own learning curve. I use Gimp and Darktable but then I can't stand Windows anymore so I run Linux.

12-02-2014, 09:22 PM	#6
BlakeShellman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 224 Original Poster	Originally posted by Rimfiredude CS2 is now free to the public. It works just fine. The only catch is Adobe does not suporrt CS2 anymore. Adobe Photoshop CS2 Free Download - TechSpot That release is the one I used extensively prior to drifting away from it because of price. I think I'd go back to. One thing though is I have an Intuos tablet and I don't think the pressure sensitive brushes function with CS2.

12-02-2014, 09:34 PM	#7
Pioneer Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Wandering the Streets Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,411	In my opinion GIMP would be an excellent alternative, if it worked with 16bit files. Until then it is Photoshop CS6, for which I have a license. Actually I have no problem with CS6, though it was a bit pricey upfront. The Creative Cloud is also an option if you don't mind a monthly fee. If I had a choice between Lightroom and Paintshop Pro, I would personally choose Paintshop Pro but for one problem. If you work with RAW images then PaintShop Pro is just not in the same league as Lightroom or Photoshop. However, if like my wife, you prefer to work with jpeg images then Paintshop Pro is a terrific photo editor. The tools will take some time to get used to if you are presently a Photoshop user but IMHO they are every bit as strong. And the price is certainly right.

12-02-2014, 09:46 PM	#8
PeaceFroggy Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 112	Thought about checking open-source/freeware programs like digiKam (cataloging and basic raw processor) and GIMP (photo editor, but indeed no 16bit capability)?

12-02-2014, 09:53 PM	#9
damianc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Highlands of Scotland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 360	The development version of GIMP (2.9) will work in 32 bit, however, last time I used it it was quite memory hungry. Digikam is a richly featured cataloguing package, but my preference for raw processing is Rawtherapee.

12-02-2014, 10:42 PM	#10
PeaceFroggy Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 112	Originally posted by damianc ...but my preference for raw processing is Rawtherapee. +1 for RawTherapee (which I completly forgot to mention). Use it myself as my main raw processor

12-02-2014, 11:06 PM	#11
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	If you look there was recent post on the free CS2, and it gave another site than adobe to download it from--apparently with no requirement of prior license. Works fine for at least up to the Q and K-5, and the raw files. If you used photoshop it seems like a natural.

12-03-2014, 03:55 AM	#12
Aksel Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 224	I use mostly DXO Optics Pro, RawTherapee, Xara Designer Pro and Zoner PhotoStudio. GIMP so far has been a bit complicated to me, but really want to learn to use this program.

12-03-2014, 04:00 AM	#13
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,663	I use a combination of Lightroom and Nik Effects for the most part. Lightroom can do 95 percent of the editing I need to get done. It can do simple cloning/healing things, fix white balance issues, crop/straighten photos. Those are probably the big things. For big clone jobs, I use an older copy of Photoshop Elements. I guess a lot depends on what you are wanting to do.

12-03-2014, 04:18 AM	#14
StephenHampshire Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Winchester Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,523	Originally posted by PeaceFroggy +1 for RawTherapee (which I completly forgot to mention). Use it myself as my main raw processor I find RawTherapee excellent for highlight recovery (K5 DNG files) I currently use Sagelight which I find fast and easy, but it is not great at masking unfortunately. Works well for tonal adjustments on RAW and JPEG, has some useful tools including a good noise/definition tool. It also can be used with PS plug-ins, for instance I use Topaz DeNoise from Sagelight. Also useful is Helicon Filter- I think you can get older versions free, actually I prefer v4 to v5

12-03-2014, 05:55 AM	#15
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	Originally posted by BlakeShellman That release is the one I used extensively prior to drifting away from it because of price. I think I'd go back to. One thing though is I have an Intuos tablet and I don't think the pressure sensitive brushes function with CS2. I dunno, for me the $9.99 per month for both the latest editions of Lightroom and Photoshop with continued upgrades for no additional charge is well worth it more to me than the $600 per upgrade I paid previously. So I have to give up a couple double cheeseburger meals per month at SmackDonalds or something. Before someone chimes in about the Cloud thingy you work off your computer not the Cloud, unless you choose to up load to it..