Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3

KettererE · 01-26-2010, 01:03 AM

Is this a new version of the classic PaintShop Pro program...replacing PSP Pro X2?

Photo Editing Program ? Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3

Wonder if it is stable in Windows 7 and has full 16-bit color tools, better raw support, noise reduction, etc.

Someone dive in and find out!

joebob · 01-26-2010, 05:48 AM

It appears to be. I have X2 and it's interesting Corel didn't notify me of an upgrade.

TallGuyNW · 01-26-2010, 06:03 PM

Yes - new version of PSP Pro. I saw a live webcast today where they demonstrated some of the new features. They said that they'd post the webcast on their site soon for those who missed it.
Here are some of the interesting highlights I saw:
* It's now multi-processor/multi-core aware. He gave an example that the digital noise removal was approx. 2x faster during his tests (not sure if he was using a dual-core or quad-core)
* The Smart Carver tool was very cool - really effective at removing unwanted objects
* The Object Extracter worked pretty well too - he demo'd extracting a head from a portrait and it retained all the fly-away hair and other details nicely.
* Better photo organizer. Add tags, view exif, add ratings. The ratings (1-5 stars) could be useful... Take a few hundred shots, give them a quick review in the organizer and flag the photos you want to spend time editing with more stars. Then, filter the photos in the organizer to show only the 4-5 star photos.
* Very easy to apply adjustments you made to one photo to other photos (basically, it's a right-click Copy Adjustments, then select one or more target photos, and Paste Adjustments)
* I asked whether there will be a native 64-bit version available, but they didn't get to that question. They said they'd email responses to unanswered questions.

-Mike-

PurpleDragon · 01-27-2010, 03:09 AM

However, no mention anywhere in their add as to which camera is or isn't supported.
The X2 version by the way does NOT support the Pentax K-7. *

*received a response from Corel that the K-7 will be added, eventually. Perhaps.

**klh** · 01-27-2010, 07:57 AM

Anyone have experience yet with the new RAW lab? I'm currently using RawTherapee with PSPX2, but would consider upgrading if the RAW tools are sufficient.

JeffJS · 01-30-2010, 05:31 PM

Originally posted by PurpleDragon

However, no mention anywhere in their add as to which camera is or isn't supported.
The X2 version by the way does NOT support the Pentax K-7. *

*received a response from Corel that the K-7 will be added, eventually. Perhaps.

X2 will Read the K7 PEF files. The only thing that seems to be flaked out in them is that the Red and Green channels are swapped. I've created a script in mine to switch them back when I want to use it. I haven't explored it very deeply to see what else may be off.

DNG works fine with it.

It's a nice little program, especially for the price. I would like see them add the K7/Kx support.

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-30-2010, 05:53 PM

this has my attention. I am currently using PSP X2 Ultimate.

ANyone tried this yet to know how many features are with 16 bit color, as opposed to stepping doen to 8 bit before editing?

ixian · 01-31-2010, 07:44 AM

I've downloaded PSP X3 trial. Nice piece of software, as long as I work with jpegs. It opens PEFs from my K10D, but they are all horribly overexposed, many of them just white blobs with zero details. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, or there are some settings hidden somewhere, but the same files opened with Pentax Photo Lab are fine...

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-31-2010, 05:47 PM

look on the \file\preference\FILE FORMAT PREFERENCES

menu

you can alter the way it imports RAW, but also you should report the issue.

There is no issue with PSPX2 importing K10D files

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-10-2010, 06:46 PM

being a PSP X2 user and also shooting a K7 I upgraded.

The big thing I see is the much improved RAW interface when opening PEF files,

you can make all your adjustments right there, starting with the camera view,

It also allows for keeping adjustments and batch processing, so that if you were to go out on a shoot you can make adjustments to a bunch of images using the same settings.

I will need to play a lot more with it to see what else is new

**jheu02** · 02-11-2010, 06:10 AM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

being a PSP X2 user and also shooting a K7 I upgraded.

I will need to play a lot more with it to see what else is new

Please do as I just received an email offer (I had tried the x2 version but didn't buy) and it's almost too good to pass up. I haven't committed to any program right now (other than the Olympus Master that came with our PnS) but was wondering what could be "wrong" with it since it's got such a low price compared with photoshop or lightroom.

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-11-2010, 06:48 AM

Originally posted by jheu02

Please do as I just received an email offer (I had tried the x2 version but didn't buy) and it's almost too good to pass up. I haven't committed to any program right now (other than the Olympus Master that came with our PnS) but was wondering what could be "wrong" with it since it's got such a low price compared with photoshop or lightroom.

corel PSP is a very capable program, and has undergone considerable updates since I started using PSP 8 (then under the name of Jasc)

I have upgraded over time to Version X, XI, X2, X2 Ultimate and now X3.

biggest drawback I see is the delay in camera support. X2 ultimate came out at the same time (actually after) the K7 but did not support it.

a 6 month delay can be a little frustrating. Same thing happened with my K10D and about 9 month wait between Versions X and XI.

But, with each release it has improved functionality, and this release is a big step IMO for raw users.

You don't need to assume there is something wrong with a product because it is a lower cost for the value. After all, you are shooting pentax, aren't you

. Much the same issue, Adobe, like Nikon or canon has such a big market share they can to a certain extent demand their price and get it. That does not make their products better just more expensive.

I read several photo magazines, and when they do a technique in photoshop, I work through the same thing in PSP. Have yet to find something I could not do.

PSP is also just on the fringe of having a large enough base to have third party publishers looking at a dedicated magazine, just like photoshop has, and one actually started in the UK, but died after about 8 issues along with subprime mortages.

Ratmagiclady · 02-11-2010, 05:01 PM

I'd appreciate anyone with a general opinion on this version, (and the difference between the older and newer versions for those who have used neither) speaking up: our new machine is here and I will soon be, I suppose, giving a trial version of something a try.

(I'm honestly leaning toward PSE 8 just because I'm easily-computer-bewildered, and there's more help out there, but I'm being open-minded.

It'd simplify things to have opinions on which PSP of the two would be how preferable over the other.

)

Denis · 02-11-2010, 09:12 PM

I have the Ultimate and upgraded toPro X3. I like the new organiser, much better. Raw is excellent when setup is done. Handles DNG, K20, K10 but don't know about K7. The price was right, $20.00 cdn, downloaded. It was not an upgrade version but full new install. I ran both Utimate X2 and Pro X3 on a Quad and the speed is considerately faster for sure. It has very good features such as batch processing, HDR, and every adjustments found on PhotoShop. The Project Creator is very useful to load images to the web, direct access to Flickr, Youtube and Facebook, photo album and on. So far I am very please with it.

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-12-2010, 06:25 AM

Like Denis I downloaded the PSP X3 upgrade from PSP X2 Ultimate.

The biggest functional difference between the two programs that I notice is the separation of the organizer and editor.

Up to PSPX2 ultimate, the organizer was something that was either a strip attached to one side of the work space, or a separate wundown that opened in the workspace, this restricted somewhat the use of the organizer. now you have what I would consider pages, one for the organizer, one for the editor, and you toggle back and fourth between them. In some ways I am not sure I like this but I can see the benifits. The organizer has benifited most from this change, and is much improved

The other big difference is on opening RAW files, where you have a full set of controls to adjust the raw image on opening. Previously they opened with either using smart photo fix to set the settings of sharpness WB etc, ot the defaults in the image file. The new setup is much better and you can save the settings for batch processing of RAW.

Otherwise, aside from the changes to the display color which I actually like better than solid grey as in the past 2 versions, all other features are the same.

It does seem to open RAW images faster than X2 Ultimate.

Also, unlike previous versions where the image database seems to have to be rebuilt every time you upgrade / install, this time the image database is intact, making the upgrade much more transparent.

On the down side, and this is an annoyance only, most editing features where preview is available, have the default to preview on the full image as opposed to a small window box. Preview on full screen of editing changes slows the program down, but there is no global setting for this, you have to uncheck this box in every editing feature as you use it the first time.

01-26-2010, 01:03 AM	#1
KettererE New Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 6	Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3 Is this a new version of the classic PaintShop Pro program...replacing PSP Pro X2? Photo Editing Program ? Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3 Wonder if it is stable in Windows 7 and has full 16-bit color tools, better raw support, noise reduction, etc. Someone dive in and find out!

02-11-2010, 06:48 AM	#12
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,371	Originally posted by jheu02 Please do as I just received an email offer (I had tried the x2 version but didn't buy) and it's almost too good to pass up. I haven't committed to any program right now (other than the Olympus Master that came with our PnS) but was wondering what could be "wrong" with it since it's got such a low price compared with photoshop or lightroom. corel PSP is a very capable program, and has undergone considerable updates since I started using PSP 8 (then under the name of Jasc) I have upgraded over time to Version X, XI, X2, X2 Ultimate and now X3. biggest drawback I see is the delay in camera support. X2 ultimate came out at the same time (actually after) the K7 but did not support it. a 6 month delay can be a little frustrating. Same thing happened with my K10D and about 9 month wait between Versions X and XI. But, with each release it has improved functionality, and this release is a big step IMO for raw users. You don't need to assume there is something wrong with a product because it is a lower cost for the value. After all, you are shooting pentax, aren't you. Much the same issue, Adobe, like Nikon or canon has such a big market share they can to a certain extent demand their price and get it. That does not make their products better just more expensive. I read several photo magazines, and when they do a technique in photoshop, I work through the same thing in PSP. Have yet to find something I could not do. PSP is also just on the fringe of having a large enough base to have third party publishers looking at a dedicated magazine, just like photoshop has, and one actually started in the UK, but died after about 8 issues along with subprime mortages.

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01-26-2010, 05:48 AM	#2
joebob Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery Posts: 184	It appears to be. I have X2 and it's interesting Corel didn't notify me of an upgrade.

01-26-2010, 06:03 PM	#3
TallGuyNW New Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 11	Yes - new version of PSP Pro. I saw a live webcast today where they demonstrated some of the new features. They said that they'd post the webcast on their site soon for those who missed it. Here are some of the interesting highlights I saw: * It's now multi-processor/multi-core aware. He gave an example that the digital noise removal was approx. 2x faster during his tests (not sure if he was using a dual-core or quad-core) * The Smart Carver tool was very cool - really effective at removing unwanted objects * The Object Extracter worked pretty well too - he demo'd extracting a head from a portrait and it retained all the fly-away hair and other details nicely. * Better photo organizer. Add tags, view exif, add ratings. The ratings (1-5 stars) could be useful... Take a few hundred shots, give them a quick review in the organizer and flag the photos you want to spend time editing with more stars. Then, filter the photos in the organizer to show only the 4-5 star photos. * Very easy to apply adjustments you made to one photo to other photos (basically, it's a right-click Copy Adjustments, then select one or more target photos, and Paste Adjustments) * I asked whether there will be a native 64-bit version available, but they didn't get to that question. They said they'd email responses to unanswered questions. -Mike-

01-27-2010, 03:09 AM	#4
PurpleDragon New Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: BZH Posts: 20	However, no mention anywhere in their add as to which camera is or isn't supported. The X2 version by the way does NOT support the Pentax K-7. * *received a response from Corel that the K-7 will be added, eventually. Perhaps.

01-27-2010, 07:57 AM	#5
klh Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2009 Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, USA Posts: 827	Anyone have experience yet with the new RAW lab? I'm currently using RawTherapee with PSPX2, but would consider upgrading if the RAW tools are sufficient.

01-30-2010, 05:31 PM	#6
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by PurpleDragon However, no mention anywhere in their add as to which camera is or isn't supported. The X2 version by the way does NOT support the Pentax K-7. * received a response from Corel that the K-7 will be added, eventually. Perhaps. X2 will Read* the K7 PEF files. The only thing that seems to be flaked out in them is that the Red and Green channels are swapped. I've created a script in mine to switch them back when I want to use it. I haven't explored it very deeply to see what else may be off. DNG works fine with it. It's a nice little program, especially for the price. I would like see them add the K7/Kx support.

01-30-2010, 05:53 PM	#7
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,371	this has my attention. I am currently using PSP X2 Ultimate. ANyone tried this yet to know how many features are with 16 bit color, as opposed to stepping doen to 8 bit before editing?

01-31-2010, 07:44 AM	#8
ixian Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Warwickshire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 193	I've downloaded PSP X3 trial. Nice piece of software, as long as I work with jpegs. It opens PEFs from my K10D, but they are all horribly overexposed, many of them just white blobs with zero details. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, or there are some settings hidden somewhere, but the same files opened with Pentax Photo Lab are fine...

01-31-2010, 05:47 PM	#9
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,371	look on the \file\preference\FILE FORMAT PREFERENCES menu you can alter the way it imports RAW, but also you should report the issue. There is no issue with PSPX2 importing K10D files

02-10-2010, 06:46 PM	#10
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,371	being a PSP X2 user and also shooting a K7 I upgraded. The big thing I see is the much improved RAW interface when opening PEF files, you can make all your adjustments right there, starting with the camera view, It also allows for keeping adjustments and batch processing, so that if you were to go out on a shoot you can make adjustments to a bunch of images using the same settings. I will need to play a lot more with it to see what else is new

02-11-2010, 06:10 AM	#11
jheu02 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,025	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge being a PSP X2 user and also shooting a K7 I upgraded. I will need to play a lot more with it to see what else is new Please do as I just received an email offer (I had tried the x2 version but didn't buy) and it's almost too good to pass up. I haven't committed to any program right now (other than the Olympus Master that came with our PnS) but was wondering what could be "wrong" with it since it's got such a low price compared with photoshop or lightroom.

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02-11-2010, 05:01 PM	#13
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	I'd appreciate anyone with a general opinion on this version, (and the difference between the older and newer versions for those who have used neither) speaking up: our new machine is here and I will soon be, I suppose, giving a trial version of something a try. (I'm honestly leaning toward PSE 8 just because I'm easily-computer-bewildered, and there's more help out there, but I'm being open-minded. It'd simplify things to have opinions on which PSP of the two would be how preferable over the other. )

02-11-2010, 09:12 PM	#14
Denis Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: St-Albert, Alberta, Canada Posts: 331	I have the Ultimate and upgraded toPro X3. I like the new organiser, much better. Raw is excellent when setup is done. Handles DNG, K20, K10 but don't know about K7. The price was right, $20.00 cdn, downloaded. It was not an upgrade version but full new install. I ran both Utimate X2 and Pro X3 on a Quad and the speed is considerately faster for sure. It has very good features such as batch processing, HDR, and every adjustments found on PhotoShop. The Project Creator is very useful to load images to the web, direct access to Flickr, Youtube and Facebook, photo album and on. So far I am very please with it.

02-12-2010, 06:25 AM	#15
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,371	Like Denis I downloaded the PSP X3 upgrade from PSP X2 Ultimate. The biggest functional difference between the two programs that I notice is the separation of the organizer and editor. Up to PSPX2 ultimate, the organizer was something that was either a strip attached to one side of the work space, or a separate wundown that opened in the workspace, this restricted somewhat the use of the organizer. now you have what I would consider pages, one for the organizer, one for the editor, and you toggle back and fourth between them. In some ways I am not sure I like this but I can see the benifits. The organizer has benifited most from this change, and is much improved The other big difference is on opening RAW files, where you have a full set of controls to adjust the raw image on opening. Previously they opened with either using smart photo fix to set the settings of sharpness WB etc, ot the defaults in the image file. The new setup is much better and you can save the settings for batch processing of RAW. Otherwise, aside from the changes to the display color which I actually like better than solid grey as in the past 2 versions, all other features are the same. It does seem to open RAW images faster than X2 Ultimate. Also, unlike previous versions where the image database seems to have to be rebuilt every time you upgrade / install, this time the image database is intact, making the upgrade much more transparent. On the down side, and this is an annoyance only, most editing features where preview is available, have the default to preview on the full image as opposed to a small window box. Preview on full screen of editing changes slows the program down, but there is no global setting for this, you have to uncheck this box in every editing feature as you use it the first time.