Recommended Photo Editing Software?

hbarcus · 07-01-2012, 10:13 AM

Just bot a used K20D. It did not come with any software, so I will appreciate your recommendations for what I should use! Thanks!

Anvh · 07-01-2012, 10:25 AM

Lightroom 4 but there are also many other options that might be to your liking.

SpecialK · 07-01-2012, 10:37 AM - **1 Like**

hbarcus · 07-01-2012, 10:46 AM

Thanks, SpecialK. Your links were a great help...and helped me see what was here in the Forums.

L33tGreg · 07-02-2012, 05:38 AM

Corel Aftershot Pro

Anvh · 07-02-2012, 06:37 AM

You can download a trial version for most programs.

Please dont forgot there are 2 kinds of editors for photography, one is often called a RAW converter but the can handle JPEG as well often, basicly they give you the same controls you have in a darkroom when you develop your photo so you can change colours brightness contrast and things like that but most of the edits are there to make really develop the photo. With the other kind of program, you are talking about pixel editors, programs like Gimp, Photoshop fall here under, they are meant to change and move pixels around in an image so the tools aren't tailored for photography, but since you can do so much more with them it might be what you're looking for.
If you just want to clean up your photo a bit then look at the RAW converters, they are cleaner and therefore easier to learn.

**psoo** · 07-03-2012, 04:13 AM

I have a Mac computer that came with iPhoto software. I usually shoot in jpeg and have been pleased with the simplicity of use and the results obtained with iPhoto. I haven't been tempted to use the software that came with my Pentax cameras. I print up to 8 1/2 X 11 inch size and like to make slide shows on DVDs. I might even try to enter pics in competition one day. What I strive for is maximum sharpness in my work even though many experienced photographers often prefer softer shots in some applications. It seems that the people in this, and other threads, don't use iPhoto. Is it too primitive? My needs are quite basic. I don't need to stitch several photos together or any other complex stuff. In my quest for sharper images and good color rendition can I do better if I dump iPhoto?

Adam · 07-03-2012, 04:23 AM

If you're more interested in photo editing than overall workflow, then I'd recommend Photoshop, preferably CS5 or higher, as they leverage the GPU and have great selection tools. It's expensive, though, so if that's an obstacle then photoshop elements or lightroom are good alternatives.

Anvh · 07-03-2012, 05:42 AM

Originally posted by Adam

If you're more interested in photo editing than overall workflow, then I'd recommend Photoshop, preferably CS5 or higher, as they leverage the GPU and have great selection tools. It's expensive, though, so if that's an obstacle then photoshop elements or lightroom are good alternatives.

But lightroom is very different program then photoshop though...

**psoo** · 07-03-2012, 06:29 AM

Originally posted by Adam

If you're more interested in photo editing than overall workflow, then I'd recommend Photoshop, preferably CS5 or higher, as they leverage the GPU and have great selection tools. It's expensive, though, so if that's an obstacle then photoshop elements or lightroom are good alternatives.

Thanks for the comments Adam, but apart from their lesser flexibility, what's wrong with iPhoto and the Pentax-supplied software with respect to sharpness of image?

Marc Sabatella · 07-03-2012, 10:49 AM

Nothing, but you don't need software to make an image sharp. Start with a basically good image, and editing programs will also output a basically good image. Differences in IQ between different programs are miniscule and almost completely subjective, but differences in capabilities and ease of use can be *enormous*.

Best analogy I can think of is to film camera. All film cameras (of a given film format) are capable of essentially the exact same image quality. It's the difference in capabilities and ease of use that makes one film camera better than another.

**psoo** · 07-03-2012, 11:35 AM

Thanks Marc:

I have gotten used to iPhoto over the last few years and it more than meets my needs. If, as you say, it gives image quality that is comparable to that which can be obtained with Photoshop, etc. then I think I'll keep using iPhoto even if it is less efficient to use. After all, if post processing gets too easy, my brain might atrophy. I fight that every day.

Anvh · 07-03-2012, 12:10 PM

can you use selective editing with iphoto, sharpening for example if not that would be one reason when it comes to sharpening and i know 8 different ways to sharpen in photoshop.

Tom S. · 07-03-2012, 01:09 PM

I'm with Adam on Photoshop. But I also agree with him that it is expensive unless you can qualify as a student or instructor. Every program mentioned can do lots to help you fix or process your photos. Photoshop is the industry standard, but it's sibling Lightroom, is cheaper and an excellent choice.

**psoo** · 07-03-2012, 01:23 PM

Yes Anvh, you can use selective editing with iPhoto. However, there is only one way to sharpen and image. iPhoto allows you to alter color temp. color tone, contrast, exposure, saturation, as well as remove red eye, do retouching, reduce noise, etc. So it's quite flexible, at least for my average needs.

07-01-2012, 10:13 AM	#1
hbarcus New Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 4	Recommended Photo Editing Software? Just bot a used K20D. It did not come with any software, so I will appreciate your recommendations for what I should use! Thanks!

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07-01-2012, 10:25 AM	#2
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Lightroom 4 but there are also many other options that might be to your liking.

07-01-2012, 10:37 AM - 1 Like	#3
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,482	Many threads about it... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/digital-processing-software-printing/1896...me-advice.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/digital-processing-software-printing/1876...-software.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/digital-processing-software-printing/1845...lements10.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/digital-processing-software-printing/1846...periences.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/digital-processing-software-printing/1785...ggestions.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/digital-processing-software-printing/1763...ically-do.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/digital-processing-software-printing/1748...ments-9-a.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/digital-processing-software-printing/1758...orth-69-a.html

07-01-2012, 10:46 AM	#4
hbarcus New Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Thanks, SpecialK. Your links were a great help...and helped me see what was here in the Forums.

07-02-2012, 05:38 AM	#5
L33tGreg Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charleston, SC Photos: Gallery Posts: 369	Corel Aftershot Pro

07-02-2012, 06:37 AM	#6
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	You can download a trial version for most programs. Please dont forgot there are 2 kinds of editors for photography, one is often called a RAW converter but the can handle JPEG as well often, basicly they give you the same controls you have in a darkroom when you develop your photo so you can change colours brightness contrast and things like that but most of the edits are there to make really develop the photo. With the other kind of program, you are talking about pixel editors, programs like Gimp, Photoshop fall here under, they are meant to change and move pixels around in an image so the tools aren't tailored for photography, but since you can do so much more with them it might be what you're looking for. If you just want to clean up your photo a bit then look at the RAW converters, they are cleaner and therefore easier to learn.

07-03-2012, 04:13 AM	#7
psoo Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 485	I have a Mac computer that came with iPhoto software. I usually shoot in jpeg and have been pleased with the simplicity of use and the results obtained with iPhoto. I haven't been tempted to use the software that came with my Pentax cameras. I print up to 8 1/2 X 11 inch size and like to make slide shows on DVDs. I might even try to enter pics in competition one day. What I strive for is maximum sharpness in my work even though many experienced photographers often prefer softer shots in some applications. It seems that the people in this, and other threads, don't use iPhoto. Is it too primitive? My needs are quite basic. I don't need to stitch several photos together or any other complex stuff. In my quest for sharper images and good color rendition can I do better if I dump iPhoto?

07-03-2012, 04:23 AM	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	If you're more interested in photo editing than overall workflow, then I'd recommend Photoshop, preferably CS5 or higher, as they leverage the GPU and have great selection tools. It's expensive, though, so if that's an obstacle then photoshop elements or lightroom are good alternatives.

07-03-2012, 05:42 AM	#9
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Originally posted by Adam If you're more interested in photo editing than overall workflow, then I'd recommend Photoshop, preferably CS5 or higher, as they leverage the GPU and have great selection tools. It's expensive, though, so if that's an obstacle then photoshop elements or lightroom are good alternatives. But lightroom is very different program then photoshop though...

07-03-2012, 06:29 AM	#10
psoo Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 485	Originally posted by Adam If you're more interested in photo editing than overall workflow, then I'd recommend Photoshop, preferably CS5 or higher, as they leverage the GPU and have great selection tools. It's expensive, though, so if that's an obstacle then photoshop elements or lightroom are good alternatives. Thanks for the comments Adam, but apart from their lesser flexibility, what's wrong with iPhoto and the Pentax-supplied software with respect to sharpness of image?

07-03-2012, 10:49 AM	#11
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Nothing, but you don't need software to make an image sharp. Start with a basically good image, and editing programs will also output a basically good image. Differences in IQ between different programs are miniscule and almost completely subjective, but differences in capabilities and ease of use can be enormous. Best analogy I can think of is to film camera. All film cameras (of a given film format) are capable of essentially the exact same image quality. It's the difference in capabilities and ease of use that makes one film camera better than another.

07-03-2012, 11:35 AM	#12
psoo Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 485	Thanks Marc: I have gotten used to iPhoto over the last few years and it more than meets my needs. If, as you say, it gives image quality that is comparable to that which can be obtained with Photoshop, etc. then I think I'll keep using iPhoto even if it is less efficient to use. After all, if post processing gets too easy, my brain might atrophy. I fight that every day.

07-03-2012, 12:10 PM	#13
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	can you use selective editing with iphoto, sharpening for example if not that would be one reason when it comes to sharpening and i know 8 different ways to sharpen in photoshop.

07-03-2012, 01:09 PM	#14
Tom S. Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 4,317	I'm with Adam on Photoshop. But I also agree with him that it is expensive unless you can qualify as a student or instructor. Every program mentioned can do lots to help you fix or process your photos. Photoshop is the industry standard, but it's sibling Lightroom, is cheaper and an excellent choice.

07-03-2012, 01:23 PM	#15
psoo Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 485	Yes Anvh, you can use selective editing with iPhoto. However, there is only one way to sharpen and image. iPhoto allows you to alter color temp. color tone, contrast, exposure, saturation, as well as remove red eye, do retouching, reduce noise, etc. So it's quite flexible, at least for my average needs.