We often see people who just got their first camera and want more than Silkypix can offer but don't have the budget right now for PS etc. So I thought it would be a good spot to share all our favourite freeware programs here. I'll make it a sticky if there is enough to make this a good resource.
So post your favourite programs, what they do and why you like them. Any significant features would that would be helpful.
Paint.net
I'll start with:
http://www.getpaint.net/
Paint.net (PN) has an interactive forum that offers tutorials, help files, plugins and you can request a plugin as well. Has some very similar features to PS and is an easy layout to work with. Lots of artistic and abstract tools as well. I don't find it a power hog like PS can be and great for users with older computers.
Screen shot:
Sumo Paint
This I haven't used a lot but a handy basic version of PS with some decent basic features and accessible on the web anywhere if you wanted to do a quick edit for someone when you are away from home.
SUMO Dynamic Photo HDR:
A very good HDR program. I don't do much HDR but every once in awhile it's a good way to create an image. I find the tools with this program better than other's I've tried and you can download a basic version without any cost. It leaves a small watermark on the final output but that's easily removed. I find it is possible to create an image that looks perfectly natural with a greater dynamic range than an individual shot would do.
If you buy the full version, there is no watermark. The sync tools work well with this and it's simple to understand.
Dynamic Photo HDR, high dynamic range imaging software with Anti-Ghosting
Last edited by Peter Zack; 02-20-2009 at 11:05 AM.