[charbear1]

Hi! I have finally entered the world of the Digital SLR having just bought a Digital Rebel XT. I would greatly apprecaite recommendations on what photo/image editing software I should start out with and also what format to shoot in.

I have a couple of 2GB Compact FLash cards so storage is not an issue so I thought I'd shoot in RAW format and then enhance/sharpen the images on the PC.

Right, wrong, indifferent?

What software package would you recommend? Would prefer to keep it under $100 or at least well under $200. Is the Canon software worth anything?

Thanks!

[buck52]

Howdy

If you shoot raw you will need to use the Canon software or Photoshop with the correct filters, to be able to read the raw files

For what its worth... I shoot Nikon NEF/jpg and process with Photoshop CS2...that way I can quick view/post the jpg and have the raw .NEF for printing/processing...

buck

[WButchar]

The best photo editing software out there, in my opinion, is Adobe Photoshop: versions 6 to CS. Reliable, works with many different file types: jpg, tif, raw, psd, pdf, bmp, eps, etc. It is precise, packed with tools and although it takes years to semi-master, the learning curve for the average person is rather friendly. However, it is expensive.

Other decent programs:

Ulead has many fun filter options, but not as versatile as PS (Adobe Photoshop). Still, rather "fun".

CorelDRAW also has it's own photo editing program: "Photo Paint". It comes free with CorelDRAW. It's "workable", but can get very frustrating especially if you're used to PS. [Not a well written program: IMO.]

GIMP is a free program you can download off the net and is "similar" to PS, but the differences soon become obvious. However, if you bite the bullet long enough to get to know the basics of the program and wade through the confusing tutorials and help, it actually starts to pay off.

Hope this helps.

[MowermanEd]

A good way to "break into" PS CS is to get Photoshop Elements. It's cheap, $49 most places and it has the look and feel of PS CS minus a few features. Once you've got the hang of it you can then decide if you're ready to take the plunge and spend the big bucks on PS CS.

[bkdc]

Originally Posted by MowermanEd

A good way to "break into" PS CS is to get Photoshop Elements. It's cheap, $49 most places and it has the look and feel of PS CS minus a few features. Once you've got the hang of it you can then decide if you're ready to take the plunge and spend the big bucks on PS CS.

I agree I bought PSE-3 when it first came out & so far thats about all I need to edit & catalog hundreds of family photos. I have to admit that there was a learning curve but an investmaent of $20 for the "Photoshop Elements 3 for Dummies" really helped.

Photoshop Elements 4, is now the latest.

Good luck.