Photo Editing / Graphic Programs

     There are a number of very good photo editing and graphic editing programs out there currently.  The main difference between most of them is the cost vs. functions debate.  There are major differences in the cost, but does the huge difference in cost reflect the different functions you get with the various software packages?  That's what we'll be looking at.  First off, I couldn't really find a good freeware photo editing / graphics program out there...at least none that could compare with the three that I'll be reviewing now.  If you happen to know of a good freeware photo editing software that is in the league of Photoshop, Paintshop Pro, or Photo Impact, can you please email me, I would really like to offer a freeware graphics program that's close to these programs.

PaintShop Pro
Rating:
Cost:  $99

Review:  Paint Shop Pro is my photo / graphic editing program of choice.  There are many factors that make Paint Shop Pro the best on the market at the moment.  How do I come to this conclusion?  I've based functions of the major brands vs. cost and PSP is the best value currently.  From advanced webgraphics to photo editing, from the layer features, masks, plugins, and ease of use PSP reigns supreme in my judgment.  You can download a free trial of the program here Paint Shop Pro.

Ulead PhotoImpact
Rating:
Cost: $89

Review:  I've just started using PhotoImpact but I'm very impressed with it so far and it has quickly earned a desktop icon on my computer.  It is an easy to use program, probably the easiest program listed on this page and it has special sections geared towards webmaster, which of course is of great use to me.  I'll write a more complete review of this product in a week or two once I've had a better chance to get familiar with all the functions, but price, functions, and ease of use makes this a great program.  You can download a trial at Ulead PhotoImpact.

Adobe Photoshop
Rating:
Cost: $609

Review:  Okay, I had to gasp at that $609 price tag on this program once again.  I have Photoshop 6.0 and that's the price of Photoshop 7.0...Photoshop is the Granddaddy of all photo editing / graphic programs.  It's high end professional software for graphic artists, but most people aren't graphic artists and they would only use the photo / graphic programs for webgraphics or to maybe remove some red eyes from a photo, all of which can be done with Paint Shop Pro.  If you have to get Photoshop, so be it, the functions that they have added over Paint Shop Pro is not worth $500 more, trust me, you won't even use most of the functions on Photoshop...my advice would be to look on ebay and try and get a copy of 6.0 for less if you have to get Photoshop...otherwise I would stick with Paint Shop Pro.  You can download this program at Photoshop.

These are the main programs that I use for most of my  graphics work, if you have a program that you would like for me to review or you feel I left off this list, please send me an email and I'll review the software.