Photoshop versus GIMP

[fofazoju]

So I use Lightroom for PP and love it but am fully aware of its limitations. I have GIMP but after using the 30 day trial of Photoshop I admit I may like PS better.

Those who use GIMP, do you find much difference between it and Photoshop?

Photoshop users, is the $700 price tag REALLY worth it?????

[BK553]

The best thing about GIMP is the price. The UI, filters and tools just aren't there yet, despite a lot of hard work by a lot of people. Look at Photoshop Elements if the price is too high, it has about 80% of the tools you'll probably need for about 1/8 the cost.

Then again, if you're using Lightroom most of the tools are there too.

[rejhozezo]

Actually this is my real job, to make and design greetings cards, and I am not at all a photographer. I am just curious about how you people take the brilliant snaps, and this I am here. Now I will come to your question. I can tell you about my experience with both the applications. Photoshop is way better than GIMP, and the $700 you will be spending will not at all be a waste, trust me. It's that good.

[oldwolf]

It all comes down to what you're used to using and how your brain thinks. GIMP can do almost anything PS can do. It just takes you time to learn it. Paint Shop Pro X2 (PSP) can do just about anything PS can do as well but it takes time to learn it.

I've tried all three and currently have PSP X2 and PS CS4 installed on my computer. I much prefer PSP over PS.

Just my two cents.

[Gulf Coast Girl]

Originally Posted by fofazoju

Photoshop users, is the $700 price tag REALLY worth it?????

I'm new to photoshop and just learning how to use it. I took a 4 session workshop class at a local technical college and was able to purchase PS CS5 Extended for $199. The cost of the class was $80 so all total I paid $279 and got 4 lessons out of it.

The student version is NOT different, it is the complete full version, just at a reduced price if you are attending an accredited school.

[fofazoju]

Well I am mostly going to be using it for making print products like biz cards, brochures etc. Most companies like .psd files so that has me thinking I may need to purchase it (unless GIMP can make .psd file extensions???).

I've been using GIMP all morning and it isn't half bad (considering the price). It's true, just have to spend the time learning it, but it is quite similar to PS.

I do have student discount for PS but, there is a clause stating that none of the work you do can be used for profits (or something like that). My significant other is very strict on these types of things :P Me, not so much but I don't like hearing about it haha. I still have till April till decide if I wanna try and go for student discount and purchase it. I can justify $200 but just can't get to doing the $700.

I may try out GIMP for a while and see where it takes me.

Thanks for the replies!!

[dlambert]

Originally Posted by Gulf Coast Girl

I'm new to photoshop and just learning how to use it. I took a 4 session workshop class at a local technical college and was able to purchase PS CS5 Extended for $199. The cost of the class was $80 so all total I paid $279 and got 4 lessons out of it.

Great tip. Adobe just sent me an offer to upgrade from PSE to PS for $299, but this sounds like a much better approach. Was the PS deal offered directly through the school? I took a quick look at Adobe's educational pricing qualifications - it looks like there could be some wiggle room in there. I'd definitely consider this approach to pick up Lightroom at the educational rate.

[Gulf Coast Girl]

Originally Posted by fofazoju

I do have student discount for PS but, there is a clause stating that none of the work you do can be used for profits (or something like that). My significant other is very strict on these types of things :P Me, not so much but I don't like hearing about it haha. I still have till April till decide if I wanna try and go for student discount and purchase it. I can justify $200 but just can't get to doing the $700.

Ahhh, I'm a beginner so no chance I'll be selling anything. It's probably true about the profit thing, but I didn't see anything like that in my documentation. It just says...

Restrictions on use:
You may purchase only one license per platform of any Adobe Student and Teacher Edition product per year. Purchases of suite editions (such as Design Premium or Master Collection) are limited to one title per platform per year. Adobe Student and Teacher Edition products may be used only on your privately owned computer and may not be resold.

I don't see anything about things created in the software not being able to be sold.... just says you can't resell the software. There may be more "fine print" elsewhere.... but IMO, if it's not stated right up front there in the Restrictions on Use statement then there should be no problem.

However, if you find it somewhere in the fine print then you should go the legal route. Since you will be using PS for business and your customers want psd files then you are going to have to suck it up and spend the money. It is a necessary cost of doing business and can probably be written off on your business taxes.

IMO, if you are a professional then you should have the tools that professionals use. If I were hiring someone and they said "will you take GIMP files" when I said I wanted PSD files.... then I'd be questioning just how professional they are. That's not a knock against you, just an honest opinion on the importance of presenting yourself in the most professional light possible

[Gulf Coast Girl]

Originally Posted by dlambert

Great tip. Adobe just sent me an offer to upgrade from PSE to PS for $299, but this sounds like a much better approach. Was the PS deal offered directly through the school? I took a quick look at Adobe's educational pricing qualifications - it looks like there could be some wiggle room in there. I'd definitely consider this approach to pick up Lightroom at the educational rate.

I bought my software from Amazon.com. Just checked my receipt... it was $190 (not $199). The only thing I needed from my school was a letter stating I was enrolled in a digital imaging and design class. You might not even need that letter. I think if you have a valid student ID or school transcript that will work just fine. The school I attended doesn't have student IDs so I had to get a letter.

It was really fast turnaround time. I bought the software on Amazon and when I got it I went to the Adobe page to register and get my license key. I filled in some fields and uploaded a PDF of the letter and my driver's license and the next day they emailed me the key to install the software.

[RLucas]

I mainly use LR for almost everything. I use GIMP when I need to do anything else. I have only ever used GIMP, so I can't compare it to PS.