What’s Your Preference?

Poider · #1 (**permalink**) 08-15-2010, 02:08 PM

Hi, Just a quick question, I have downloaded GIMP 2.6 and am playing around with it,
Is there a better program to download of the net and is GIMP anywhere close to photoshop?
Thanks
Peter

douglas · #2 (**permalink**) 08-15-2010, 04:40 PM

It depends upon what you want to do. I use gimp, and like all this programmes, it does take some learning. (I would recommend "Beginning Gimp"by Akkana Peck) and there are lots of tutorials available. If you want something simple and basic (also free) try Picassa. You might find Photoshop essentalsO.K., and probably 7 is O.K. Version 8 did not addmuch more useful stuff. Hope this helps, but as I say it depends on what you want.

CheaperKings · #3 (**permalink**) 08-15-2010, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poider

is GIMP anywhere close to photoshop?
Thanks
Peter

Quick answer: No. That's why it's free and Photoshop isn't.

Photoshop is the industry standard. However, GIMP can be to a beginner what Photoshop is to a professional. As you develop your skills, you may find yourself seeking out Photoshop.

tuxcomputers · #4 (**permalink**) 08-15-2010, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CheaperKings

Quick answer: No. That's why it's free and Photoshop isn't.

Photoshop is the industry standard. However, GIMP can be to a beginner what Photoshop is to a professional. As you develop your skills, you may find yourself seeking out Photoshop.

Really? Do you have ANY clue about FOSS? Have you used GIMP? Ever? Exactly what functions of Photoshop are not available in GIMP? I only know of 16 bit editing, even then you are limited in what edits you can do in PS when you are in 16 bit mode.

To the OP, GIMP is the most powerful image editor that you will get (legally) for free. The functions available in GIMP are extensive and more than match those available in PS. It is free because the programmers and developers take a difference view to their efforts than gouging the people that use the software, NOT because it is less.

The scripting in GIMP is far far more powerful than Photoshop has ever had and probably ever will. With that extra power comes extra complexity but there are plenty of people that understand and create GIMP scripts that are willing to create you one for free, that includes me.

I started using GIMP because I knew it was powerful and free. I have become quite knowledgeable on it. I recently had the opportunity to use Photoshop, didn't like it. There is nothing wrong with PS, it's just that I am not used to it and what would take me 5 minutes in GIMP was taking me over an hour in PS. I now have a portable version of GIMP I take with me on my USB stick.

People that say GIMP is no good say it for the same reason I don't like PS, it's not what they are used to. So based on that I would not recommend even installing GIMP if you are going to end up buying PS down the track, it is very difficult to switch over.

kuvahmagh · #5 (**permalink**) 08-15-2010, 10:51 PM

Without getting into it too much since this could easily become your typical Nikon/Canon, Windows/Mac/Linux etc type debate. The biggest reason I don't use Gimp is that I don't want to have a bunch of windows open, I want 1 that manages the rest if Gimp did that I might look at it more seriously but until then there isn't much point for me.

CheaperKings · #6 (**permalink**) 08-15-2010, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuxcomputers

Really? Do you have ANY clue about FOSS? Have you used GIMP? Ever? Exactly what functions of Photoshop are not available in GIMP? I only know of 16 bit editing, even then you are limited in what edits you can do in PS when you are in 16 bit mode.

To the OP, GIMP is the most powerful image editor that you will get (legally) for free. The functions available in GIMP are extensive and more than match those available in PS. It is free because the programmers and developers take a difference view to their efforts than gouging the people that use the software, NOT because it is less.

The scripting in GIMP is far far more powerful than Photoshop has ever had and probably ever will. With that extra power comes extra complexity but there are plenty of people that understand and create GIMP scripts that are willing to create you one for free, that includes me.

I started using GIMP because I knew it was powerful and free. I have become quite knowledgeable on it. I recently had the opportunity to use Photoshop, didn't like it. There is nothing wrong with PS, it's just that I am not used to it and what would take me 5 minutes in GIMP was taking me over an hour in PS. I now have a portable version of GIMP I take with me on my USB stick.

People that say GIMP is no good say it for the same reason I don't like PS, it's not what they are used to. So based on that I would not recommend even installing GIMP if you are going to end up buying PS down the track, it is very difficult to switch over.

Wow...I don't even know where to start with you. I have been Adobe Photoshop CERTIFIED for years. You don't like it because it's complicated to the 'average' user. It's complicated for very good reasons - it NEEDS to be. Have I ever used GIMP? I tried it out. I was able to master it in almost 10 minutes(I was tired that day). It wasn't worth my time and don't ever get me started on what the differences are. I was totally unaware that GIMP was capable of full 3D edits and animation. I was also totally unaware of it's seemless integration with AfterEffects and Premier Pro. Wait, it's NOT!

Dude, don't come in here and act like an Einstein. It doesn't suit you well. If you're happy with GIMP, that's great! But don't think you can slam the INDUSTRY STANDARD because it's too difficult for you.

Some people can't use PS, that's cool - I have no problem with that. It's the ones that slam it just because it's too hard or they don't have the patience to learn it.

I think you need to tap the breaks before you spout off about stuff you have no idea...

Poider · #7 (**permalink**) 08-16-2010, 06:38 AM

Ok,Ok I get the picture, if you are a proffesional photographer/ photo manipulator/ 3d techspert and you are making money from your Hobby/ Job, then you would find it a little easier to justify spending anywhere up to $4,000.00.
If however, you are like me and just a guy with a camera who tries to get the odd photograph of something worthwhile, then you should be happy to use GIMP.
So having said that, what I was trying to ask was;
Is Gimp the best I am going to get for free?
Peter

teaking · #8 (**permalink**) 08-16-2010, 10:05 AM

The New version or at least the new major release of gimp will be available with a single window mode. Theres lots of people with multiple monitor setups who like windows open in each and those that wish for a single window and I think this work around suits all perfectly.

GIMP is the most advanced photo editor you can get for free, and it is maintained and improved. Photoshop does take advatage and use graphics cards it does support 16 bit the menues are nicer and it is integrated with its own software products... theres a suprise lol

Theres no need to rip into the guy because you are adobe certified. We are well aware of some of the advantages of photoshop but for general image editing and alot of advanced edits GIMP will stand its own with photoshop. And dont forget you can work Blender and GIMP for 3D

and you can even bring Inkscape in for vector. All different programs but all opensource all powerfull and all work together as long as you dont have a closed mind hehe

CheaperKings · #9 (**permalink**) 08-16-2010, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teaking

Theres no need to rip into the guy because you are adobe certified. We are well aware of some of the advantages of photoshop but for general image editing and alot of advanced edits GIMP will stand its own with photoshop. And dont forget you can work Blender and GIMP for 3D

and you can even bring Inkscape in for vector. All different programs but all opensource all powerfull and all work together as long as you dont have a closed mind hehe

I didn't "rip" anyone and if it came off that way, I apologize. My original post was simply stating that PS isn't free for a reason. Then, I find myself under fire because someone wants to hop up on the gimp bandwagon.

Let's go into EA Sports or Lucas Arts or Midway Games studios and see how many computers we'll find that have gimp installed. More than likely; none. I understand that we're talking about someone who will probably never find themselves in a professional capacity where they'll require PS but, don't come on here and tell me how superior gimp is to PS. If we're going to do that, let's compare how superior this paper air plane I just built is to the Space Shuttle (the space shuttle isn't free, either)...