Post Processing

[Mireille]

Hi,

As a recent beginner to DSLR photography, I would like some advice as to which post processing software to buy for my Canon EOS 450D, please? I am just your average amateur photographer with a personal interest in macro photography. The software would have to be easy to use and not cost an arm and a leg to buy.

Thank you.

[Eastree]

If you want free, consider GIMP and UFRaw. If your computer has a 32 bit OS, I hear a lot of good things about RAW Therapee, but it crashes on my computer (the site warns about usng it in a 64-bit OS)

[Photologyst]

You could try Elements (the lesser Photoshop). It's very reasonable. If you want to spend a bit more and get a whole lot then opt for Lightroom which is both a cataloging and adjustment program.

Try both out for a month, free.

[Krusty79]

paint.net is also free. Paint Shop Pro is similar to Elements and costs less.

[dcclark]

I too love Gimp. The only complaints I've heard about Gimp are mostly from people who have learned Photoshop first. I learned on Gimp, and it has basically everything I'd want for some serious post-processing. Plus, you can't beat the price -- give it a try!

[jerome.oneil]

If you are a student you can get Photoshop CS5 at 80% discount, about $200 USD.

UFRaw & GIMP combination is great too and both are available on Mac and PC. Luminance HDR is also free and will help you with HDR processing. You can't lose anything going this route until PhotoShop fits in your budget.

[rharrison]

Originally Posted by dcclark

I too love Gimp. The only complaints I've heard about Gimp are mostly from people who have learned Photoshop first.!

That's been my experience as well. You can do all the same things the layout is just slightly different.