Photoshop and Gimp

[expecting.rain]

As a complete newbie I have quite a shopping list in my photographic future. Cameras, lenses, flashes, memory cards, tripods, etc. It seems that Photoshop is definitely the standard for quality PP work, therefore, it is inevitable that someday I will pony up for Photoshop. However, does anyone out there use Gimp and feel quite satisfied with its results? Is it something a person could use while saving up for Photoshop?

I realize that no amount of software will compensate for poor shooting technique, but I also realize that it can help bring out the feeling you were intending.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any feedback.

[Jamesc359]

I use the GIMP. Is it as good as Photoshop? I doubt it. But free is free. I'd suggest you download and try it, you're not out anything if it doesn't suit you. Who knows, you just might find that your money is better spent on a new lens or flash.

[michellepotter]

I have both PhotoShop and GIMP, and IMO GIMP is just as good. From the many reviews I have read, the only thing PS has that GIMP lacks is CMYK support, which is something I have never used anyway.

GIMP isn't free because it's sub-standard; it's free because it's open source.

[wulf]

I have been using The Gimp for about ten years. During that time I've had a few chances to use Photoshop at places I have worked. However, I've not had a job that has mandated becoming a Photoshop expert and have found The Gimp to be an excellent tool.

Without a solid reason for having to know a specific program inside out, I feel that the only thing I'm lacking by not having Photoshop is a substantial dent in my wallet

Wulf

ps. Plenty of examples of what I have done with The Gimp are on my Flickr account.

[Major_Small]

I'm in a similar boat as Wulf. I've used the GIMP for all of my current work, and the work I have done in photo shop hasn't given me reason to think it's any better, and certainly not worth the extra cost.

[tuxcomputers]

You need to be warned, once you start learning the GIMP and get quite proficient at it you will find that when you try and use PS you will become frustrated at doing even basic things.

It's not that one is better or worse than the other (apart from the free thing) it's that they do the same things differently and I found it hard to even try and switch.

BTW I have started writing a book on GIMP designed for photographers and aimed at people that have just started all the way up to writing scheme scripts for it.

[Elmo]

Another happy TheGIMP user. One issue not mentioned, is that currently it uses 8 bit color depth. I do not find that an issue as I do very little output that utilized more than 8 bits. It is my understanding that ver 2.5 will go 16 bit.

Lets look at real life. Unless you are different from most you have limited funds. IMHO those funds would be better spent on glass rather than software. Especally when an equally quality software product is avaliable free.

But, on the other hand, one really need to consider the "clout" mode. "I only use L glass" or "I adjusted the levels in Photoshop." Remember the big thing in photography is look at my quality equipment.

Remember: Quality only counts in equipment used not the finished product.

[southernbelle]

I love GIMP! I have never used photoshop, but I really don't see how it could be much better than GIMP. And of course the best part is it is free!! I would definitely put that PS $ into a better lens/external flash etc.

[Aaron Moody]

I would say to atleast try out photoshop, you can download a free 30day trial at Adobe.com

Photoshop is industry standard software, meaning not only is it the best of the best, but is an essential skill to learn.

I thankfully got photoshop fro free as my dad works with it at home. so I would spend the £/$ on new kit. but i stand by my statement that photoshop is an essential piece of software to learn...if you want to pursue photography or any artistic career ofcourse.

[expecting.rain]

Thank you everyone for your feedback. I believe I'm going to pursue the GIMP for now. Can anyone recommend any good tutorials/resources on working with GIMP?