What PhotoShop Version or GIMP is Best???

[Brusimm]

I'm quite confounded and need some guidance. I use images on my websites but every now and then, I need a bit more. Like for instance, my website logos need much more help than what I've done so far.

I've got an application which does a lot of what I want to images, but it doesn't know layers.

GIMP knows layers, but it feels like the entire world uses PhotoShop. So I start looking around and there are billions of versions... OK, a few versions of PhotoShop out there.

I'm a simple image editor. I like how ACDSee lets me see my collection of images, and it's editor takes care of almost all of my needs.

Yet I'm wondering what's the best version of PhotoShop I should consider for me? I am a bit confused on what is what and what I see is that I don't have ~$400 to spend on something I may not use that much. Which is one reason why I'm thinking of GIMP.

The only reason I'm not diving into GIMP is that I see so much support, insight and what not for PS that it makes me take pause.

And therein, lies my confused state of chemo-electrical impulses. (My mind.)

This may end up looking like an impromptu poll, but I need some good words to back the votes. (That make sense?)

Thanks ahead of time gang.

[HankW]

I use and like photoshop elements, and there are a lot of plugins to give you more of a photoshop-like program.PSE does not have layers but there are plugins for layers that work fine.

PSE is up version 7(PC),and version 6(MAC). I also bring everything into Lightroom first as I shoot mostly RAW.

Elements also has a plug-in that you can use for RAW photos using your specific camera. However GIMP is free and getting more advanced all the time.

[sybren]

I use The Gimp a lot. It's a good piece of software, and there are plenty of people who can help you if you get stuck. Many PS tutorials aren't PS-specific, and can be easily translated to The Gimp. Just give it a try, and take the time to learn it. It's not like you're throwing away money ;-)

[Fen]

I think it's a case of "Horses for courses", some people prefer GIMP others prefer PhotoShop.

As stated above, Elements is a cut down version of PhotoSop and does just about everything that you'll need. Add LightRoom to the mix as well and you've got an excellent cataloguing tool and RAW convertor.

I've been using PhotoShop since the original Beta versions (on the MAC) back in 1989, and now use CS2 on the PC. Haven't upgraded as I find CS2 does everything I need.

My advice, download GIMP and the 30 trial of PhotoSop Elements and have a go with each of them.

It's the only way you'll really find out which one suits you.

[Drkranger]

Don't forget Paint Shop Pro. It has everything the Photoshop does for a fraction of the price. I've seen the newest version, X2, for $50 or less.

[PowerPix]

Based on you being a "simple image editor", I would say go with GIMP. It's got way more editing power than you will probably ever need, and it's free. As for the support, trust me, there is plenty support!!!! With minor tweaks, almost all Photoshop tutorials transfer into GIMP. I just can't see someone spending hundreds of dollars on something that they will barely scrape the surface of its capabilities on, when you can get basically the same for free. Just my $0.02.