Thoughts on Corel Paint Shop Pro

[TeresaAdamBoston]

Has anyone used corel paint shop pro photo x2 ultimate?

Is it worth buying? I don't think I can spring for photoshop, and am looking for something in a more reasonable price range that is still good.

Thanks! -T

[Drkranger]

I'm not sure I have the same version you're listing, but I have one of the latest versions of PSP and love it. It is easy to use and full-featured. I'd certainly recommend picking it up. I've seen it on sale locally from $0 (with MIR) to $50.

[TeresaAdamBoston]

really? that is reasonable... I saw the corel software for $30. but perhaps I just need to dig around for a better price on psp. I saw a bundle somewhere for close to $500 and freaked. haha.

Thanks. -T

PS- I was born near mount shasta :-D

[abchip]

I've been using Corel Paint Shop Pro X2 for two years now and I can get it to do almost everything that Photoshop does. It's a great starting point if money is an issue.

[dsheridan]

I have used Paint Shop Pro various version up to and including X2 Ultimate and find it very user friendly and flexible. However I do find that Corel has stopped putting any development resources into it which is probably why you can buy it so relatively inexpensively. Most anything you'd want to do to your image you can do with Paint Shop Pro. I just "upgraded" to Photoshop CS4 for job I'm doing and am facing a very steep learning curve. I know what I want to do but trying to figure out how to accomplish it in CS4 has been frustrating at times. Probably why there are a myriad of text and how-to books for Photoshop vs. Paint Shop Pro. If you have any specific questions feel free to contact me. I do conduct tutorials for some local up and coming photographers in my area and am happy to assist any way I can. Good Luck!!

[mLynnWalker]

I bought PSP and love it! PSP is very simple to use and produces great results- and my clients don't care as long as they are pleased with the results. If your budget is limited it is a good investment and you can learn it quick. Photoshop elements is also a great place to start too. I have CS4 and you have to take time to learn it, whereas PSP you are off and running a little faster. CS4 is awesome don't get me wrong, but I do not regret starting with PSP. Hope this helps and have fun! Oh...I paid about $80 for the PSP Ultimate II and got a free jump drive with it- it's that reasonable! Amazon.com can probably out-do the price I paid.

[SaraJane]

I have it and it's awesome!!

[dsheridan]

if you are still interested in purchasing Paint Shop Pro Corel is running a special deal right now on all their software packages via a notification I received on email today.

Corel Special Offers - 2010 JANUARY

Check it out to see if it's of value to you.
Good Luck!!
Debra

[Kistabill]

I got an old version of Paint Shop Pro bundled with my DSLR when I bought it and found it could everything I wanted to do. I upgraded to PSPX2 a while back and believe me I still haven't been tempted to lay out an enormous amount of money on Photoshop, Besides, from now on I'm going to concentrate on what is important i.e. learning to use my eyes and my camera. If you are really intending to go in for PP one disadvantage with PSPX2 is that nearly all tutorials, including those on this site, are aimed almost exclusively at Photoshop users.

[Darq]

Been using PSP X2 for a while now, and think it's a great program. The bundled software and free thumb drive are a definate plus. Lot's of great tutorials (free) on youtube. If you have a wacom tablet, one of the guys who does the tutorials has his own site for tutorials on both the tablet and it's use with PSP. X2 should be really cheap anywhere you purchase it right now as Corel just released X3