Photoshop & 18% gray...what version???

[jepjep]

Hey everyone,

I read an article on editing your digital pictures using PHOTOSHOP and an 18% gray card. Do any of you know how many versions, or which versions of Photoshop will do this? I am not going to pay $250 for Photoshop, but I've seen different versions (older ones) much cheaper. I was pretty amazed at the difference in quality of the original pictures compared to the edited pictures using Photoshop and the gray card.

I own an FZ 20.

Thanks for any info.

Jack

[jaynads]

Hey everyone,

I read an article on editing your digital pictures using PHOTOSHOP and an 18% gray card. Do any of you know how many versions, or which versions of Photoshop will do this? I am not going to pay $250 for Photoshop, but I've seen different versions (older ones) much cheaper. I was pretty amazed at the difference in quality of the original pictures compared to the edited pictures using Photoshop and the gray card.

I own an FZ 20.

Thanks for any info.

Jack

It doesn't need to be 18% or any particular % grey. The trick is basically a manual white balance setting in post production.

Here's how it works:

Take a picture of any grey (but it must be pure grey - 18% works because it is light and will show color casts better) card in the lighting conditions you are about to photograph.
Take your pictures.
Open the grey card in photoshop, and add a levels adjustment layer (under layers in menu or click the half black/white circle in the layers palate).
Select the grey pen from the levels interface and click anywhere on the card in your image. This tells Photoshop that that color is grey and shifts any color cast from the image. If lighting isn't even, you may need to click here and there until you get an appealing result. Then click OK.
Open your pictures. Go back to the grey card and click and drag the levels adjustment layer onto your pictures (one at a time). This copies the levels adjustment layer and its settings, effectively negating any color casts from those images.

Using a white card and manual white balance in-camera should have "as good" results.

[jepjep]

Jaynads,
Thanks for the response. It sounded confusing but I'm sure if I had the software in front of me and then I looked back at your detailed instuctions I could figure it out.

What Software is the best for this type of color/photo editing? And if it is only "Photoshop", will any of the earlier versions (not the current $250 and above) work?

Thanks again.

[jaynads]

Jaynads,
Thanks for the response. It sounded confusing but I'm sure if I had the software in front of me and then I looked back at your detailed instuctions I could figure it out.

What Software is the best for this type of color/photo editing? And if it is only "Photoshop", will any of the earlier versions (not the current $250 and above) work?

Thanks again.

There are many programs out there that are quite capable of editing your photos. Photoshop is an industry standard. That said, it is very complex and requires a bit of reading to learn. I recommend almost any book by Katrin Eismann. So, if all you're looking to do is adjust the tone and fix some red-eye, and some other tricks, go for Photoshop Elements 3. If you want something full power that gives you the ability to use multiple layers and channels, go for Photoshop.

As for any version of a program, the latest is always the best. However, if Elements isn't for you and you want Photoshop, I'd say to stay away from anything below 6. Each version that comes out has new tools and functions. Unfortunately, by using an old version, you lose the ability to use some very good tools (healing brush and panorama maker). However, usig Photoshop as a beginner is tough and requires months of reading before it becomes really intuitive.

Personally, I'd recommend you go for PS Elements 3. It has all the features you're likely to want/need for a beginner to advanced user.

Good luck!

[HawkeyeLonewolf]

Jaynads,
Thanks for the response. It sounded confusing but I'm sure if I had the software in front of me and then I looked back at your detailed instuctions I could figure it out.

What Software is the best for this type of color/photo editing? And if it is only "Photoshop", will any of the earlier versions (not the current $250 and above) work?

Thanks again.

FYI, I've found Paint Shop Pro to be just as good if not better than Photoshop (which has the "brand" name) in all ways and especially in price and ease of use.

http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Corel3/Products/Display&pfid=1047024307383&pid=1047023911984

[jepjep]

Thanks for the replies.

I've read a lot of good reviews on Paint Shop Pro 9. I might go with that one. It sounds very user friendly. Any one have Paint Shop Pro 9?

Thanks guys
Jack

[behr655]

I've been using PSP since version 3 and love it. I now use PSP9. Very easy to use and you can use all the PhotoShop plug-ins.

Steve

[cheewooi]

Hey everyone,

I read an article on editing your digital pictures using PHOTOSHOP and an 18% gray card. Do any of you know how many versions, or which versions of Photoshop will do this? I am not going to pay $250 for Photoshop, but I've seen different versions (older ones) much cheaper. I was pretty amazed at the difference in quality of the original pictures compared to the edited pictures using Photoshop and the gray card.

I own an FZ 20.

Thanks for any info.

Jack

Err a little off topic question:
How to edit using gray card in photoshop?