Photo Editing Software for D50

[toriaj]

I am new at digital photography, and I am planning to buy a D50. Should I get photo editing software in addition to the PictureProject 1.5 that is included with the D50? If so, which program? (Photoshop is the one that comes to mind, but which version? Or should I stick with the PictureProject until I outgrow it?) Thanks.

[Matthew]

If you want to use the RAW format that is oh so powerful, you need to get additional software. If you have any questions about RAW, ask, but I will assume you have a basic knowledge. I would recommend that you play with Raw Shooter Essentials when you get your camera. this will let you make images that your other software can edit.

If you like RAW, then yeah, I would get photoshop cs2

[toriaj]

Amazon lists Photoshop CS2 as an upgrade. Do I need to own another version of Photoshop for this to work?

And what is Raw Shooter Essentials? Thanks for your suggestion.

[TampaJim]

I would recommend you try (and if you like, buy) Adobe Photoshop Elements. It is 85-90% of its big brother Photoshop CS2. In addition, it is a MUCH better value unless you make it well into the super professional level. Compare the price of $99 to $649 and it starts to look pretty sporty as well. It is a great value - they basically took CS2 and hobbled it just a bit to keep a revenue stream alive from customers that couldn't or wouldn't buy CS2 - it also gives them a nice upgrade source down the road.

The software can be tried for free - that would be my first recommendation. The second reason I like going with Elements, is that the interface you learn could be carried over to CS2 (the big MacDaddy) if you ever wanted to upgrade for some reason. In addition, there is one other little thing to keep in the back of your mind - Adobe IS the software of the desktop pros of the MacIntosh world - so if you ever went super duper pro - you would be squarely placed in Photoshop land. So ... Elements is a great starting point (and for many a finishing point - you will be surprised what little bro can do), period.

BTW, Costco and a few other places carry Elements for $79.99. So ... shopping around might save $10-20 if you decide to purchase.


http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelwin/main.html

[patrickt]

As you might have already discovered, the good news is there is plenty of software out there to do whatever you need to do. The bad news is there is plenty of software out there.

My suggestion is that you stick with what comes with your camera until you need more. When I first got involved with digital I was swept away with editing software. Suddenly, I realized I was spending a lot more time sitting in front of the computer than I was taking picture. I was also using software to try and salvage photos that should have been done better to begin with.

I put the software away for awhile and concentrated on really learning the camera. I haven't regretted that. Now, my editing needs are much less significant.

[toriaj]

Thanks for the suggestions. The trial version and sticking with what comes with the camera definitely make my wallet happy!

I agree with you, patrickt. I started checking out books on digital photography from the library (plus, I don't have a camera yet for hands-on learning.) Of the books I've checked out, most of the book is about software tools. While I want to play on the computer too, and try the fun stuff, what I really want is to learn how to take great pictures! Not fix them later. *although there is certainly a place for that* I'm going to look for books about how to take pictures. Not manipulate them.

Thanks again for the great suggestions!

[TampaJim]

Would you consider an online class for free? If so, this one is very well thought out - it includes lesson exercises, I highly recommend actually doing each one and taking the course seriously - try not to read through it at lightspeed, like most internet material.

Good luck and enjoy!

Jim -

http://www.morguefile.com/archive/classroom.php

[toriaj]

Hey TampaJim, maybe it was in one of your posts that I saw this link a week or so ago ... I checked it out then. When I get my camera, I will definitely do it. I read the material already, but that's nothing next to actually trying it! Thanks for putting this out there. I think it's really neat that the teacher actually replies to the posts. I'm counting my pennies ... need a lot for the D50 ...

[derekinla]

Just got a D50 and I have some Newbie questions about the included Picture Project 1.5 before I install the software...

1) Does Project allow for the manipulation and adjustments of NEF RAW files? Or do I need additional software. (i.e. Capture 4, Photoshos)?

2) I already have Photoshop elements. Can PS elements handle NEF RAW? Or do I need the full version of photoshop? or some downloadable extension?

3) Is it worth installing Picture Proejct if I already have PS elements?

Thanks!

[Rhys]

Generally, I don't bother with camera-manufacturer software. Canon's software is nice in that it stuffs photos into date-titled folders which I quite like.