PhotoImpact 8 Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently received the assignment from my boss to evaluate the various digital photography/image editing programs in the ~$$$ price range. Included were:
- Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0
- Microsoft Digital Image Pro 9.0
- Ulead PhotoImpact 8.0
- Jasc Paintshop Pro 9.0
My review centered around three criteria: image mainpulation, advanced design and photo effects, and suitability for making web graphics. I spent a total of 16 hours on the various programs performing a pretty intensive evaluation in order to determine which product to select for our business. (We needed to purchase a large site license and so there was a lot of $$$ at stake.)
I will tell you that, much to my surprise, PhotoImpact came out on top - not just overall but in each of the three areas individually, as well. I say "to my surprise" because it's definitely the underdog. It doesn't have the kind of sensationalism that the other seem to have, and you don't see it advertised all that much. But it's definitely the champ.
I found PhotoImpact and Paintshop Pro the easiest to use when it came to digital photography features. (Photoshop Elements was far too difficult for business use, and Digital Image Pro far too simplistic, in my opinion.) But PhotoImpact takes the cake in this area because its drag-and-drop orientation is very straightforward.
When it comes to the higher-end design features, PhotoImpact was the clear winner. It supports Adobe's plug-in architecture, so all of the cool filters you can get for Photoshop (and elements, for that matter) are compatible with PhotoImpact. But PhotoImpact gives you a much greater degree of control over customizability than Photoshop Elements, the no. 2 contended in this second area, in my opinion. Once again, it's very easy to create some spectacular effects: There's built-in sophisticated vector drawing (which none of the other evaluated products have), as well as 3D text with some outstanding effects.
And, lastly, in the area of web graphics, PhotoImpact came in tops with Paintshop Pro following second. PhotoImpact has a great system for compressing GIFs, plus it includes a GIF animation application that's really sweet.
Anyway, I hope this helps all you image editing shoppers. Wish I had seen this sort of review upfront; it would have made the decision much easier for me,

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98/W2K/WME/XP

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Corel Paint Shop Pro X Scrapbooking Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)This software is wonderful! I have been trying to find a good program to scrapbook digitally for many years. I've tried Broderbund (sp?) whose interface was too clumsy, Nova which was rather difficult at times (many things you can't do) and now this. When I first took this out of the package and installed it I thought I had made the wrong decision with this software since there were very, very few backgrounds, templates or embellishements even when I opened the Xtras CDs that came with this. I truly did not feel the Xtras CDs were worth purchasing since there are very few things on them. But then I found the tutorials that are included on the CD and watched the one about making collages. I didn't get halfway through the video - I had figured out how to do it. I have now created some of the best scrapbook pages I've ever made. Within hours I had a beautiful collage/letter to send with my holiday cards. My husband's first impression was a heartfelt "It's lovely". What has so throughly convinced me of the abilities of this software is that I can take ANY image and make it a background, I can create and manipulate text almost any way I want, I've been able to create my own embellishments as well as using downloaded embellishments from websites that sell it (.png format). I feel like I have no limitations on what I can do now. I imagine this software is not as sophistacated as Adobe Illustrator, but then it probably isn't as complicated to use (from what I remember that program has a rather steep learning curve).
You can also use the eyedropper tool to "pick up" any color from any picture, background, or element (read "anything") in the program. I was able to take the background colors and make embellishments that matched! I can take a color from one of my pictues and make a background that matches. You can also remove backgrounds from photos - it takes a bit of time to do, but the area around the image will be transparent - this functionality has many uses. You can also save your files in many different formats including .jpg for file sharing, etc. There are so many more features I couldn't possibly list them here, nor would you want me too (too much time).
If you only use premade templates and don't feel ready to venture out on your own yet this software may not be for you unless you find a website that sells templates for this software. You could start with something like Nova Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 3.0, which I liked, and when you start becoming really frustrated by its limiations it may be time to move up to this program. You may also want to read a book about digital scrapbooking to give you ideas and alert you to possibilities.
The great thing about this program is that it isn't just for scrapbooking. You can do all your photo manipulation in it . I have always liked Paint Shop Pro so much that I haven't been able to afford to upgrade my copy since version 6, but I kept using that version. I'm so glad I got version 10 as it is very user friendly too. But please know that version 10 (which comes with this package) is not the most recent version. Version 11 is out now. If you don't want/need the Xtras CDs that come with this package you may want to just buy the most recent version and buy some embellishements from a website that makes .png files (portable network graphics format) or make your own.
I hope you have as much fun with this software as I am having. I highly recommend the training videos on the CD - they really help.

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Corel Paint Shop Pro X delivers a complete set of photo editing tools to help you createprofessional-looking photos fast! With Paint Shop Pro X you can fix brightness, color andphoto imperfections; compose photos full of depth and imagination; give photos a uniqueand exciting look, plus, organize and share all your photos with Corel Photo Album 6 -Standard Edition, included. By combining automatic photo fixes, precision editing controls in a revolutionary Learning Center with organizing features, Paint Shop Pro is a first of its kind -- an easy-to-use photo editor for anyone who wants to create stunning photos right out of the box. Includes three ready-to-use scrapbooking resources for print or digital layouts.

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JASC PAINT SHOP PRO VERSION 6 Review

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(More customer reviews)I have found it impossible to understand and navagate. I have yet to complete one function before giving up or running out of time. do I have to hire a tutor.

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Jasc Paint Shop Pro 6 takes image editing to a new level of functionality and ease of use. Designed for users who want control, power, and flexibility, Paint Shop Pro 6 delivers the tools you need to easily capture, create, enhance, and optimize your graphics projects.

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Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3 Review

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(More customer reviews)Since Corel acquired Paint Shop Pro it's been all down hill. X3 is the Apollo 13 of paint programs. A total disaster. If you have more than a few images on your computer be prepared for a 2-3 hour installation ordeal. The program will crash and freeze several times as it attempts to catalog the entire contents of our computer. Thanks, but I already know where my pictures are, really. Should a "Pro" program be brought to it's knees repeatedly by a large catalog of images? Corel evidently thinks so.
The cause of all this trouble is the "Organizer". Man oh man what a train wreck. It's whole purpose in life seems to be so you can rate your pictures. I really don't need to rate my picture. Really? rate my own pictures... OK but I generally just delete the lousy ones but what ever. It would be of some use if you could use it like a browser, but no. There is no way the keep the "Organizer" open after selecting an image to edit. You can't even keep your place as opening an image automatically closes the "Organizer". When you go back your at square one go find it again. If I want to open several pictures from different folders... well let's just say it's much less than useless. If you don't want to use their exact work flow you are up a creek, a very slow creek as switching between editing and "Organizing" is glacial.
Well we got one new tool! Oh goody, I can do a lousy job of taking somebody out of a picture in one click. Whoop-de-doo! They did make the Text editing tool less stupid that it was, but it was pretty stupid. The new method is less awkward but still needs work.
What didn't we get? Well the majority of the editing tools are still 8 bit. If you want to work with your raws and maintain 16 or 32 bit per channel keep looking because there has been no improvement.
Now for the bad news when you decide to uninstall the demo. Corel really wants to put the screws to you for daring to uninstall their epic bloat ware. The uninstall literally took 45 minutes, It was stuck on 36% for at least 30 minutes.
In summary I would only recommend this to people I really don't like.

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If creating great pictures is your passion, Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3 is the photo-editing program for you. Featuring a brand-new RAW Lab and easy batch photo processing, it's the only advanced photo-editing software to combine photo management, creative projects, photo sharing and even HD video slideshows in one package. It's everything you need to get professional-looking results you'll be proud to share. Ideal for DSLR cameras.

Overview PaintShop Photo Pro X3 is the most rewarding way to enhance your photos and create professional-looking images. Now with a complete RAW workflow, this photo-editing program lets you manage, adjust, edit and share your digital photos--all in one place. Accelerate the way you organize, rate, tag and sort with new photo management tools. Make automatic fixes in the enhanced Express Lab, or go deep with a full set of advanced editing tools. Then upload to Flickr, Facebook and YouTube, create high-quality photo books and projects, print, email or back up photos on disc. It's your entire photo workflow in one high-performance package.
New--RAW Lab--manually adjust groups of RAW photos during the loading process
Enhanced--Express Lab--quickly fix common flaws in this speed-editing mode
New--Advanced editing tools--edit fast with Smart Carver, Vibrancy and more
New--HD photo and video--import and export HD video
New--Integrated projects--create photo books, HD slideshows, cards and more
Enhanced--Photo sharing--email, print online or at home, and send directly to Facebook, YouTube and Flickr
Bonus--Corel Painter Photo Essentials 4--Turn photos into paintings in three easy steps!

What's New This is a must-have upgrade for PaintShop users and DSLR camera owners! The fastest version yet, this photo-editing software features exciting new professional-quality features, like the Smart Carver, a new RAW Lab, easy batch processing, and a photo Organizer. Learn how to speed up your entire workflow and get the best-quality results.
Improved Digital Workflow
Enhanced--Photo Organizer Customize your digital workflow with new photo management capabilities. Use multiple views, including thumbnails and image previews, to quickly select photos.
New--RAW Lab, Image Quality and Control Make RAW adjustments during the loading process and work with even more RAW camera formats--faster than ever before.
New--Easy Batch Processing Make adjustments to one photo, then easily apply the same changes to multiple other photos right in the enhanced Organizer.
Enhanced--Speed and Performance Get more speed and editing horsepower with more multi-threading support for multi-core processors.
Enhanced--Express Lab Apply common edits in just one click. Remove noise, sharpen images, and quickly adjust contrast, local tone mapping and more.
New Advanced Photo-Editing Tools
New--Smart Carver Seamlessly remove objects from an image with professional quality. The Smart Carver also lets you expand or contract objects without distortion.
New--Vibrancy Boost color in the least saturated areas of a photo without affecting the rest of the image.
New--Object Extractor The integrated Object Extractor isolates an object--even challenging cases such as flyaway hair and fuzzy pet fur--so it can be copied to a new background or a new background can be pasted behind it.
New--On-Image Text Editing With the updated text engine, it's easier, faster and more natural to apply text to an image. Adjust font, color, placement, position, size and wrapping of the text in context of the image. Reselect the text on the image and continue typing, or apply text on a path.
New--HD Video Slideshows As an increasing number of DSLR cameras capture HD video, PaintShop Photo Pro now offers tools that let you combine photo and video projects. Create HD slideshows and movies of your photos and videos, all with the same tool.
New--Windows 7 Compatibility PaintShop Photo Pro X3 is fully compatible with Windows 7, as well as Windows XP and Windows Vista. Take advantage of new Windows 7 speed and performance to experience a whole new level of creativity.
Bonus--Corel Painter Photo Essentials 4 This fun program lets you turn a photo into a unique work of art in just 3 easy steps:
Choose a photo and the painting style you want to apply.
Let the Smart Stroke painting technology create a stunning painting.
Touch up your masterpiece by hand if desired.

Bonus--KPT Plug-in Filters A natural addition to your photo-editing software, KPT plug-in filters help you quickly create remarkable image transformations and original effects. PaintShop Photo Pro X3 includes KPT Goo, KPT LensFlare, KPT Projector and KPT Equalizer.
Built-In Photo Projects and Sharing
Easy Photo Sharing Quickly share photos and videos directly on Flickr, Facebook and YouTube. You can also email, print at home or order prints online*.
Built-in Photo Projects Using the new Project Creator, its fast and simple to make great-looking photo books, HD slideshows, collages, cards and more
What's included?
Main application Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3: Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3 gives you the power to easily organize, edit, and share professional-quality photos. Make photo improvements faster in the enhanced Express Lab, or go further with powerful new editing tools. Create amazing photo books and projects, upload to Flickr, Facebook or YouTube, print or share by e-mail. Combining single and multi-photo editing tools, online sharing and simple HD video integration, your entire digital workflow is now available in one high-performance package.
Supporting applications Corel Painter Photo Essentials 4: If you want to do more than just edit and print photos, Corel Painter Photo Essentials 4 is the ideal way to get started with digital art. Using the unique Auto-Painting palette, you can create a stunningly realistic work of art from a photo in just three easy steps. (English only)
Corel Instant Viewer: This component provides a quick, direct way to view photos on a PC, allowing you to scroll through your photos and send them to PaintShop Photo Pro X3 for editing. (English only)
Simplify your digital workflow
Enhanced--Photo Organizer Customize your digital workflow with new photo management capabilities in PaintShop Photo Pro X3's Photo Organizer. Use thumbnails and image previews to quickly select your photos.
New--Easy Batch Processing Make adjustments to one photo, then easily apply the same changes to multiple other photos. Edit one, apply to many, right from the Organizer.
Enhanced--Express Lab The new interface makes photo editing faster than ever. Preview photos and videos or make changes in this speed-editing mode. Quickly adjust contrast, apply local tone mapping, remove noise and sharpen images. You can also adjust levels, clarity and white balance, batch-edit multiple photos and more.
Do more with advanced photo-editing tools
New--Smart Carver Seamlessly remove objects from an image with professional quality. Smart Carver also lets you expand or contract objects without distortion.
New--Vibrancy Boost color in the least saturated areas of a photo without affecting the rest of the image.
New--Object Extractor The integrated Object Extractor isolates an object--even challenging cases such as flyaway hair and fuzzy pet fur--so it can be copied to a new background or a new background can be pasted behind it.
Fix it fast in Express Lab Don't let the small stuff slow you down! Enjoy one-click access to common photo fixes.
Learning Center The award-winning Learning Center empowers anyone to harness the power of advanced photo editing, regardless of your previous software experience. It builds your confidence and makes it easier to develop your skills by helping you complete tasks within seconds of launching PaintShop Pro Photo.
Makeover Tools Make sure the people in your photos look their best with tools that are fun and easy to use. Help your subjects look thinner in seconds, whiten bloodshot eyes, smooth wrinkles, paint on a tan and remove blemishes.
Enhanced--Remove Digital Camera Noise Remove "noise" artifacts that interfere with the clarity of your digital image--faster than ever! One-Step Noise Removal smooths photos with a single click. Digital Camera Noise Removal gives you precise control over how these corrections are applied.
Get creative with projects and photo sharing
Enhanced--Built-in Creative Projects PaintShop Photo Pro X3 is the only pro-quality photo enthusiast software package to so closely integrate creative projects with photo editing. The new Project Creator is a fast and simple way to make a great-looking photo book, collages, cards and more--all in addition to PaintShop's easy online sharing options.
New--Easy Photo Sharing Share photos and videos where and how you want, using email, Flickr, Facebook and YouTube. Print at home, order prints online, email or quickly burn a DVD to enjoy on your TV.
Layer Styles Easily apply artistic effects to individual layers, such as drop shadows, embossing and reflections.

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