Looking for a good digital photo software

[pbowman]

Hi, I am new to digital photo and am looking for a good, but not too expensive software to use for it. The things I want to do is catalog my photos, make enhancements and effects, also collages. Would also like to add things like bubble text to my photos. And would be able to export to a media device like my SD card to be able to go and have them printed. I have found programs that will do some, but not all. As a plus, if any are out there that is available for download for trial, so I can make sure that I like it that would be great.

Thanks

Phil

[qbawl]

Lots of different freebies and others with trial versions, though I'm not sure any single free or very inexpensive program will meet your requirements.

Here.

Here, too. Long list under "Freeware."

[gamer101]

go to www.adobe.com and look for different adobe photoshop trials
if u decide to buy it they range from roughly $80 to $200

[koala]

Can you give us some examples of the programs you've been looking at?

The high-end ones used by professionals, like Photoshop, are expensive and not really intuitive enough for the kind of thing you're trying to do. There's a steep learning curve and many of the features are aimed at designers and printers rather than home users. Something like FastStone (freeware) might be more suitable.

[pbowman]

I have downloaded Microsoft Digital Image 2007, InAlbum 3.0 deluxe and am currently trying out Faststone, all have great features, but none so far have everything in one package.

Thanks
Phil

[koala]

It's difficult to recommend just one program or suite that can do everything you want. I've been using various image editors for about 15 years now and prefer to use one program for each task. For example, Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator for creating and editing images, CompuPicPro or IrfanView for viewing and cataloging, JPEG Optimizer for compressing, etc.

Paint Shop Pro is one of the top image editing suites in its price range and has many of the features of Photoshop with the advantage of being easier for new users to learn.

[pbowman]

Just checked out paint shop pro and it looks like it will do about everything that I want.

Thanks for the help

Phil

[kodi]

Try Adobe Photoshop Elements 5 it is like photoshop cs but not as expensive. I have both and do not use photoshop cs anymore as elements does everything I want and then some

[pbowman]

OK, thanks, I downloaded Photo paint and I must say the learning curve seems to be steep, either that or I am a complete NOOB:)

Thanks again, will give elements a try.

Phil

[eagledrc]

I think Photoshop Elements is exactly what you want. Pse 6 just came out...around $100 depends on what package you get...