Best "low-cost, off-brand" software choices?

[klynam]

Photoshop is a terrific program -- no-doubt there. But I've also seen several one-trick-pony software programs and plugins that seem to beat certain internal PS functions hands down.

Of course there are big dollar workflow programs like C1Pro (RAW processing). But there seem to be more and more programs/plugins from smaller companies or individuals that don't cost too much and really perform well. (Some are even free!) I'm speaking of stuff like Noise Ninja, EasyS Sharpening Toolkit, etc.

Besides Photoshop, what other low-cost/no-cost programs are you using, or would you recommend?

klynam

[WestFalcon]

Try Photoshop Elements...less than $100 and very good from what I hear

[tim]

ULead do a decent photoshop replacement, which i'm told is much easier for PC users to learn than Photoshop. Cheaper too.

Noise ninja's not free?!

[Bodog]

For RAW conversion you don't need C1 Pro. LE is a lot less $$ and does the same job as Pro.
For editing Elements 3 is less than $100 and will fulfill 99% of your needs, including RAW conversion.
Paint Shop Pro is a decent editor for about the same as Elements.
If you want freebies check out the Gimp. There is a Windows version available and will do everything Photoshop does, except color managment. It's been awhile since I've looked at it, they may include color management now... :)

[fslshooter]

Take a look at PolyView by Polybytes -- http://www.polybytes.com/. I often use it when I get frustrated trying to get PS to do what I've done with PolyView for years.

[Hellashot]

What is "low cost" to you? (the poster). I picked up Photoshop Elements 3 for $80 at Walmart.

[bballboy30]

I got elements 3.0 for $50 (after rebates) on amazon.com.

[Belmondo]

I'm not sure we're really answering Klynam's question. He asked: Besides Photoshop, what other low-cost/no-cost programs are you using, or would you recommend?
I don't want to put words in his/her mouth, but it sounds like we're being asked what low-cost programs/plug-ins are we using with Photoshop.

Photoshop Elements is Photoshop (minus a few features), and I doubt if that's the answer being sought.

[klynam]

Belmondo is right. Photoshop alternatives and/or replacement is not my question...

For noise removal, I've seen incredible results from Noise Ninja (only $29 or something like that.) Years ago, there was a european hack program to control old Kodak digitals from a Windows desktop. (I used that for the last two years at work until I bought my own digital camera.) Of course the 300D hack is free and lots of people use that.

What other low-cost/no-cost software gems are floating around out there under the radar? RAW converters? Desktop controllers? Sharpening? Noise? Film simulators? Even those gotta-have PS actions?

KLYNAM

[KevC]

GIMP. For people who can't afford Photoshop and/or refuse to use Windows :)

[flugelboy]

GIMP. For people who can't afford Photoshop and/or refuse to use Windows :)

I was actually really suprised at the functionality in GIMP. There are some things I don't like about it such as being able to see immediate changes (such as when changing hue/saturation). In Photoshop, you can see the changes as you drag the slider.

Other than little things linke that, this is an incredible program and a great alternative to Photoshop. And it's FREE!

[Bodryn]

I'm not sure if this answers the question either but when I got my new version of Jasc PSP version 9.0 I found that it had a couple of one-trick ponies that impressed me. One is "fill flash" which, with one mouse click, can convincingly brighten up dark areas in the photo as though fill flash had been used, without affecting the lighter areas - it works also for dark areas in the distance. This is fantastically easy to use and yet has a lot of latitude for adjustment. Another really neat capability is that you can selectively undo an edit without having to undo all the other dozens of later edits back to that point. There's more, but those are the two edit toys that impressed me.

[alan sh]

Noiseware community edition. Does what it says on the tin and it's free.

[tim]

Noiseware community edition. Does what it says on the tin and it's free.

Do you know what the restrictions on the community edition are? I can't find a chart on their site.

[alan sh]

Do you know what the restrictions on the community edition are? I can't find a chart on their site.

I don't think you looked too hard :)

http://www.imagenomic.com/detailsstandalone.asp

[tim]

Thanks :)

[mwinog2777]

PS elements, hands down.