Which Software?

I just purchased a new computer. My old one had a bootleg version of some ancient Photoshop on it. It was simple enough to use, especially for the basic stuff.

I don't want to use bootleg software, and want to purchase some photo editing software. My computer came with a 30-day trial of Photoshop Lightroom 3. I've downloaded it and have been messing around with it a little, but it seems somewhat cumbersome. The whole "import/export" thing isn't really blowin' my skirt up.

What would be a good software package to look at? I'm not looking to take a second mortgage for software; something in the $300.00-$400.00 range.

Thanks!

Gimp - Free
http://www.gimp.org/

Photoshop CS5 - $299
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1014937

As posted above there are great prices on Photoshop CS5 right now. I was going to say you could also try it for a 30-day trial but who knows what the price would be a month from now.

Photoshop Elements 9 - $80

If you are a student or work in education you can get it even cheaper.

Organic Treats wrote in post #12147207
If you are a student or work in education you can get it even cheaper.

My sister in law is a teacher, and offered to buy it form me. But I want to be completely above board; I don't know how updates, etc. would be affected if I'm not the registered owner...

It won't matter. Once you put the serial in you are set from there. Updates just see if it has a legit serial.

Organic Treats wrote in post #12148987
It won't matter. Once you put the serial in you are set from there. Updates just see if it has a legit serial.

Good to know; thanks!

The North America discount price for Photoshop is pretty much the same as the academic discount, so I'd check that out. And, though people are trying various "end runs" about buying Photoshop, the fact is that the academic license is only really "valid" if the student is part of your household or family (such as a kid in college). I don't know if a "sister in law" (not part of your household) would qualify. You could check out Adobe for details. If you did "use" her she would have a bit to do, getting a copy of her ID submitted to Photoshop while going through the purchasing process and all.

It's not only for students. It's for teachers and staff members also. Yeah she does have to send a cop of her ID to Adobe when she makes the online purchase. It's pretty simple. I love the discount. I got a crazy deal on CS5 and LR3 last year.

I'll throw this in here since it wasn't mentioned - Canon's latest DPP software. Fairly quick and simple... and it's FREE!

LR3 and Aperture are simpler than photoshop, and you may find the import function cumbersome, but if you ask me it helps me keep track of my photos. I won't lose them if they're organized in aperture or lr.

Try it out. It is much better than having hundreds of folders on your computer. And it's easier to back up.

Blurr Cube wrote in post #12152449
I'll throw this in here since it wasn't mentioned - Canon's latest DPP software. Fairly quick and simple... and it's FREE!

True that DPP is very good and free, but it doesn't include a "compete" image editor. For Raw processing though I consider it a must have, even if you already have a Raw processor of choice!

Yes I tend to find DPP more useful for Raw than JPG PP.

Elements is simpler than Photoshop. OP can get an academic version of that or Photoshop. I don't think the North American promo link works anymore (last I checked).

LR is an organizational/managem​ent tool with "basic" (relatively speaking ) editing. I see it as a step above DPP but below Photoshop (in terms of photo editing capabilities).

Corel has Paintshop Photo. Nobody really mentions this software around here, though.

Lots of choices out there depending on the OP's or anyone's needs (and budget) really.