Post Production for Small Digitals

I own an sx160is. Good little camera. But, I'd like to try post production without buying a DSLR. That comes later.

Canon produces some free software for the DSLRs, Digital Photo Professional, Photo Stitch, and EOS Utilities. Can these work with JPEG images? That's all the 160 produces.

What about Elements, Lightroom, and YOUR favorite?

My first digital camera was a Canon A-85, followed by an S3-IS, both of which were JPG only. I started out editing with The GIMP, followed by purchasing Elements 5 (which was bundled with a Wacom tablet). Although JPG images aren't as flexible as RAW files there is still a lot you can do with them and it can be both fun and creatively satisfying. DPP will work with JPG images also, as does Lightroom. I say give it a try! You can start with free software first if you want (The GIMP, DPP, etc.) and if you find you enjoy the experience then you can think about other software and cameras/lenses.

Yes, DPP handles .jpg files just fine. I don't use the other stuff. GIMP is what I use for stuff beyond what DPP can do.

I've used GIMP (not bad), use PS7 instead of LR, & would suggest that you would get more help here if you bought a version of PS Elements & learned how to use that.
OTOH, any program that has Layers, Adjustment Layers, & Blend Modes should keep you busy & happy for a few years.

buffumjr wrote in post #16044725
I own an sx160is. Good little camera. But, I'd like to try post production without buying a DSLR. That comes later.

You don't need a DSLR to use PP software. You can download some free editing programs to see how they work:

Faststone-

http://www.faststone.o​rg/FSViewerDetail.htm

Gimp-

http://www.gimp.org/

archer1960 wrote in post #16045030
Yes, DPP handles .jpg files just fine. I don't use the other stuff. GIMP is what I use for stuff beyond what DPP can do.

By DPP, you mean Digital Photo Professional by Canon?

Also, I have Micrografx Picture Publisher. I don't know how to use it, as I've not been that interested in post before. MPP is probably from about 2001. Micrografx was bot by Adobe. Will look into that. After all, I already have it.

Thanx, guys. As usual, you've given me a ton of good advice. Now to use it, and see what the results are.

buffumjr wrote in post #16045164
By DPP, you mean Digital Photo Professional by Canon?

...

Yes, DPP = Digital Photo Pro.

Although DPP can be used for jogs, it is extremely limited and limiting. Fast stone is free and will give you more options as will the Gimp. For a reasonable investment Photosop Elements, Paintshop Pro and Picture Window Pro will widen your horizons.

Yes, planning on Elements 10. Saw a good deal on Amazon.

Maybe I should put off that DSLR purchase until I can justify to myself spending $1000 on a kit, with yet more needed. Today's speedlights work with the IR pulse from your main flash, so aux lighting is not the issue. DSLRs have HDR ability, radio control, PC control, lens changes. "Bridge" does not.

Will play with post while I keep struggling with this decision.

Using Photoshop Elements I took this jpeg:

Ah, the 4" Parrott Rifle on Little Round Top.

No, this battle did not save the Union. If Lee had won Gettysburg, the war would have dragged miserably on one more year than it did. The South was bled white, and the Union only getting stronger each day. At that point, the South could win a battle, but could not permanently hold the ground, where the Union held most of what it won. Had to do with population math and logistics.

Great photo. The Parrott Rifle looks a little dark. Was that a PS effect, too? To add an almost night effect, the way the 1950's Westerns did?

Quick questions before I download Gimp and FastOne.

Does an ordinary lcd monitor do just fine, or do I need a "calibrated" monitor?
Is this stuff better on a desktop, or does it do OK on a laptop?

Does Gimp or FastOne have a "dewrinklizer" for portaits, that makes the skin look smoother/better? I read Gimp's index. Maybe I looked right at it and didn't see it.

Thanx.

buffumjr wrote in post #16046227
Quick questions before I download Gimp and FastOne.

Does an ordinary lcd monitor do just fine, or do I need a "calibrated" monitor?
Is this stuff better on a desktop, or does it do OK on a laptop?

Thanx.

Give it shot. All I have is laptops.

buffumjr wrote in post #16046227
Quick questions before I download Gimp and FastOne.

Does an ordinary lcd monitor do just fine, or do I need a "calibrated" monitor?
Is this stuff better on a desktop, or does it do OK on a laptop?

Does Gimp or FastOne have a "dewrinklizer" for portaits, that makes the skin look smoother/better? I read Gimp's index. Maybe I looked right at it and didn't see it.

Thanx.

You only need a calibrated monitor if you're extremely picky about the colors, such as if you're selling to magazines. For normal hobbyist usage, any decent LCD monitor is fine. Just don't buy the cheapest one you can find.

archer1960 wrote in post #16046354
You only need a calibrated monitor if you're extremely picky about the colors, such as if you're selling to magazines. For normal hobbyist usage, any decent LCD monitor is fine. Just don't buy the cheapest one you can find.

Awwwww! Cheapo is the way to go!

Will go desktop to give it the best chance. I don't really have a laptop, it's an EEPC notebook. 5"x7" screen.