PCPhoto 
Software Image Editing Software 10 Top Imaging Applications
Software Image Editing Software 10 Top Imaging Applications
10 Top Imaging ApplicationsOur favorite software for photographers, from beginners to pros |
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Page 4 of 6  Adobe Photoshop Elements 5Photoshop became the standard for professional and commercial image editing not just on the strength and quality of its toolset, but also in the wide variety of tools it offers. Photoshop Elements doesn’t compromise on that quality, but it does recognize that most photographers don’t need all of the tools in the full version of Photoshop. Elements omits some of these more advanced design- and commerce-centric features and focuses instead on those tools that photographers use most. The newest version adds a few pro tools from Photoshop that advanced users will appreciate, including a Curves adjustment that shows the effects of several presets side-by-side. Use the presets as a starting point or just jump in to manual adjustments using intuitive slider-based controls. Another new feature in version 5 is a Convert to Black-and-White tool that goes beyond mere desaturation to allow you to adjust how each color channel is converted. Select a preset style or simulate the effects of traditional colored filters on black-and-white film. There’s more “fun” in Photoshop Elements 5, especially in the Organizer, which has a new map view. Drag image thumbnails from your collection onto the Yahoo! map panel, and Elements adds a virtual pushpin to the map to show where you’ve captured your favorite shots. This also provides a quick way to find images based on where you took them. In addition to organization and enhancement, Elements includes tools to create Flash slideshow and photo albums, design and print photo books, or send images directly to online photo labs for custom prints. Windows only. List Price: $99.  Apple iPhoto ’06Included free with every new Mac is the iLife suite of applications, which includes iPhoto. If you have an older version of iLife or a Mac that didn’t come with it preloaded, you can pick up the entire suite for $79. iPhoto is a terrific entry-level imaging application. Granted, it doesn’t have a lot of the more sophisticated tools and controls you’ll find in the other applications here, but for the new digital photographer, it provides an easy introduction to the most common tasks, from importing and organizing to correcting color and exposure. Most corrections are automatic and can be accomplished in a few clicks; red-eye, for example, is removed simply by clicking on the problem area. iPhoto ’06 includes a few intermediate-level controls, however, such as a simplified Levels tool, and sliders to adjust exposure, saturation, sharpness and more. One favorite is the Straighten slider, which helps you straighten your horizon—a grid appears over your photo as you move the slider. iPhoto ’06 puts a lot of emphasis on output, with several options for creative use of your images, including cards and calendars, slideshows and Web galleries and custom-printed photo books. iPhoto ’06 is Mac only, and while it probably won’t be the only photo application you’ll ever need, it’s a great starter app, and may be one you’ll continue to use for organization and output.   |
