EmailBest Reviewed
Photo-Editing Software
- Best photo-editing software for most Adobe Photoshop Elements *Est. $80
- Free photo organizer Google Picasa *Est. $0
- Free photo-editing software GIMP *Est. $0
- Pro-level photo editor and image manager Adobe Photoshop Lightroom *Est. $275
- Professional graphics software Adobe Photoshop *Est. $665
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Free photo-editing software
- Pro-level editing tools
- Extremely versatile
- Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
- Steep learning curve
- Can be sluggish
- Doesn't accept Photoshop plug-ins
Reviews say GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is an excellent free alternative to Adobe Photoshop CS4 (*Est. $665), with editing tools that include layers. Its cost (free!) and capabilities are great, but it has two main drawbacks. It can be sluggish and, perhaps more important, difficult to learn to use. However, reviews of GIMP 2.6 -- the current version -- say it's much easier to use that previous iterations. While professional photographers and dedicated photo enthusiasts who need and want a powerful image editor will find GIMP to be a good alternative to Photoshop, experts say that beginners and intermediate users will find Adobe Photoshop Elements (*Est. $80) much easier to learn to use.
The best review of GIMP 2.6 can be found at ArsTechnica.com; the pages-long review delves deeply into the program's pros and cons. The reviews at Download.com, PC World and About.com are also worth a look, though all are very short. A report at BrightHub.com isn't as polished but adds some useful insights.
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Our Sources
This is the best review we've found for the most recent version of GIMP. It is pages long, very well illustrated and packed with useful information on how the program works. Things are summarized with a clear conclusion and a list of the program's high, low and just plain ugly points.
Review: Suite Freedom: A Review of GIMP 2.6.4, Dave Girard, Jan. 13, 2009
2. Download.com
CNET's Seth Rosenblatt gives GIMP a perfect 5-star rating, saying its developers have succeeded in making it easier to use, and it "provides professional tools that can stand against the big boys." Users also weigh in with ratings and reviews, granting the program 4 stars overall.
Review: Gimp 2.6.8, Seth Rosenblatt, Oct. 6, 2008
GIMP is briefly reviewed in this round up that covers PC World's take on the best absolutely free photography software, including photo editors. GIMP is described as having "many Photoshop-like features, but without the Photoshop price." However, Preston Gralla notes that there's a bit of a learning curve required to master some of GIMP's high-end features and that the layout is "eccentric."
Review: 10 Great Digital Photography Downloads, Preston Gralla, Feb. 2, 2010
Although this review of GIMP 2.6 is unpolished and lacks the automatic credibility of a site like PC World, it is well illustrated and objective. An interesting observation is that the GIMP interface isn't inferior to that of Photoshop -- just different.
Review: A Review of GIMP 2.6.2, Lamar Stonecypher, Nov.13, 2008
5. About.com
Sue Chastain, About.com's guide to graphics software, recommends 11 free photo-editing programs, ranking GIMP second but without a full review or documenting any testing -- or even clarifying which version she's talking about. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Top 11 Free Photo Editors for Windows, Sue Chastain, Nov. 2009
Photo-Editing Software Runners Up:
4 picks by top review sites.
3 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate Edu
 from Amazon.com New: $59.99 $56.65 In Stock.
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