An equivalent to Photoshop
Tue 14-Sep-21 11:53 PM
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#1. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 0
Wed 15-Sep-21 01:02 AMAdobe Photoshop Elements is what it sounds like: a cut down Photoshop. Although it is cut down it is very far from crippled - though it does emphasise the one-click auto-corrections and tricks for making birthday cards and such like. It is very easy to use.
Nikon's own raw conversion and editing software is free, so you can't beat it on that score. You can beat it on several other scores, however. But if you don't want to edit heavily, and mostly just adjust brightness and contrast and crop and sharpen, it is quite good. It has the advantage that its raw conversion matches the camera's LCD.
Affinity is another alternative worth looking at. It has more capability than PS Elements - though not the tricks - but it is not as easy to use. Its biggest drawback is that it has no catalog capability and you cannot do a round-trip edit."Sharpness is a bourgeois concept"; Henri Cartier-Bresson
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#4. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 1
Thu 16-Sep-21 08:29 AMSome say Gimp is a very good choice instead of Photoshop. It's free ware.
I had played with it a long time ago and was satisfied
Egbert
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#2. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 0
Mithel
Registered since 12th Mar 2017
Wed 15-Sep-21 03:54 PM
I'd highly recommend Affinity Photo as a superior alternative to Photoshop. Obviously it's far less expensive but it's also (in my opinion) easier to use and superior (or at least equivalent) in features. Naturally all software tends to leapfrog each other at any one moment one may have a superior feature to the other, but Affinity has a phenomenal track record of improvements and free updates for YEARS.
"Easy to understand" is not simple. Affinity has many free short tutorials to teach individual features. It's far easier to understand and use (again in my opinion) but it is very, very sophisticated and thus by no means "easy" to learn every feature.
"Easy to understand" is not simple. Affinity has many free short tutorials to teach individual features. It's far easier to understand and use (again in my opinion) but it is very, very sophisticated and thus by no means "easy" to learn every feature.
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#3. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 0
Thu 16-Sep-21 07:36 AM
I feel your pain. I had a perpetual license of CS 6 and when Apple went full 64-bit it became unusable. Apparently while CS6 was reported as being 64-bit there are apparently some 32-bit bits of code that prevent it from running.
Currently I use DxOPhotoLab 4 as my raw developer and Affinity Photo as a pixel editor. I don't care much for Affinity Photo's raw development module and much prefer to develop my raw files in DxO PhotoLab 4 and use Affinity Photo for printing pixel editing when needed and for printing for I find DxO PhotoLab 4's printing capabilities quite lacking.
Currently I use DxOPhotoLab 4 as my raw developer and Affinity Photo as a pixel editor. I don't care much for Affinity Photo's raw development module and much prefer to develop my raw files in DxO PhotoLab 4 and use Affinity Photo for printing pixel editing when needed and for printing for I find DxO PhotoLab 4's printing capabilities quite lacking.
Pete
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#5. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 0
esantos
Registered since 10th Nov 2002
Registered since 10th Nov 2002
Thu 16-Sep-21 08:36 AM
Jerry,
Everyone has their own level of tolerance for expense versus value, but Photoshop plus Lightroom is not expensive by any standard. You can subscribe (I know some people hate the subscription model for software) for $9,99/month. Check it out here:
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html?plan=individual&filter=photography
BTW, I have been a subscriber for years, ever since Adobe changed to the subscription model and I have to say it is far superior to the old user license model. You get constant updates and patches, and when new versions come out you get them instantaneously. You can't beat that for $120 a year.
Everyone has their own level of tolerance for expense versus value, but Photoshop plus Lightroom is not expensive by any standard. You can subscribe (I know some people hate the subscription model for software) for $9,99/month. Check it out here:
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html?plan=individual&filter=photography
BTW, I have been a subscriber for years, ever since Adobe changed to the subscription model and I have to say it is far superior to the old user license model. You get constant updates and patches, and when new versions come out you get them instantaneously. You can't beat that for $120 a year.
Ernesto Santos
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#6. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 0
Thu 16-Sep-21 09:14 AM
Would NX Studio be a viable option to Photoshop? From what I recall of trying to use Photoshop before my copy was cancelled it was pretty hard to comprehend for me. I am far from being very computer smart. I barely know how to turn one on.
Jerry
Jerry
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#7. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 6
Thu 16-Sep-21 09:38 AM | edited Thu 16-Sep-21 10:07 AM by InelukiJerry, give NX-studio a try, and you can start your computer by pressing the thickest knot
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#8. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 6
Thu 16-Sep-21 11:27 AM | edited Thu 16-Sep-21 11:31 AM by elec164>Would NX Studio be a viable option to Photoshop?
The significant difference is Photoshop is a pixel editor with raw development capabilities whereas NX Studio is a raw developer with limited pixel editing capabilities.
If you are only making minimal adjustments (exposure, curves, white balance, etc.) then NX Studio will do just fine. If you do extensive pixel editing (cloning, layering, etc) then NX Studio is totally incapable.
So it depends on what you were using PS for.
edited to add:
As Ernesto points out, if you are not adverse to the subscription model, then a subscription to Photoshop/LR is a good route to take.Pete
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#9. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 8
Thu 16-Sep-21 11:32 AMPerhaps I should explain that I have never done any type of photo manipulation. So my concern is ease of use and low cost. As my experience grows then I'll be concerned with the software capabilities.
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#10. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 9
Thu 16-Sep-21 03:59 PM>Perhaps I should explain that I have never done any type of
>photo manipulation. So my concern is ease of use and low
>cost.
Well NX Studio is free so you can't get any lower cost than that.
And learning to use it's palette of tools would be sort of directly translatable to more capable software.
If you are starting from scratch it's not a bad place to start. As already mentioned with raw files it allows you to see how the Picture Controls would affect the capture. It's not that difficult to learn and for me was rather intuitive. But then again I already had a good foundation in photo editing.Pete
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#11. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 9
Sat 18-Sep-21 07:16 PMIt depends what you mean by "photo manipulation". Most people, when they hear that, think of changes to the content of the photograph - replacing a boring sky with a spectacular sunset, removing a person in the background, stitching images together to make a panorama, etc. If that is what you want, Nikon software will not do it.
The easiest to use - by far - software that will allow you to edit image content is Photoshop Elements.
If you just want to do basic adjustments - increase overall brightness, or pull up the shadows, or crop the edges, or remove dust spots, Nikon software is fine.
One thing to know about NX-D is that it is "non-destructive". That means the program does not change the image file, it stores instructions about how to create the edited image from the original. That is great, because it means you can come back later and re-do the editing if you change your mind. The downside is that if you make a lot of changes the program has to make them all, all over again, every time you look at the image, so the process can get slow."Sharpness is a bourgeois concept"; Henri Cartier-Bresson
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#16. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 6
Thu 24-Mar-22 12:09 PM | edited Thu 24-Mar-22 09:06 PM by silverhair2048
An update to the NX Studio option. Apparently, my desktop will not allow NX Studio to be installed. I'm running Windows 10.
I've installed GIMP but haven't tried it out yet.
After some updates to Windows 10, I was able to install NX Studio but I still get the message that says my computer cannot run NX Studio. Darn it.
Jerry
I've installed GIMP but haven't tried it out yet.
After some updates to Windows 10, I was able to install NX Studio but I still get the message that says my computer cannot run NX Studio. Darn it.
Jerry
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#17. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 16
Thu 24-Mar-22 12:18 PM>will not allow NX Studio to be installed. I'm running Windows
>10.
If I recall correctly there can be issues with Nikon software having issues with AV/security features of the latest Windows release. A quick Nikon search should discover the threads.
>I've installed GIMP but haven't tried it out yet.
I've never tried it either but have read that it is a viable alternative and you can't beat the price!
One thing to watch for is where you acquire the GIMP software. It is open source freeware which means anyone can make alterations to the code and distribute that version.Pete
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#12. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 0
Fri 14-Jan-22 02:18 AM
Perhaps I am missing something, as I have a licensed version of CS6 runni g on Window11 a well as PS2022 without issue.You can use the free Nikon SW or try On 1 SW, easy to use and close to Photoshp but cheaper. Yocan buy a licensed copy and keep it or upgrade every year.it includes an amazing noise reduction AI package, better than anything out there.
Bob Baldassano
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#18. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 13
mcurrie Registered since 06th Jan 2017Thu 24-Mar-22 11:18 PMI've used Darktable some, and it's not that hard to work on an image, but the file handling seems bizarre. It can take longer to remember how to save a file and where it's going to end up than it did to fix the image, and screens seem to come and go without an easy way to find them again. I'm sure there's a logical system to it all that one can get used to, but it's certainly not intuitive for me.
AGree on Photoscape X and Raw Therapee, both of which work pretty well ans aren't hard to get used to, although Raw Therapee has a lot of different ways to do much the same tasks, and I've never dived too deep into them. The free version of Photoscape X (Microsoft store I think is needed for this) has a number of features grayed out but still has a lot of capability.
#14. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 0
Fri 14-Jan-22 10:36 AM | edited Fri 14-Jan-22 10:37 AM by hank970
I'll affirm Affinity Photo as a good, relatively inexpensive alternative (about $60 for a perennial license, including periodic free updates), though I use it mostly for stacking and healing. I use Lightroom 6 for other touchups. I don't and wouldn't allow LR6 or any other post-processing software to catalog my photo files. I have my own system, just as I do for documents.
Please don't let a total lack of experience discourage you from delving into post-processing. Familiarizing yourself with a new software is a bit like learning to navigate in a strange city. You learn the basic routes first. Then, as your confidence grows, you gradually begin to explore various side-streets.
And fear not: post-processing is a non-destructive process. You'll always have your original image (preferably RAW) to work with if you're not satisfied with an early attempt and wish to start over.
Please don't let a total lack of experience discourage you from delving into post-processing. Familiarizing yourself with a new software is a bit like learning to navigate in a strange city. You learn the basic routes first. Then, as your confidence grows, you gradually begin to explore various side-streets.
And fear not: post-processing is a non-destructive process. You'll always have your original image (preferably RAW) to work with if you're not satisfied with an early attempt and wish to start over.
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#15. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 14
aolander Registered since 15th Sep 2006Sat 15-Jan-22 08:40 AM"I don't and wouldn't allow LR6 or any other post-processing software to catalog my photo files."
It doesn't. LR uses whatever filing/cataloging system you have set up.Alan
#19. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 0
Fri 25-Mar-22 11:49 AM
I use Subscription Lightroom and Photoshop for the most part. However, I also use ON1 which works both with an excellent RAW processor as well as Photoshop similar Layer editing capabilities.
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#20. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 19
Fri 25-Mar-22 05:16 PMI second ON1 as an alternative to Photoshop or a companion. You can use it stand alone or use its functions within Photoshop. Within in the program there are excellent denoise function as well as enlargement features. It is very easy to use and is fast.Bob Baldassano
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#21. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 20
Fri 25-Mar-22 06:27 PM | edited Fri 25-Mar-22 06:28 PM by elec164>Within in the program there are excellent denoise
>function as well as enlargement features.
I'm on the On1 mailing list (I am a registered user of Genuine Fractals many years ago).
They just sent one about the Spring Sale 50% off. So I can get the whole On1 Professional Plugins Bundle 2022 for $99.99 and get the new Resize AI when it's released.
But while I'm toying with the idea I can't help but think it's a waste of money. Note that I'm not saying it's not worth the money, but that it's probably not much better than what I use already (I find DxO Photolab 5 Deep Prime noise reduction just short of magical and I already have Topaz Labs Gigapixel AI).
It supposedly will work as plugins for Affinity Photo, but still not sure if it's substantially better than what I already use to justify the cost.
Anyone use all the above and find it worth the expense?Pete
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#22. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 21
Fri 25-Mar-22 10:26 PMON1 claims their Denise is best in industry. I put a photo in my Nikonians file that was a test it was a night shot of some Palm trees at the highest ISO on my Z7. I thought it did great job. They always had a great tool for enlarging images. The new one looks even better. Their other functions I think work better than Silver Effects pro. So, it may not be a waste of money. I keep mine as an adjunct to NX Studio and Photoshop because of my use of PPW and my preference for using Nikon products to convert Raw to TIFF.Bob Baldassano
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camera"
Retirement is a gift of time - Don't waste it!
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#23. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 22
Sat 26-Mar-22 12:34 AM | edited Sat 26-Mar-22 12:37 AM by elec164>ON1 claims their Denise is best in industry.
Yeah but they all claim that. I would take your experience to be more meaningful than a companies claim. I mean really, if it was the worst do you think they would claim that?
>my preference for using Nikon products to convert Raw to TIFF.
I can appreciate your desire, but that's not a concern of mine. I switched to DxO Optics Pro when Adobe went to the subscription model, and to be honest I preferred the starting point of DxO over LR 3 that I was using at the time (granted the final product was equivalent). The real game changer was when DxO introduced Prime NR (and control points when it acquired NIK). And Nikon software and I had a falling out back when Capture NX went to NX 2 ( I bought the license 1 week too early to get the free upgrade and Nikon wouldn't budge on the cutoff date and wanted me to cough up another $79). I moved on and glad I did because Nikon wound up dropping Capture NX 2 like a hot potato!
But thanks for your thoughts, perhaps using On1's free trial might help me decide. Way back in the day, Genuine Fractals was hands above what PS could do with resizing. Topaz Gigapixel AI is quite a step above that. Also the truth is while I have the NIK plugins for AP (Affinity Photo), the only one I use is the sharpening. I went looking for a better sharpening tool then what AP offered (just unsharp mask, clarity and high pass). I find NIK's Sharpener Pro Output Sharpener far superior than what AP offers. Or sometimes I use Topaz Labs Sharpen AI in some cases. I originally bought Topaz first, but had issues with the version of AP I had. Wound up having to buy another licenses for the Serif version rather than the Apple App store version. So now I have access to both NIK and Topaz plugins.Pete
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#24. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 23
Sat 26-Mar-22 02:10 AMFor sharpening I use the sharpening in PPW, which is free, because it applies 5 types of sharpening to an image. I love the result.Bob Baldassano
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"Nikonians membership - My most important photographic investment, after the
camera"
Retirement is a gift of time - Don't waste it!
Old age is a special gift that very few receive. Be thankful if you get it.-
#25. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 24
Sat 26-Mar-22 08:14 AM>because it applies 5 types of sharpening to an image. I love
>the result.
And that's what matters most.
AP uses edge contrast (as did the original sharpening in PS) to fool the viewer into thinking it was sharper. The issue with that approach is possible artifacts. Topaz and NIK now use deconvolution (how they fixed the early Hubble SNAFU) which actually improves resolution.Pete
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#28. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 24
Mon 09-May-22 09:32 PM-
#30. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 28
Mon 09-May-22 09:49 PM>what does PPW stand for?
Picture Postcard Workflow.Pete
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#26. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 0
Sat 26-Mar-22 09:33 AM
I don't miss PS one bit after switching to Affinity Photo a few years ago. I find it easier to use than PS, and even a bit more intuitive, so for someone just starting to use post-processing software I imagine getting up to speed will not be difficult. If one still likes to use tutorial books, the Affinity Photo Guidebook available on Amazon is a super starter tutorial.
And you just can't beat the price. I keep wondering when they are going to charge me for upgrades, which I will happily pay. Hasn't happened yet.
The lack of cataloging doesn't bother me, as I use both Capture One 22 for Nikon and ON1 Photo RAW 2022 for that. I like C1 slightly better, but ON1 punches above its weight at its price point. I'm comfortable with either and prefer both to Lightroom.
And you just can't beat the price. I keep wondering when they are going to charge me for upgrades, which I will happily pay. Hasn't happened yet.
The lack of cataloging doesn't bother me, as I use both Capture One 22 for Nikon and ON1 Photo RAW 2022 for that. I like C1 slightly better, but ON1 punches above its weight at its price point. I'm comfortable with either and prefer both to Lightroom.
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#27. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 0
Sat 26-Mar-22 10:57 PM
Just my 2 cents.
I've used ACDSee for decades before tackling PS and then only because I wanted access to NIK plugins. I have also tried NX, ON1 and DXO but I ended up back with PS (maybe I just did not want to learn another program). I still use ACDSee for downloading from my camera, sorting, tagging my images and for quick edits, JPG touch-ups and for file format converting and resizing. Once the thumbnails have been produced, the viewer is very fast.
The editors come with pretty much all of the editing commands you are likely to need. I find the interface easy to use and they have free on-line tutorials and workshops. Their products have free trials.
Their Home Plan ($89/yr.) gets you the editor, 50GB of cloud storage and a readymade web site for sharing.
https://www.acdsee.com/en/product-comparison/
https://www.acdsee.com/en/competitor-comparison/
https://www.acdsee.com/en/video-tutorials/
I enjoy Post-processing almost as much as going out and capturing new images. It adds a creative dimension to my hobby. No matter which editor you settle on, stick to it - you will not regret it.
Enjoy. Cal
I've used ACDSee for decades before tackling PS and then only because I wanted access to NIK plugins. I have also tried NX, ON1 and DXO but I ended up back with PS (maybe I just did not want to learn another program). I still use ACDSee for downloading from my camera, sorting, tagging my images and for quick edits, JPG touch-ups and for file format converting and resizing. Once the thumbnails have been produced, the viewer is very fast.
The editors come with pretty much all of the editing commands you are likely to need. I find the interface easy to use and they have free on-line tutorials and workshops. Their products have free trials.
Their Home Plan ($89/yr.) gets you the editor, 50GB of cloud storage and a readymade web site for sharing.
https://www.acdsee.com/en/product-comparison/
https://www.acdsee.com/en/competitor-comparison/
https://www.acdsee.com/en/video-tutorials/
I enjoy Post-processing almost as much as going out and capturing new images. It adds a creative dimension to my hobby. No matter which editor you settle on, stick to it - you will not regret it.
Enjoy. Cal
See my portfolio.
#29. "RE: An equivalent to Photoshop" | In response to Reply # 0
Mon 09-May-22 09:34 PM
I just received my disc for Adobe Photoscope Elements 2022, with the Complete Guide.
I'm not sure why but I couldn't get GIMP to let me in or open under any circumstances.
Jerry
I'm not sure why but I couldn't get GIMP to let me in or open under any circumstances.
Jerry
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