Key differences between X2 and X4 ?

[twm47099]

I normally upgrade every other version. I currently use X2 on a Windows XP computer. My primary uses are photo editing. My key interests are:
- processing 16 bit per color files
- use of layers and blends
- stereo photography (combining and aligning stereo pairs)
- use of various tools such as cloning and healing.
- Color management and Printing

Reviewing the product page, I haven't really found anything that shows a list of upgraded or added features. Most of the things mentioned appear to be in X2 already. Looking at the thread calling for future features, it appears that the things missing are still missing. X2 is serving me well, but there has to be some reason to upgrade???

Thanks
Tom

[Kathy_9]

One of the things mentioned was 16 bit support for mask layers. If you go to their main page http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1184951547051#versionTabview=tab1&tabview=tab0 there is a pdf file that compares it to previous versions. Not sure if you saw this or not. The link to the pdf is on the left hand side in blue text.

[df]

In X4 many (most, maybe all) of the tools like the flood fill and airbrush tools now work with 16 bit files. In previous versions the program to convert the file to an 8 bit file. That's why a gradient mask would result in banding. Now the tools work with 16 bit files. So the 16 bit support is a major thing, for me anyways. Plug-ins support 16 bit files as well, or at least the plug-ins that are 16 bit compatible.

Most layers are the same. They added 3 layers, but I don't know if they'd do you any good.

I don't think anything has improved in the aligning pairs front I'm afraid. Could be wrong.

Cloning and healing, much the same, except they now support 16 bit files unlike before.

For me, color management is poorer, I don't have Adobe RGB for example, but I think I'm an exception. The program should support that and a few other color spaces.
Actually you just made me do a comparison to a file I had on my computer. I checked the Color Balance correction tool and I've gotta say I've been unimpressed with previous versions of PSP, but X4 seems to make a pixel white when I click on it. Preliminarily I'd say that color correction is improved.

Just personal observances here.

[Tadjio]

As reasons for moving to X4 from X2 for a photographer, I would say:

1) Improved speed, stability and use of mutiple processors
2) Ability to handle larger files and more files simultaneously (X4 uses a virtual disk)
3) Increased 16-bit handling, including Clone, Paint etc. (29 more tools)
4) More Adjustment layers (4 more)
5) More filters such as Vibrancy, Fill Light / Clarity, Local Tone Mapping (Clarify)
6) Selective Focus and Vignette effects
7) Object Extractor
8 ) Improved Text Editing
9) Better handling of IPTC data and Star Rating

Other features that I do not use that may be of interest are:
HDR, Photo Blend, slightly better RAW Converter, Manage and Adjust Modes (I only use Edit Mode)
and Dual Monitors (I prefer to create my own workspace over my two monitors).

[Tadjio]

... and I nearly forgot:
the Crop Tool is far, far more stable
so much so that I can leave my editing in Crop Tool mode while I perform other functions
which I could never do with X2 and X3

I still dislike some of the new Crop features, such as Rotation and being unable to grab any side anywhere
and the other PSP9 features removed for numeric control of size etc.

[Radim]

Tadjio said it all.

But from my point of view PSP X2 is very usable. If you are satisfied with it do not upgrade. Real differences are not so huge/big.

[twm47099]

Thanks all for the information. It seems that there are enough improvements that I will upgrade.

tom

[Athena]

As reasons for moving to X4 from X2 for a photographer, I would say:
9) Better handling of IPTC data and Star Rating

I realize that this is an old discussion but could you please elaborate on the handling of IPTC data in X4? I have an extensive collection of photos with IPTC data and have been frustrated in trying previous versions of PaintShop pro with them.

[Tadjio]

As reasons for moving to X4 from X2 for a photographer, I would say:
9) Better handling of IPTC data and Star Rating

I realize that this is an old discussion but could you please elaborate on the handling of IPTC data in X4? I have an extensive collection of photos with IPTC data and have been frustrated in trying previous versions of PaintShop pro with them.

The best way to investigate is to look at the Image Information screen. Go to the Creator Information tab and then Advanced Creator Information.
The data here is the IPTC data. You can test it by viewing it via some other program before and after making changes here. (I use Exifer).

[Tadjio]

The best way to investigate [the Metadata] is to look at the Image Information screen. Go to the Creator Information tab and then Advanced Creator Information.
The data here is the IPTC data. You can test it by viewing it via some other program before and after making changes here. (I use Exifer).

Something I didn't point out earlier is that the main Creator Information screen from X4 onwards allows you to amend the EXIF data.

[Athena]

The best way to investigate is to look at the Image Information screen. Go to the Creator Information tab and then Advanced Creator Information.
The data here is the IPTC data. You can test it by viewing it via some other program before and after making changes here. (I use Exifer).

Um...I was looking for pre-purchase information. I am specifically interested in the handling of IPTC metadata and don't want to waste any more time/money on software that doesn't manage it properly.

Athena

[Tadjio]

Um...I was looking for pre-purchase information. I am specifically interested in the handling of IPTC metadata and don't want to waste any more time/money on software that doesn't manage it properly.
Athena

Doesn't a 30 day free trial count as pre-purchase?
If it is a serious issue for you, you really need to try before you buy...