I hope it's okay to put up a non-tech related post.
I pushed PhotoImpact X3 pretty hard today, and although there are a lot of other image editors out there, I was reminded why PI is still one of the most solid programs when you need a lot from it. While one program I have kept letting me down, PIX3 just kept on performing well. So, although I'm sure we could all list a ton of things wrong with it (and there are a lot in many areas) I thought I'd start a thread about why I'd fight Corel if they decided to can the program. It's like an old friend to me, and these are just a few things about it I love.
-I love the layer system. It's super-fast compared to something like clunky Photoshop, and once you're used to it, it's just so enjoyable.
-The improvements to the layer system are great, too. This is in XL (which I'm used to), but the fact you can easily resize a layer from the side menu rocks. PI makes controlling layers quick as anything, and the versions after XL have improved it in many subtle, excellent ways.
-I love the browse manager, and how you can not only drag images onto the canvas, but also onto images to make another layer.
-I love how Shift-0 fits a document to the available window size. This is awesome if you open a size menu and quickly need to have the whole photo in view. I love that kind of control.
-I can hardly live without F4. Perfect jpeg and png export, every time. No other program has such control. Try Photoshop. It has something similar, but for some reason it's annoying to use.
-I love how you can select a colour from anywhere. I know other programs allow you to do this as well, but PI allows you to do it from anywhere at all. There are no limits.
-I really like how light on its feet the program now feels. It loads up fairly fast, and the menus are quick and responsive. Also, the program feels 'solid' to use. There aren't any glitchy UI issues, which in many programs make me feel like I'm working in a sinking ship.
Anyway, these are just a a few things I love about the program. If the mods don't mind, I'd love to see other people add some of their favourite things about PhotoImpact. It's not a perfect program, but there are certain things about it which often make it a real joy to use, where other programs would be annoying.
Why PhotoImpact still rules for high-end work...
a. I like the ability to create Macros and process batch files from the quick commands panel.
b. I like the ability to customize the toolbars and have them available for quick use.
c. I like the ability to trace around a selection and turn it into a path drawn object instead.
d. I like the colorize pen. It's perfect for matching two different images together or for colorizing a black and white image.
e. I like the incredible variety of features and distortions that are available through the transform tool.
f. I like the ability to create your own textures and then add them to the easy palette fills menu.
- TwiceWise
b. I like the ability to customize the toolbars and have them available for quick use.
c. I like the ability to trace around a selection and turn it into a path drawn object instead.
d. I like the colorize pen. It's perfect for matching two different images together or for colorizing a black and white image.
e. I like the incredible variety of features and distortions that are available through the transform tool.
f. I like the ability to create your own textures and then add them to the easy palette fills menu.
- TwiceWise
I'm a long time PhotoImpact user and am reasonably happy with X3 (at least for the upgrade price.) I'm an aspiring portrait/fashion photographer and have been getting along with PI pretty well. But... all the pro's use Photoshop.
For those who use Photoshop CS3, what am I missing by sticking with PI?
For those who use Photoshop CS3, what am I missing by sticking with PI?
visit my photo galleries here: http://imageevent.com/24peter
Well, you're missing stupidly long load times, a whole lot of bloat, a clunky layering system, bad shortcut keys...
... but you're also missing...
- Better adjustment filters (many of PI's don't work that well- some do though)
- Better HDRI adjustment (thankfully you can use another program to handle this, because PI's isn't too good)
- More layering options, because while Photoshop's isn't as friendly, it is more detailed with more blending options
- Tools like the background eraser
- MUCH better painting tools
That's just a few things, but in general there's almost nothing I've seen done with Photoshop (aside from quality HDRI editing in the program) that can't be matched with PIX3, especially when it comes to photo editing.
... but you're also missing...
- Better adjustment filters (many of PI's don't work that well- some do though)
- Better HDRI adjustment (thankfully you can use another program to handle this, because PI's isn't too good)
- More layering options, because while Photoshop's isn't as friendly, it is more detailed with more blending options
- Tools like the background eraser
- MUCH better painting tools
That's just a few things, but in general there's almost nothing I've seen done with Photoshop (aside from quality HDRI editing in the program) that can't be matched with PIX3, especially when it comes to photo editing.
HDRI - high dynamic range ___? Can you suggest good programs for that?
Well the reason I raised the initial question is I also have Photoshop Elements 5. I rarely use it (other than occasional exposure adjustments - I like the shadow/highlight tool much better than PI's), but you can upgrade to the full version of Photoshop CS3 for only $299.
So... feeling like I need to at least be familiar with the industry standard if I'm going to be a professional photographer, I was considering the upgrade.
For me PI's Easy Pallette with it the ability to save my own presets and the ability to process multiple files at once with incredible ease make PI a winner (I also like the gamma control in the brightness/contrast function). Being able to drag and drop a photo frame and copyright notice on multiple images at once seems like a no-brainer, yet I have never figured out how to add suitable frame to just one (let alone multiple) image in Photoshop Elements.
But again, for my career path do you think $299 is a reasonable investment?
Well the reason I raised the initial question is I also have Photoshop Elements 5. I rarely use it (other than occasional exposure adjustments - I like the shadow/highlight tool much better than PI's), but you can upgrade to the full version of Photoshop CS3 for only $299.
So... feeling like I need to at least be familiar with the industry standard if I'm going to be a professional photographer, I was considering the upgrade.
For me PI's Easy Pallette with it the ability to save my own presets and the ability to process multiple files at once with incredible ease make PI a winner (I also like the gamma control in the brightness/contrast function). Being able to drag and drop a photo frame and copyright notice on multiple images at once seems like a no-brainer, yet I have never figured out how to add suitable frame to just one (let alone multiple) image in Photoshop Elements.
But again, for my career path do you think $299 is a reasonable investment?
visit my photo galleries here: http://imageevent.com/24peter
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sjj1805
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If you are doing things professionally then you can offset the cost of tools to do your job as part of the business costs and perhaps qualify for tax relief.
You already have PhotoImpact, nothing to stop you adding other programs to your toolbox and then use whichever tool is best suited to the job in hand.
PhotoImpact can open and save in PSD format so you could do some things in Photoshop, then do a few more things in PhotoImpact - using whichever program is easiest for the task at hand.
You might also want to look at the trial versions of the other Corel Range of imaging products, Corel Draw, Paint Shop Pro, Painter X, Painter Essentials.
I have all the above but the one I use most is PhotoImpact due to ease of use.
You already have PhotoImpact, nothing to stop you adding other programs to your toolbox and then use whichever tool is best suited to the job in hand.
PhotoImpact can open and save in PSD format so you could do some things in Photoshop, then do a few more things in PhotoImpact - using whichever program is easiest for the task at hand.
You might also want to look at the trial versions of the other Corel Range of imaging products, Corel Draw, Paint Shop Pro, Painter X, Painter Essentials.
I have all the above but the one I use most is PhotoImpact due to ease of use.