WAHUSKER

iTrader: (4)

My wonderful wife & son bought me a COOL fathers day present! They ordered me a Nikon D80 dig SLR with 2 lenses, 2G mem, tripod, case, flash, etc etc It's a better combo than what Costco sells & cost about $250 less!

Anyway, now I find myself in need of some good editing software. I have an entry version of Photo Shop, but it has less power than Paintbrush. And what came with our Kodak camera is pretty much useless too. So I'm wondering what some of you guys have used / liked / would recommend? I would like to able to do video at some point too, but I'll need some hardware to do that. So for now it will just be digi-stills.

Thanks!
Mark

Seattle CTS-V

Nice setup! I was deciding btwn the D80 and the Canon 30D. I ended up getting the 30D last wknd. Mainly b/c I already have a 100mm macro lens that I use at work. The program I would recommend is a full version of Photoshop. Obviously, it may be overkill for most people and isn't the easiest program out there to learn to use. It is, however, very fast and very powerful. Try searching Download.com for some 3rd party software. Many have free 30 day trials and most have good reviews.

DrEvyl

iTrader: (5)

Full version of Photoshop is the only way to go.

Tylerb59

Jump on eBay and buy an older copy of Photoshop(6or7) for cheap.

Photoshop CS3 is the latest version (but CS2 would be just as fine). I wouldn't recommend CS -- memory hogging POS.

http://www.buy.com/prod/adobe-photos...204338647.html

By installing a previous version of PSD and upgrading to the newest you get the full software for less then half the price.

Alternatively JASC makes a product named "Paint Shop Pro" which is Photoshop's closest competitor, and cheaper ... but overall it's lacking the horsepower of Photoshop, but in my opinion PSP handles vector art better.

But of course if you really want work in vector you would buy Illustrator.

I ordered CS3 the other day for home use so I'm looking forward to getting the latest. We're still using CS2 at work for now.

DrEvyl

iTrader: (5)

I use CS2 and I don't really have any troubles with it.

WAHUSKER

iTrader: (4)

Thanks guys!

HitmanLSX

Currently I'm using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to process the RAW images from the camera and then doing final processing in Photoshop CS3. I used to just use the Canon Digital Professional software that came with the camera for RAW processing and CS2 for final touch up, but Lightroom is a lot more flexible.

Also I HIGHLY recommend getting a Spyder Pro from Colorvision to color calibrate your monitor and printer, otherwise you may run into the "why isn't this printing like it looks".

For PC Video editing software I recommend Sony Vegas HD.

As soon as I can afford to though I'm migrating away from Windows to Apple and will be running Aperature (Lightroom is Adobe's answer to Apple's Aperature) along side PS CS3, and Final Cut Studio instead of Vegas of which if I really wanted to I could go downstairs and use in my roommates studio, just been trying to get my PC set up with Vista lately and getting it tweaked the way I like it.


Here are some photo's I took with Amanda's Rebel XTi and my 17-85mm IS Canon Lens downtown a couple weekends ago and processed on Lightroom without any additional touch up in Photoshop CS3. (which also will configure a gallery page and upload directly to your website FTP)

http://www.finishline-photography.com/pikeplace07

HitmanLSX

You'll be very happy with the D80 as well. I need to get a new tripod as the one Amanda and I were using got damaged in the accident that totalled the Kia. If you have an external hot shoe flash I HIGHLY recommend getting a lightsphere from Gary Fong. http://www.garyfong.com/

WAHUSKER

iTrader: (4)

The D80 has a lot of the features I wanted. Like true 10.2M pix, 3 frames per sec, .01 shutter speed, and a built-in flip-up flash. This combo comes with a "digital flash" too, tho I don't have a clue what it is. I do know it comes with a 17-70mm & a 70-300mm lense (both Nikon). Which should be a good start, even tho they aren't low f-stop lenses.

WAHUSKER

iTrader: (4)

CS2 Ver 9 for $140 full version sound good?

Tylerb59

As long as it is indeed *full* and not an upgrade / student license.

Also if it's a single seat license (if its a used copy) make sure that that copy has been deactivated on the previous computer so that it can be electronically activated on your PC.

Help > Transfer Activation ...

HitmanLSX

Definately a good price if it's like Tyler said. I like the lens combos you got, I need to get a different long lens the Tamron I have just isn't cutting it. I'm gonna rent a 100-300 for the Formula D event in a few weeks.

howierd42

Mark, just saw this. Great gift for real!

I have been using Fireworks and Photoshop since they came out. Both are powerful programs for what they do. I love them both and can't imagine working with anything else. Currently I am using FW8 and PS CS2.

PM me if you still need a copy.

WAHUSKER

iTrader: (4)

Thanks Howard, pm coming....

And I played with my watered down version of Photoshop last night. I edited 20 of Francesca's photos with my car & created a new album on my website. Comments encouraged.

http://rides.webshots.com/album/559513236qEsnVD

Tylerb59

Holy S

Robert56

iTrader: (2)

Robert

Seattle CTS-V

I don't think you'd like what I have to say...