Re: Good all in one inkjet?

"TJ" <TJ@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:45fc0a13$0$16291$88260bb3@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
(snip)

I have it on good authority that Photoshop Elements, at least the version
I looked into years ago, doesn't work with layers. So if you went that
route you'd still want to save the originals. The GIMP (Gnu Image
Manipulation Program), which is free for Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux, will
work in layers and will do all you just described, except that it saves in
its native xcf format. Jpeg formats won't save in layers; they must be
"flat." The GIMP will convert to most of the "standard" formats, but they
won't contain the layers as layers. The GIMP isn't as powerful as
Photoshop, but it's closer than anything else in the consumer market,
including Photoshop Elements. The interface does have a steeper learning
curve than PS or PE, but if you're looking for power without the price,
it's well worth it.

It's never a bad idea to save a backup copy of the original of any photo
you think is worth keeping, whatever software you use on it.

TJ

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

TJ - PSE, from v.2 on, does use layers and they are quite easy to use.
When saving an edited image in which layers have been used you can chose to
save it in the photoshop image format (psd which is non-losey) with the
separate layers intact. You can then reopen it and still have the ability
to manage the layers you had originally created. The image layers can also
be flattened and saved as a psd, jpg, or several other formats. Entire
groups of images can be converted to the psd format prior to editing if one
wishes. You do need lots of memory to work with these files and multiple
layers.

My cameras save in tiff (non-losey) file format for highest quality and
various levels of compressed jpg formats if less quality images are adequate
for a desired print result. The highest quality jpg file from the cameras
creates sharp, full detailed prints up to 20x30. You are right that
multiple saves in jpg format will degrade images, and you are better off
working in a non-losey format if you need the highest print quality your
equipment will produce.

My preference, within a reasonable price range and with a reasonable
learning curve to get up and running, is to use software that is suitable
for my needs but also has additional strengths I can learn to use when
necessary. PSE has been that kind of software for me. I learn new tricks
to improve my editing ability evey time I use the program. I don't want
dumbed-down software that has very limited capabilities. For the most part,
software that comes with cameras or printers has very limited capabilities.
They are great for people who want to, as easily as possible, get an image
from the camera to paper. I am not putting down the people who lack either
the interest or ability to progress further with more complex software -
whatever works and pleases them is the right way to go. I just want
equipment and software I can grow into.


.

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