workflow vs editing (was Re: photoshop v other programs)

>>>>> "ian" == ian lincoln <dragonslayer@xxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:

ian> According to researchers on "the gadget show" the photomanipulation
ian> software of choice is microsofts digital image suite. Granted he didn't
ian> do an exhaustive study of packages but the main thing that came up was
ian> ease of use. Photoshop CS and the elements range are great but ease of
ian> use is an issue. There was a free product by google that is supposed to
ian> be marvellous at organising your files but not so hot on more than very
ian> basic adjustments. Other software is difficult if you are used to
ian> photoshop, being just as awkward but less familiar and already knowing
ian> photoshops way of doing things is a hindrance. The microsoft product was
ian> not only easy to use to the point of the usual trade mark handholding and
ian> wizards but things like photostitching were superior. Magnetic lasso etc
ian> worked better and of course things like autofix were the best.

Sounds like a mix-up between workflow products (managing images from camera
card to printer/web/archive/trash) and image editing products (like
photoshop). Most workflow products have some simplified image editing tools
(like color correction or red-eye removal). Most image editing tools have
some simplified workflow management (like actions in photoshop for batch
processing). But it's best to keep the tools separate (yet linked), and
not confuse one for the other when you're talking about "best".

It's very likely that Microsoft's Digital Image Suite (which I've not seen,
nor care to) is a very good workflow product. I would certainly not rush to
throw away Photoshop for it though, although someone might choose to use them
*together*.

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