Photo Imaging Software

[Reloader]

I recently got a new PC (Vista OS - but that's a different story!) and am having to install/buy some new applications, including a new printer/scanner and photo editing software, because my XP ones are not compatible. Obviously, I do not want to shell out a fortune if possible so, what I should be looking at?
For example, I was considering the Canon Pixma MP220 printer/copier/scanner to replace my XP only Canon Smartbase MPC200, which has served me well.
With the new PC, I got the free download of Adobe Photoshop Album Starter Edition 3.2, which gives me some basic functions for photo editing. But, is it worth buying the full product, or 'Photoshop Lightroom' or whatever? I definitely want to try and get away from just using the auto mode on my digital camera as well and get to know its manual operation a bit better.
All suggestions gratefully received, thanks.

[John A Silkstone]

My friend runs a computer shop and nearly every day he as at least one customer that comes in complaining about Vista and he changes them back to XP. He even tried it on his own set at home. It was incompatible and over 50% of his programs didn’t work, so now when he makes a new computer he advices people not to use Vista. Some have ignored his advice and have had to come back to the shop and have the program changed, which cost them extra.

I would never use Vista until that have sorted out all its problems. You may find it cheaper to have Vista removed and XP installed.

Silky

[Matzos]

We use Photoshop CS 2 across the RAF photo sections.

Adobe Lightromm is aimed at the true professional photographer, who has to process a large amount of digital images, looking at bulk processing of images. Saying that, I have tried it and like some of its features.

Photoshop Elements is another good piece of software, a cut-down version of the main program, great if you want to use on a low end system like an old laptop. Some companies include a copy in scanner or printer sales.

[Reloader]

Thanks, guys. Matzos, good tip about maybe getting something along with any printer/scanner. I'll maybe wait and see about that.

[Reloader]

I was browsing scanner/printer reviews online when I came across one that seemed to fit the bill. Got myself a Canon MP210 multifunctional - scanner, copier, printer at an absolute bargain price that I couldn't ignore. Paid less than £30 on Amazon for it, elsewhere it was £50 or more!
I've since seen it in Currys/PC World at that price too, so I'm quite pleased. Didn't have any photo-imaging software with it, but just before buying it, I found some free stuff online from Google, which is good enough for my basic imaging needs at the moment:

http://picasa.google.com/download/index.html

Now looking for a reasonably-priced camera tripod!

[Matzos]

We have looked at 'Lightroom' if you have a lot of images to work on, then this is ideal. It has basic Photoshop tools, but my uderstanding that it work be mainly used say in a photographic studio setting.

Also have a look at GIMP - GNU Image Manipulation Program
http://www.gimp.org/

A free replacement for Photoshop

[Reloader]

Cheers Matzos, I'll have a look at that. (Y)

[ArcticWolf]

Great thread with excellent advice. unworthy;
I'm looking into studying photography at the moment, and I've heard nothing different from the advice given from the others.

[Matzos]

Just got my new posting, the Deference School of Photography, looks like I will be spending my last 4 years in the mob there :eek:

[ArcticWolf]

Congratulations - they're getting a great photographer.

[Reloader]

Just got my new posting, the Deference School of Photography, looks like I will be spending my last 4 years in the mob there :eek:

Thinking of continuing with it as a civvie photographer when you get out Matzos?

[Reloader]

Great thread with excellent advice. unworthy;
I'm looking into studying photography at the moment, and I've heard nothing different from the advice given from the others.

Welcome back AW - some photography websites that may be helpful:

http://www.photoanswers.co.uk/Home/

http://photo.net/

http://www.harphampix.com/v2/index.php

http://www.fujifilm.co.uk/myfuji/

There are many out there. These are just a few that I have had a look at. I'm a member of the Fuji one, only because I have a Fuji camera, but they have a very good 'hints & tips' section & photography discussion forum.

[Matzos]

Thinking of continuing with it as a civvie photographer when you get out Matzos?

I'm looking at getting a job within one of the archives, that's what I would like to do. Will have to wait and see.

[Reloader]

I'm looking at getting a job within one of the archives, that's what I would like to do. Will have to wait and see.

Sounds a bit like the '30 - plus' scheme of the police. Hope you get your wish mate, sounds good.