If you are not in the graphic arts business and you looking for an image editor that is easier to use and less expensive, you should take a look at Pixelmator – $59.00 and the soon-to-be-released Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 for Mac – $89.99.
Photoshop Elements 8 is scheduled for release on October 23, 2009 but you can pre-order it now from Amazon – click here. It combines some of the best features from the professional Photoshop package and makes them easier to use. Although previous versions of Elements have been missing key features found in Photoshop, this new version promises a much improved user experience. “Make your photos look extraordinary with editing options that let you whiten teeth and make skies bluer in one step; recompose photos to any size without distortion; quickly remove unwanted photo elements; combine multiple exposures into a single, perfectly lit shot; and more.”
Pixelmator has been a favorite recently among Mac enthusiasts for its innovative technology of using the computers graphics card (instead of the CPU ) for its processing. Pixelmator offers the core features of the $699 version of Photoshop with a layout which is very familiar to any Photoshop user (it even recognizes Photoshop keystroke combinations!). Pixelmator ships with tools, masks, layers, and several useful image filters. It has the ability to get most of your basic photo editing chores done and at a fraction of the cost. You can download a free trial from http://www.pixelmator.com and for a limited time, use the coupon code SMOKINGAPPLES for 20% off.
Both Pixelmator and Photoshop Elements are worthy of consideration. Pixelmator is not quite as feature rich as Elements but has a very Mac-ish feel with it’s polished interface. Since both applications are a minor cost investment compared to Photoshop, you couldn’t go wrong with either one.
Conclusion: If you have the financial resources and the time, then learn Adobe Photoshop. A great way is through an amazing video tutorial set called Photoshop CS4 One-on-One: Fundamentals by Deke McClelland.
You can get it from Amazon click here.
If you have a small budget or prefer a program that’s a bit easier to use then Pixelmator or Photoshop Elements 8 is your sure winner.
