Photo-editing program reviews: How to buy
Do I really need photo editing software?
We've all got boxes stashed away full of photos which could do with sprucing up. And while digital cameras show you the results of your efforts as soon as you've taken a shot, it’s still tricky to take a photo which reproduces precisely what you see in front of you.
A good photo-editing program provides you with the opportunity to change the photograph you took into the photograph you wanted to take.
Do I need a photo-editing program with all the features?
Good photo-editing programs come with a range of features for sprucing up your pictures. Most have automatic correction functions, though the level of input required varies.
The more sophisticated packages are jam-packed with filters and adjustable tools that would make most people’s mind boggle. Unless you get really hooked, it’s unlikely you'll ever need or want to use the really advanced features so you may prefer to opt for a cheaper, more basic photo-editing package.
Will my computer be powerful enough?
Some photo-editing packages – particularly those crammed with features – require relatively powerful specifications. You’ll need at least Windows XP for most of them, for example. Always check that your computer meets the software’s minimum requirements before you buy.
Will I find photo-editing packages cheaper online?
It’s often possible to find photo-editing programs cheaper online if you re prepared to shop around. In fact, some of the programs are only available to download (in some cases free of charge).
If you don't mind sacrificing some of latest features, you may well find an older version of a Best Buy program for a much lower price, too.
Should I go for a paid-for program or a free download?
Most paid-for programs are available as boxed packages and come on a CD. The advantage of this is that should you need to reinstall the program for whatever reason, you can just pop the CD back in your computer’s CD drawer and reinstall it. You're also more likely to find that you get a printed manual in the box (though sometimes it’s loaded on the CD).
Free downloads require a fast internet connection. Some are cut-down versions of paid-for suites so you're unlikely to get all the editing tools that are supplied with the paid-for versions. More comprehensive free-downloads are available too – designed by teams of volunteer developers. You may find that such programs are slightly harder to get to grips with compared with the paid-for programs with more geeky language and user manuals.