1. Adobe Photoshop Elements 6
Photoshop Elements 6 is brimming with features, functionality, and a streamlined interface that makes some of the most daunting photo editing tasks a breeze. The organizing, editing, creating, and sharing features provide the most comprehensive photo editing package available, and earns our “TopTenREVIEWS Gold” award.
2. Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2
Paint Shop Pro has long been a staple for beginner and even advanced photo editors and designers who don’t want to fork out hundreds of dollars for a program with features they won’t use. While having the latest and greatest version of Photoshop may make you sound informed and knowledgeable, the reality is many graphic designers could get by with a cheaper yet nearly as powerful program like Paint Shop Pro X2.
3. Serif PhotoPlus X2
Serif PhotoPlus X2, is not the most flashy photo editing suite, but it gets the job done quickly and fairly easily. We were pleased with its relatively straightforward operation and sound help system.At first glance, PhotoPlus X2 reminds us a lot of pre-Adobe Macromedia Fireworks, which is a good thing. Fireworks was a great photo editing program for the beginner, and was flexible enough to allow for some advanced editing and optimization.
4. Ulead PhotoImpact X3
Ulead PhotoImpact X3 is a sophisticated photo editing and basic web page design program in one. This product comes with royalty free images, web elements, templates and bonus software. Language is technical and effects professional—be prepared to refer to the tutorial frequently. With better support, this product could challenge Photoshop Elements.
5. ACDSee Photo Editor 2008
ACDSee Photo Editor strikes a balance between editing, graphics and projects to showcase your photos. The built-in project lessons in the How-to palette teach you how to use the wide variety of features effortlessly. You’re engaged in creating a wine label or a set of gift tags, and when you’re finished, you know how to work with layers, create a vignette and apply special effects. Short on sharing and organizing, ACDSee is the perfect program for craft projects.
6. PhotoSuite 8
New to photo editing? PhotoSuite by Roxio is a good tool for beginners. It's easy to use and includes a quick fix option to fix most errors automatically. Photos can then be used to make a pleasing variety of print and digital projects to share with friends and family.
7. FotoFinish Suite
FotoFinish is a simple photo editing program with a helpful navigation palette complete with photos. Previews are useful, results are adequate, and you can share your photos for free on FotoFinishNet. There are plenty of print projects to choose from, but the templates are dated. If you like the interface, try FotoFinish Studio for photo editing and printing; the design package in FotoFinish Suite is not worth the additional cost.
8. Photo Explosion 3.0 Deluxe
Photo Explosion by Nova Development is a basic photo editing program enhanced with clip art, templates and other embellishments for turning photos into craft projects. It’s easy to use and offers photo gimmicks for fun projects. Great family software.
9. Picasa 2.7
Picasa by Google is one of the easier programs we reviewed: it’s intuitive and well designed. Picasa also has the best price tag: FREE. Download from your camera or browse folders from the hard drive or a removable device. View thumbnails of your images. In full view, add captions, remove red–eye, crop, rotate and enhance.
10. PhotoImpression 6.5 Gold
PhotoImpression by ArcSoft is a mid-priced photo editing program with adequate editing tools, dated clip art, a quick slide show function and email. It’s simple, fast and intuitive, but there are higher ranked products to achieve better results.
