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Mostly Free and Unique Photo Imaging Programs here

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Ben Herrmann

Ben Herrmann

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Many of us with digital cameras are interested in finding out about different types of post processing software. Granted, we've been deluged with countless references to, along with hints and tips about "big boy" products such as Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Nikon Capture, Bibble, Paint Shop Pro, Photo Impact, and so on.

What I have found, however, is there is a wealth of information out there on free downloads or very inexpensive shareware photo processing programs that give the big boys a huge run for their money. I am posting the following information for all of you.

By the same token, place your posting here on what you think, and even better...list a program that you've found and the URL where it can be gotten to help all of us out. This may prove wonderful to many of us who have blown our wad on D100's and associated equipment.

1. A superb Photo Program called Photo Brush 2.0 from Media Chance does 75% or more of what Photo Shop 7.0 does, but it only costs $38.00. I tend to use it more often than not and I am continually amazed at what it can do. Here's the link to find the program. Remember, look for Photo Brush 2.0.

http://www.mediachance.com/

2. The next piece of software is called "XnView," and it too is ideal. The great thing about this program is that it's free and available by pointing your browser to:

http://www.xnview.com/

3. The next piece of software is both free and shareware. It is superb, especially if you get the Pro version. It's called "Image Forge," and you can get it by going directly to:

http://www.cursorarts.com/ca_imf.html

4. The next program is so unique, it's hard to explain. It's called ImageN and rather than bring up a huge program screen when you double click on it, ImageN centers an image of a camera on the center of your computer screen. Then you just place your cursor over the image and right click to choose a wide variety of menu options. Again, this is totally free and you'll find it intriguing. You can get it at:

http://www.pixoid.com/

5. Another superb program - and free at that - is 20/20. And similar to ImageN, when you double click on the icon, 20/20 just places a menu tool at the top of your page. From there you can open photos, etc. It is another superb tool. You can get it by going to:

http://www.hotfreeware.com/2020/2020.htm

6. The next is a program called "Satori PhotoXL 2.29". You can get it as a free download at:

http://www.satoripaint.com/

7. The next program is kind of neat - well, unique! It's free also and it's called "Pixia." Various language versions are available and the latest is Pixia version 2.5. Pixia has become a cult classic in Japan, where it originated. Go the web site and download whatever language version is best for you. It's at:

http://www.ab.wakwak.com/~knight/

8. The next program - free - is called "Formati 11". You can get it as a free download at:

http://jansfreeware.com/

9. If you're looking for a free, yet functional graphics browser, try "Eyebrowser" by going to:

http://www.eyebrowse.co.uk/

10. Another free image graphics browser called "Coffee Viewer Plus" can be found by going to:

http://www.coffeecup.com/software/

Well, I could go on and on, so if you need to know of others, you can email me at: [email protected] , or you could just visit my park website at: http://www.raleigh-nc.org/parks&rec/wheeler and wonder why in the hell I asked you to visit there - lol !!!

Good luck.

Ben
 
That looks like a great list of programs. But, now that I am working full time, and the robotics season starts this weekend, and takes almost all of our non-working/non-sleeping time, I won't have any time to play with them for a while.
--
 
Eric Carlson said:
That looks like a great list of programs. But, now that I am
working full time, and the robotics season starts this weekend, and
takes almost all of our non-working/non-sleeping time, I won't have
any time to play with them for a while.
--
Click to expand...
--

jack: Huge thanks from me Ben, I've been trying to decide on what program would not cost me big bux, at least until I improve my skills considerably. Now you've given me heaps to play with and learn. Happy New Year Everyone !!!
 
After you give some of them a try, please give us your own personal review.
Jackeroo said:
jack: Huge thanks from me Ben, I've been trying to decide on what
program would not cost me big bux, at least until I improve my
skills considerably. Now you've given me heaps to play with and
learn. Happy New Year Everyone !!!
Click to expand...
--
 
Thanks; great list
Ben Herrmann said:
Many of us with digital cameras are interested in finding out about
different types of post processing software. Granted, we've been
deluged with countless references to, along with hints and tips
about "big boy" products such as Photoshop, Photoshop Elements,
Nikon Capture, Bibble, Paint Shop Pro, Photo Impact, and so on.

What I have found, however, is there is a wealth of information out
there on free downloads or very inexpensive shareware photo
processing programs that give the big boys a huge run for their
money. I am posting the following information for all of you.

By the same token, place your posting here on what you think, and
even better...list a program that you've found and the URL where it
can be gotten to help all of us out. This may prove wonderful to
many of us who have blown our wad on D100's and associated
equipment.

1. A superb Photo Program called Photo Brush 2.0 from Media Chance
does 75% or more of what Photo Shop 7.0 does, but it only costs
$38.00. I tend to use it more often than not and I am continually
amazed at what it can do. Here's the link to find the program.
Remember, look for Photo Brush 2.0.

http://www.mediachance.com/

2. The next piece of software is called "XnView," and it too is
ideal. The great thing about this program is that it's free and
available by pointing your browser to:

http://www.xnview.com/

3. The next piece of software is both free and shareware. It is
superb, especially if you get the Pro version. It's called "Image
Forge," and you can get it by going directly to:

http://www.cursorarts.com/ca_imf.html

4. The next program is so unique, it's hard to explain. It's called
ImageN and rather than bring up a huge program screen when you
double click on it, ImageN centers an image of a camera on the
center of your computer screen. Then you just place your cursor
over the image and right click to choose a wide variety of menu
options. Again, this is totally free and you'll find it intriguing.
You can get it at:

http://www.pixoid.com/

5. Another superb program - and free at that - is 20/20. And
similar to ImageN, when you double click on the icon, 20/20 just
places a menu tool at the top of your page. From there you can open
photos, etc. It is another superb tool. You can get it by going to:

http://www.hotfreeware.com/2020/2020.htm

6. The next is a program called "Satori PhotoXL 2.29". You can get
it as a free download at:

http://www.satoripaint.com/

7. The next program is kind of neat - well, unique! It's free also
and it's called "Pixia." Various language versions are available
and the latest is Pixia version 2.5. Pixia has become a cult
classic in Japan, where it originated. Go the web site and download
whatever language version is best for you. It's at:

http://www.ab.wakwak.com/~knight/

8. The next program - free - is called "Formati 11". You can get it
as a free download at:

http://jansfreeware.com/

9. If you're looking for a free, yet functional graphics browser,
try "Eyebrowser" by going to:

http://www.eyebrowse.co.uk/

10. Another free image graphics browser called "Coffee Viewer Plus"
can be found by going to:

http://www.coffeecup.com/software/

Well, I could go on and on, so if you need to know of others, you
can email me at: [email protected] , or you could just
visit my park website at:
http://www.raleigh-nc.org/parks&rec/wheeler and wonder why in the
hell I asked you to visit there - lol !!!

Good luck.

Ben
Click to expand...
--
Niko
Oly C-4040
 
Ben,

Great idea for a thread. Throughout my day, I am on multi-computer platforms, but for image processing, I prefer the Macintosh.

PixelNhance: (A freebie for Mac Users). You can us it to adjust: Brightness and contrast, Levels (Histogram); Color; Saturation; Tone saturation; Sharpness and Noise reduction. Developed by Caffeine Software you can learn about and download it from here: http://www.caffeinesoft.com/products/pnh/pnh_index.html

Caffeine Software's claim to fame is a post-processing package called TIFFany. I have never used it but you can learn about it here: http://www.caffeinesoft.com/products/tiffany/

Panorama Tools and PTSTitcher: (All Computers) One of the most comprehensive panorama creation package out there (also the most complicated). This is a freebie and versions are written for all computer platforms. You can find it here: http://www.path.unimelb.edu.au/~dersch/ Here is a tutorial for Panorama Tools this tutorial for Panorama Tools: http://epaperpress.com/pano/index.html

Panorama Factory: Many folks on Windows enjoy using this software to stitching panoramas and at $35, it's a bargain. You can find the Shareware version here: http://www.panoramafactory.com/download.html

Image Buddy: (Mac Only) I have found this to be a great package for sizing, printing and creating layouts on 8X11 sheets of photo paper. Shareware cost of $15 (free upgrades). You can find it here: http://www.kepmad.com/

--
El-See

See the ELF ~ OlyTalk index at
http://www.pbase.com/otfchallenge/elf
 
Okay gang, here are some more “Free Graphics Program” recommendations. And let’s really keep this up because I can see where virtually hundreds of great recommendations can be made to everyone’s benefit!!! Otherwise, non-activity will wind up in a thread being eventually archived. All of these programs by way are for Windows based PC’s. The developers may have a MAC-based version – I don’t know.

1. A wonderful free vector graphics and vector animations drawing program is called “Zoner 3.” Zoner Draw 3 is an ideal graphics program for a broad range of applications. Use it to create powerful brochures and leaflets, as well as illustrations for documents, business cards, price tags, letterheads, postcards, signs, blueprints, greeting cards, and more. One new feature of the product is the ability to create graphics for Internet presentations, including vector animations. and you can download it at:

http://www.zoner.com/draw3/overview.asp

2. Another Unique graphics program is “3D Canvas.” 3D Canvas is a real-time 3D modeling and animation tool that incorporates an intuitive drag-and-drop approach to 3D modeling. To get a copy of this, go to:

http://www.amabilis.com/downloads.htm

3. The next program is called “Smaller Image – version 2” which is the free version. It’s an imaging resizer program. When you get to the web page, it says that it’s for website owners. Ignore that because it’s a free download. You can get it at:

http://www.trivista.com/ChannelPartners/

4. The next program is a graphics editor called “Image Enhance.” It is a free image editor for that features support for bitmap and JPEG images, webcams, digital cameras and scanners. You can digitally enhance your images by applying different filters and effects, like sharpness, contrast, grayscale, invert, logaritmize, find edges, old photo and more. You can also design your own filters.

http://home.bip.net/baxtrom/imageenhance.htm

5. The next program is an image editor and paint program called “Project Dogwaffle.” A different paint program. Features realistic artist tools, paper, and media styles; Custom and procedural brushes and fill types; Realtime image processing filters; Multiple undo's; Supports loads of file formats; Mix buffers in a variety of ways; Alpha channel; Make seamless textures and more. The author adds that "Project dogwaffle is a paint program, not an image editor. If you like creating original pretty pictures, then dogwaffle should do well. You can get it at:

http://www.freewareweb.com/cgi-bin/archive.cgi?ID=1472

6. The next program is “Ultimate FX.” Ultimate FX is a full-featured 32-bit Windows graphics program for image viewing and manipulation. Take a look at its cool plug-in effects and register the advertisement-free version.

http://www.ultimatepaint.com/ufx/

7. The next program is a compact image editor program that gives you a lot for free. It is called “Photo Wizard.” In fact, you will tend to use this a lot because it is quick and easy. You can get it at:

http://www.americansys.com/photowizard.htm?From=Main

8. The next free program is called “Win Morph.” WinMorph is a high performance morphing and warping software. With over 400,000 downloads and much more distributed through PC magazines and their CDROMs, WinMorph enjoys a very wide userbase. You can get it at:

http://www.debugmode.com/winmorph/

9. The next program is called “ X-Warp.” Xi-WARP lets you bend and distort any image simply by drawing two outlines - one around the part you want to distort, and another to define the shape to be molded into. You can do this with any number of parts of the image, and animate the process so that different parts of the image deform simultaneously. You can get it at:

http://www.xiberpix.com/

10. The next program is a paint program called “Zpaint.” This software for creating 3D-looking elements for websites and software interfaces is much more flexible. Easily paint raised or lowered shapes such as buttons, rings, boxes... or add those effects to existing graphics. Color/texture selection, adjustable extrusion depth, gloss and other effects. Used best in cooperation with an image editor. You can get it at:

http://www.steffengerlach.de/freeware/#zp

Well, that’s it for now. Again…please keep this thread going because it will program a lot of neat graphics programs to everyone.

Happy New Year to all and Peace!!!!

Ben Herrmann
Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, USA
Visit my park website at:
http://www.raleigh-nc.org/parks&rec/wheeler
 
Eric:

Actually, I just started using various search engines and that led to another...and another...and another.

I'll keep posting them as I find out which ones are worthwhile and which ones are not worth the effort.

Ben
 
Ben Herrmann said:
Many of us with digital cameras are interested in finding out about
different types of post processing software. Granted, we've been
deluged with countless references to, along with hints and tips
about "big boy" products such as Photoshop, Photoshop Elements,
Nikon Capture, Bibble, Paint Shop Pro, Photo Impact, and so on.

What I have found, however, is there is a wealth of information out
there on free downloads or very inexpensive shareware photo
processing programs that give the big boys a huge run for their
money. I am posting the following information for all of you.
Click to expand...
Ben Herrmann said:
Good luck.

Ben
========================
Click to expand...
OK Mac users - can anybody come up w/ a similar list of mostly free & unique imaging software, or at least ID those in this thread for which a Mac version exists? I've found lots, but haven't the time or desire to go through 'em and tell which does what...

BAK
C-2100 since 4/1/02, B-300, B-macro, Vivitar 285HV flash, eMac/OS 10.2,
P-shop 7, Epson 785EPX printer
Nashua, NH, USA
http://www.pbase.com/baklink
 
Okay, SpageMonger is not specifically for photos, but it might help you keep a handle on your hard drive space with your huge collections of photo files. And it might help you find stuff you can get rid of so you can store more photos.

It displays a really useful graphical representation of your hard drive space usage, and you can zoom in and out on specific folders.

SpaceMonger 1.40 is free.
http://www.werkema.com/software/spacemonger.html

It can also be eye-opening when you see how much (or how little) space your photo directories take up.

I've found it to be very valuable as a network administrator. I can quickly and easilly find out which programs or which users are filling up our servers, and then quickly resolve or head off potential problems. Imagine finding an oversized log file taking up 30.Gig of valuable hard drive space.

--
 
Thanks Ben Great helps. I find some programs do better things than others and seem to use whichever one works best for the job at hand.I will try these . Best of all the price is right...
MJ
 
Here are two more postings that seem to work well.

1. PaintStudio Lite 1.2 is an image editing software. With PaintStudio Lite 1.2 you can enhance the look and optimize the size and appearance of images for use in document, presentation, homepage and others. It works withBitmap ( .bmp), JPEG ( .jpg , .jpeg), GIF ( .gif), PNG-8 or 24 ( .png), TARGA ( .tga), PCX ( .pcx), Windows Icons ( .ico), Win32 Enhanced Metafile ( .emf) and Windows 3.1 Metafile ( .wmf). Saving to BMP, JPEG ,GIF, PNG-8 or PNG-24. You can get it by going to:

http://members.fortunecity.co.uk/alfian/

2. Photo Editor EasyPeg 1.02. A JPEG, PNG and bitmap editor, plus thumbnail creator. EasyPeg is easy to use and fast loading. Create and modify images. Cool effects for image enhancement and artwork. Unique lighting effects. Get your photos on the web. Register and get EasyPeg Pro if you like it. For commercial users EasyPeg is an alternative to big and expensive solutions.

http://www.hnm-freeware.com/

Keep on hunting. There are many superb programs out there. Rather than mentioning Irfanview, which is a great tool, along with GIMP, they has already been mentioned on various forums.

Ben
 
Ben Herrmann said:
Many of us with digital cameras are interested in finding out about
different types of post processing software. Granted, we've been
deluged with countless references to, along with hints and tips
about "big boy" products such as Photoshop, Photoshop Elements,
Nikon Capture, Bibble, Paint Shop Pro, Photo Impact, and so on.

What I have found, however, is there is a wealth of information out
there on free downloads or very inexpensive shareware photo
processing programs that give the big boys a huge run for their
money. I am posting the following information for all of you.

By the same token, place your posting here on what you think, and
even better...list a program that you've found and the URL where it
can be gotten to help all of us out. This may prove wonderful to
many of us who have blown our wad on D100's and associated
equipment.

1. A superb Photo Program called Photo Brush 2.0 from Media Chance
does 75% or more of what Photo Shop 7.0 does, but it only costs
$38.00. I tend to use it more often than not and I am continually
amazed at what it can do. Here's the link to find the program.
Remember, look for Photo Brush 2.0.

http://www.mediachance.com/

2. The next piece of software is called "XnView," and it too is
ideal. The great thing about this program is that it's free and
available by pointing your browser to:

http://www.xnview.com/

3. The next piece of software is both free and shareware. It is
superb, especially if you get the Pro version. It's called "Image
Forge," and you can get it by going directly to:

http://www.cursorarts.com/ca_imf.html

4. The next program is so unique, it's hard to explain. It's called
ImageN and rather than bring up a huge program screen when you
double click on it, ImageN centers an image of a camera on the
center of your computer screen. Then you just place your cursor
over the image and right click to choose a wide variety of menu
options. Again, this is totally free and you'll find it intriguing.
You can get it at:

http://www.pixoid.com/

5. Another superb program - and free at that - is 20/20. And
similar to ImageN, when you double click on the icon, 20/20 just
places a menu tool at the top of your page. From there you can open
photos, etc. It is another superb tool. You can get it by going to:

http://www.hotfreeware.com/2020/2020.htm

6. The next is a program called "Satori PhotoXL 2.29". You can get
it as a free download at:

http://www.satoripaint.com/

7. The next program is kind of neat - well, unique! It's free also
and it's called "Pixia." Various language versions are available
and the latest is Pixia version 2.5. Pixia has become a cult
classic in Japan, where it originated. Go the web site and download
whatever language version is best for you. It's at:

http://www.ab.wakwak.com/~knight/

8. The next program - free - is called "Formati 11". You can get it
as a free download at:

http://jansfreeware.com/

9. If you're looking for a free, yet functional graphics browser,
try "Eyebrowser" by going to:

http://www.eyebrowse.co.uk/

10. Another free image graphics browser called "Coffee Viewer Plus"
can be found by going to:

http://www.coffeecup.com/software/

Well, I could go on and on, so if you need to know of others, you
can email me at: [email protected] , or you could just
visit my park website at:
http://www.raleigh-nc.org/parks&rec/wheeler and wonder why in the
hell I asked you to visit there - lol !!!

Good luck.

Ben
Click to expand...
--
Stinson
C-2020, D-40, PS6
http://www3.photosig.com/viewuser.php?id=64739
http://www.pbase.com/stinson
 
Ben Herrmann said:
Many of us with digital cameras are interested in finding out about
different types of post processing software.
Click to expand...
Take a look at http://www.hamrick.com . His VuePro is a great viewer. It is not free ($40.00) but it is the most comprehensive viewer/converter I have found. Very fast and easy to use. Also, you get free updates for life. I have used it fo the last 4 years.

It alos comes with ViewSlide which is an exe file that you can put onto a floppy or CD with your image files. It will then do a slide show for you with adjustable timing. Great!

Lastly, for your $40.00 you get VueScan. This software controls just about every scanner out there.

Phil

Granted, we've been
Ben Herrmann said:
deluged with countless references to, along with hints and tips
about "big boy" products such as Photoshop, Photoshop Elements,
Nikon Capture, Bibble, Paint Shop Pro, Photo Impact, and so on.

What I have found, however, is there is a wealth of information out
there on free downloads or very inexpensive shareware photo
processing programs that give the big boys a huge run for their
money. I am posting the following information for all of you.

By the same token, place your posting here on what you think, and
even better...list a program that you've found and the URL where it
can be gotten to help all of us out. This may prove wonderful to
many of us who have blown our wad on D100's and associated
equipment.

1. A superb Photo Program called Photo Brush 2.0 from Media Chance
does 75% or more of what Photo Shop 7.0 does, but it only costs
$38.00. I tend to use it more often than not and I am continually
amazed at what it can do. Here's the link to find the program.
Remember, look for Photo Brush 2.0.

http://www.mediachance.com/

2. The next piece of software is called "XnView," and it too is
ideal. The great thing about this program is that it's free and
available by pointing your browser to:

http://www.xnview.com/

3. The next piece of software is both free and shareware. It is
superb, especially if you get the Pro version. It's called "Image
Forge," and you can get it by going directly to:

http://www.cursorarts.com/ca_imf.html

4. The next program is so unique, it's hard to explain. It's called
ImageN and rather than bring up a huge program screen when you
double click on it, ImageN centers an image of a camera on the
center of your computer screen. Then you just place your cursor
over the image and right click to choose a wide variety of menu
options. Again, this is totally free and you'll find it intriguing.
You can get it at:

http://www.pixoid.com/

5. Another superb program - and free at that - is 20/20. And
similar to ImageN, when you double click on the icon, 20/20 just
places a menu tool at the top of your page. From there you can open
photos, etc. It is another superb tool. You can get it by going to:

http://www.hotfreeware.com/2020/2020.htm

6. The next is a program called "Satori PhotoXL 2.29". You can get
it as a free download at:

http://www.satoripaint.com/

7. The next program is kind of neat - well, unique! It's free also
and it's called "Pixia." Various language versions are available
and the latest is Pixia version 2.5. Pixia has become a cult
classic in Japan, where it originated. Go the web site and download
whatever language version is best for you. It's at:

http://www.ab.wakwak.com/~knight/

8. The next program - free - is called "Formati 11". You can get it
as a free download at:

http://jansfreeware.com/

9. If you're looking for a free, yet functional graphics browser,
try "Eyebrowser" by going to:

http://www.eyebrowse.co.uk/

10. Another free image graphics browser called "Coffee Viewer Plus"
can be found by going to:

http://www.coffeecup.com/software/

Well, I could go on and on, so if you need to know of others, you
can email me at: [email protected] , or you could just
visit my park website at:
http://www.raleigh-nc.org/parks&rec/wheeler and wonder why in the
hell I asked you to visit there - lol !!!

Good luck.

Ben
Click to expand...
--
Phil
 
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