Picture Window Pro

I have encountered an imaging program named Picture Window Pro. Do any of you truly digitally enlightened types know anything about this program? It is portrayed as an easier and more effective means of editing photographs then Photoshop . A free (limited time) download is available. I encountered mention of this program on a photographer named Norman Koren's web site. I would appreciate your experience, thoughts etc.

I first heard about it from some photo forum or newsgroup somewehre (I think it was related to digicams or something). I seem to remember people commenting about it as an easy to use, cheaper utility than Photoshop. Others said get Photoshop Elements.

As I understand it, however, Picture Window Pro allows you to use curves and 48 bit files, whereas Elements doesn't (it's been a while since I've used it, tho).

Picture Window probably has less filter and plug-in support than Photoshop, but then again Photoshop is used by regular graphic artist professionals, publishers and the like. Unless you need all of those extras, a cheaper alternative might be nice.

I'd give the free trial version a go and see if it works for whatever you need a photo editor for.

I have limited experience using Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, and Paint Shop Pro for Windows, and The Gimp for Linux (which is free, by the way, and there's also a version for Windows as well, you might also want to give it a try, www.gimp.org).

I have bought and use Picture Windows Pro. Unfortunately digital photography is at the far end of my "things to do" list so I do not spend much time there. Everything that I have attempted seemed to work very well so far. Also there are many pdf's on the site that are quite helpful. I bought and use Vuescan with my Epson Expression for scanning 4x5 negs.

At this point and for my needs, Picture Windows Pro is hard to beat in the price per performance category.

I believe that Photoshop Elements is a testament to how good Picture Windows Pro really is and now Adoboe, is trying not to loose customers who are seeing the value of Picture Windows Pro. I also have sent Jonathan Sachs a few questions on his Q&A board and received very quick responses. A most helpful and patient person.

IMHO a great program for a great price.

There is a good tutorial for Picture Window Pro at: http://www.normankoren.com/PWP_intro.html

I bought it and found it fairly easy to use....then I decided I wanted a real darkroom and haven't used it much since. Jonathan is very good at responding to questions on the Message Board.

Hope this helps.

John (in Leawood, KS)