Some purported CONS about PSP X,not sure if correct

[JWorld]

Hi, Guys,

I am planning to purchase a copy of Paint Shop Pro X. But as I did some research about this products, I found some negative comments about it. But I am not sure if they are true or just some misconceptions.

Many claimed that Paint Shop Pro X (and also previous versions) didn't save the images to disk when we are working. Instead, it retains every changes in computer memory. This really makes me nervous. Often I have to work with multiple heavy programs open at the same time. And I need to do a lot of changes to multiple images open at the same time. If that is true, my computer definitely doesn't have enough resources.

There are also some comments regrettig the lack of support for raw format and the JPEG 2000 format. I checked Corel website and did find out that PSP X does support raw format. But I could not find any information about JPEG 2000. Also, 16bit support has been historically missing in the previous version. Is it incorporated into X now?

And it is also said the the learn curve for PSP X has been increased significantly since version 9. I am also concerned about this since I need a program that is capable of giving professional or near professional result but requires not so much time on learning. Preferably it should be Open & Go.

One last question. I know PSP X is definitely a bitmap image editing tool. But my work also involves creating SIMPLE illustrations. I wonder if I could do that in PSP X. It just needs to be simple, because what I have to do is simple.

Too much words for a post. lol

Thanks for any input. Your opinons will significantly affects my decision.

 

[ChrisHunt]

I've still got PSP9, so I can't definitively confirm or deny what you've heard, but I'll have a go...

Many claimed that Paint Shop Pro X (and also previous versions) didn't save the images to disk when we are working. Instead, it retains every changes in computer memory.

I imagine that's standard for all image programs, but "memory" includes the actual memory in your PC and a load of "virtual memory" that's actually stored on disk. The program doesn't try to second-guess the operating system, it just tells it "remember this" and lets the OS decide whether to put it on disk or not. That said, manipulating big images is pretty memory-intensive so you may need a souped up PC to do it well (memory is pretty cheap these days anyway).

lack of support for raw format and the JPEG 2000

My understanding is that each camera manufacturer has their own raw format, so you might need to dig deeper to find whether you're supported. It may make sense anyway to use a specialised raw converter program to make a TIFF for PSP to play with. I don't know about jpeg2000.

the learn curve for PSP X has been increased significantly

I don't know about this. I've found PSP9 easy enough to get along with, but I'm sure I'm only using a fraction of its power. If PSPX can do more, there'll be more to learn - doesn't mean you can't get good results when you're just a little way up the curve. One disadvantage with PSP, though, is that there aren't so many how-to-do-it books out there as there are for Photoshop - so it's harder to get help when you need it.

I don't know what you mean by "SIMPLE illustrations". PSP has a good image manipulation pedigree, but it's also got pretty good vector tools (I'm hoping the Corel influence is going to make these even better) and I believe version X is bringing in more art media tools. So you should be able to produce whatever illustrations you want with it - simple or not.

-- Chris Hunt
Webmaster & Tragedian
Extra Connections Ltd

 

[jconingham]

I need a program that is capable of giving professional or near professional result but requires not so much time on learning. Preferably it should be Open & Go.

To get a professional result you SHOULD BE a professional. Softwares aren't little gods living in your computer. Learning is a must in everything you use.

But my work also involves creating SIMPLE illustrations. I wonder if I could do that in PSP X. It just needs to be simple, because what I have to do is simple.

I assume you are talking about vectors (keep in mind that illustrations can take any form the illustrator -person- wants, such as vector, bitmap, watercolor, pencil, etc.). Anyway, yes, you can work with vectors and you can export them to formats that can be read by real vector programs (i.e. Adobe Illustrator) such as .eps and .wmf.