Why Photoshop when you can GIMP?
I highly recommend Photoshop and I’ve used it for years, which means I’m more familiar with the Photoshop interface. I only discovered the GIMP much later and, as a result, I’m just discovering its potential and still learning the application. However, if I’d known about the GIMP when I first started digital image manipulation, I would probably have bypassed Photoshop all together. Of course for professional use, you need to work with Photoshop because although the GIMP works well to view images on monitors or print pictures using an inkjet printer, it does not have CMYK color management which is required for working with professional print jobs. Adobe Photoshop 1.0 was released in 1990 for Mac while the first public release (Linux) for the GIMP was not until 1996.
So what IS the difference between Photoshop & the GIMP? Well according to my mathematical calculations, it’s about $670. The reason for this is that the GIMP is Open Source and is completely free whereas Photoshop is a very pricey option.
Both programs are extremely powerful image editors and as a result they both have a steep learning curve. So if you are completely new to Image Editing, I’d recommend trying out Paint.NET which is also an open-source freeware. This is a Microsoft product but not to be confused with the old stand-by ‘Paint’ Accessory that comes bundled with the Windows OS. Paint.NET is actually a powerful entry level image manipulation tool where you will be able to use advanced image filters and work with multiple image layers. Paint.NET is much more accessible and has more than enough features to get you started. If you get hooked, you can always upgrade to either the GIMP or Photoshop later and the skills you’ve already learned will be put to good use.
