Trying to emerge from the shadow of Paint Shop Pro
PhotoPlus is a very capable editor that's never quite escaped the shadow of Paint Shop Pro. Will version 11 be any different from its predecessors? Certainly not with regard to the interface: it's more cluttered, and not as straightforward for beginners.
Features, then? PhotoPlus 11 includes a new QuickFix Studio to solve brightness, contrast and colour problems. It doesn't address as many issues as Paint Shop Pro, though, or have the same automatic fixes.
The program puts up a better fight with filters (there are no less than 11 blur types, impressive lighting effects and an attractive mosaic-like paper tile filter), but again Paint Shop Pro has better effects overall, and makes them easier to access.
PhotoPlus does win out in photo management, arranging your images into albums, and making it easier to search for, view, print, or back them up. But with these features readily available for free, it's hard to justify paying extra to get them in PhotoPlus 11.
Score
For
- Excellent photo management
- Decent selection of filters
Against
Verdict
It's impressive in its own right, but on direct comparison PhotoPlus is just pipped to the post by Paint Shop Pro in too many areasSpecification
| Graphics Requirements | 16-bit colour
1024x768 resolution
|
| Min Processor Speed (GHz) | 1.3 GHz
|
| Min Processor Speed (MHz) | 700 Mhz
|
| OS Requirements | Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Windows ME
Microsoft Windows 98 SE
Microsoft Windows 2000
|
| Processor Type Required | Pentium
|
| RAM Recommended (MB) | 128 MB
|
| Required Hard Disk Space (MB) | 254 MB
|
| Required Peripherals | CD-ROM Drive
|
| Description | Digital image editing
|
| Platform | Microsoft Windows
|
| Licence Type | Complete Package
|
Serif PhotoPlus 11 Studio Pack Review
