Photoshop Elements from Adobe or Paintshop Pro from Corel – what should it be? Both manufacturers send their programs as an all-rounder for photo processing into the race, but with different focus: in Photoshop Elements 13 archive management and image processing are two separate programs, between which is switched. Three processing modes are available for polishing the photos: Fast, Assistant and Expert. Depending on the user, the menu settings are either reduced or fully displayed. This also makes it easier for less experienced users to enter through a customizable user interface.
Import and Export
PaintShop Pro X8 has a different concept. Here, the image organization is integrated into the main program together with the editing features (submenus: administration, customization and editing), so that everything can be done there. This Ultimate version also includes other programs, such as the AfterShot 2 raw converter, the PerfectEffects 9.5.0 and PerfectlyClear effects programs, and the extensive Corel CreativeCollection.
Lesetipp
The additional programs work together either as a plug-in or by linking to the main program, without having to export or import images. All menus and tools are always available in PaintShop Pro X8.
Manage images
Many photographers prefer the raw format today. Each camera manufacturer, however, cooks his own soup, which must be recognized by the image processing software. We chose two RAW files from common camera types of the manufacturers Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony. Photoshop Elements opened our raw files via CameraRaw, which provides only very rudimentary image processing tools compared to Photoshop's full version, within 13 seconds. PaintShop Pro itself needed only slightly less.
Image processing
The Raw Converter AfterShot 2, which is included with PaintShop Pro, is much brighter. Within 2 seconds (without delay) all RAW files are now available. The comprehensive
Tool Palette from AfterShot 2 leaves the rather meager RAW setting functions of Photoshop Elements in the shade and the extent of the import formats is with PaintShop Pro opulent and reaches as a result of the decades-long market presence back to the Amiga time
PaintShop Pro X8 also scores with a batch processing. This proves to be very useful to apply effects fully automatically to large photo archives or to overwrite many files in one fell swoop. Even HDR recordings can be automatically calculated by batch. Special highlight for professional users: Scripting functions are integrated into PaintShop Pro X8 for automation.
Photoshop Elements 13 provides only limited actions for automation. It can not create it itself, but from the large Photoshop take over and play, as far as the functions itself has integrated itself. Thus, the PaintShop rushes hairless past the small Photoshop.
Both programs offer essentially identical features in the photo archive, such as face detection, evaluation functions including EXIF, GPS data and much more. Also, the sharing is supported on the usual online platforms as well as the output as a photo book, CD cover and the like. Here, the output options on Photoshop Elements are a little more generous, and there is a direct upload capability to Cewe's online image service.
Smart: The organizer of the small Photoshop allows the automatic creation of a simple slideshow as MP4 video in HD including title creation and sounding. PaintShop Pro has a practical add-on feature, a well-adjustable tool for screen photos. However, Photoshop Elements is just ahead of the PaintShop Pro.
Actually there would be equality, at least as far as the basic functions are concerned. White balance, color and exposure, gradation curves, HDR photos, levels, vector graphics, sharpening, soft focus, and more are available in both programs. The selection tools such as lasso, magic wand and retouching tools such as red-eye correction, clone stamps and plane effects are also available. Using Photomerge Compose in Photoshop, you can cut out parts of a picture and insert them into another.
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In PaintShop Pro X8, the similar function Magic Move is called, here you can move image parts within a photo. For both programs, precision is required when cutting, otherwise there are unsightly pictures. In addition, the seamless insertion is also motive-dependent. The scope of the included filters and effects is significantly greater in PaintShop Pro X8 Ultimate. The Perfect Effects 9.5.0 from On1, the Corel Creative Collection and the Athlete's PerfectlyClear plug-in give PaintShop a clear advantage.
Operation and Performance
Keep it simple is the American motto for Photoshop Elements 13. Everything is simple, everything is self-explanatory and easy to learn. The simplification is, of course, accompanied by the fact that the functions are restricted to the rudimentary. While it is important to have an important part in the process, an assistant will lead through many prefabricated areas, but there are too many adjustment possibilities.
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Conclusion
In comparison, the PaintShop Pro X8 Ultimate is bursting with many professional filters and setting options, which are also largely self-explanatory - and intuitively learnable. The included effects bring a great space for creative image design, which is also appreciated by dedicated photographers. The performance feels about the same in both program packages. But the great Raw converter AfterShot 2 has the nose with PaintShop Pro in front of the tempo. And as a whole, the PaintShop Pro X8.
Two image processing programs - and two different worlds that could not be more different: Adobe Photoshop Elements 13 is an ideal entry-level program with cool features. You can quickly get good results without having to get into the subject too deeply - but you can go deeply, because the expert mode of the image processing is well hidden in the complicated technique.
However, if you want to get the most out of your photos, PaintShop Pro X8 Ultimate has the better counterpart. The included tools, filters and functions are very comprehensive. Particularly convincing is the Raw Converter AfterShot 2 with professional setting and display options. AfterShot 2 is already worth the money.
Test review: Adobe Photoshop Elements 13
Test Review: Corel PaintShop Pro X8 Ultimate
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