OT: Photo editor that will do Vegas 'Color Curves'

David_AJ wrote on 3/29/2005, 9:36 AM
One of the tools in Vegas that I use the most is Color Curves. It allows me to lift dark areas of my video (or bring down highlights) without effecting the rest of the image.

So, I'm wondering if any photo editor has a similar feature. I would assume that Adobe Photoshop does this. However, I can't afford it. Are there other programs that would fill the bill?

Thanks -- David

Comments

BillyBoy wrote on 3/29/2005, 9:56 AM
As you suspected, of course Photoshop supports curves. Probably a better implementation that any other application and yes, superior to what's included with Vegas. Because its considered a "professional" tool, its frequently not part of lessor applications. So you have to be careful to read the fine print. If you're not doing too many, you can of course use Color Curves in Vegas to adjust still images too.

While I no longer have it installed on this box, I have used GIMP which is a available as a port to Windows, originally created for the Linux crowd. GIMP is almost as good as Photoshop, in some respects better, best of all you'll like the price. Absolutely and totally free. One down side I hate, is unlike Photoshop and Vegas all the little sub windows float and you can't dock them, at least you couldn't in the last version I tried a couple years back. If you can live with that for sure worth taking a look.

To get an idea how powerful GIMP is, take a look at features from a book about it. http://gimp-savvy.com/BOOK/

Yes it supports curves and is very similar to Photoshop's version. In fact what I've been nagging for is the chart on behind, to be included with Vegas. would make making adjustments easier. Look in the index under curves for an idea what it does.
Jimmy_W wrote on 3/29/2005, 10:10 AM
I believe I've had this program at one time. BB is this program still supported? Just curious.
Jimmy
skibumm101 wrote on 3/29/2005, 10:12 AM
Gimp is a great tool, and has been revamped latley. If you havent looked at it latley, you might just want to. and Free is good
RichMacDonald wrote on 3/29/2005, 12:57 PM
You could try Irfanview (free) which allows you to use 3rd party plugins including those from photoshop. I don't know of a 3rd party color curves plugin for Irfanview but I'm sure you can find one. Having said that, did anyone mention GIMP :-?
logiquem wrote on 3/29/2005, 1:45 PM
I would suggest Macromedia Fireworks. Try it. It is so efficient for multimedia graphic work and much simpler to use IMO than Photoshop...

And it natively works with png files. Make your multilayer composition, all with non destructive FX or wathever and use it directly in Vegas.
PeterWright wrote on 3/29/2005, 3:54 PM
Paint Shop Pro has colour curves, and many other goodies.
David_AJ wrote on 3/30/2005, 3:15 AM
Thanks for all the useful feedback. Very much appreciated!
FuTz wrote on 3/30/2005, 4:03 AM

Another free app you might wanna check:
VCW vicman's photo editor


http://www.vicman.net/vcwphoto/photo_f.htm
MH_Stevens wrote on 3/30/2005, 7:21 AM
Last summer I got a copy of Photoshop LE for free with a $80 Canon scanner. Look around for stuff that comes with OEM Photoshop or equivalent editors.

Mike
FuTz wrote on 3/30/2005, 8:01 AM
Just remembered I had a magazine here that tested a few of these free or "budget-friendly" apps.
Found the mag back and guess what... the Gimp is very well rated.

skibumm101 must be right... one point for the gent' !


;)
FuTz wrote on 3/30/2005, 8:05 AM

What MHStevens said is right too: I may have bought 3 of these hardware pieces coming with Photoshop LE.
So if you got something to buy soon in mind, it's a good idea to have a quick check ...