PhotoImpact 5 by Ulead (Ulead Photoimpact 5)

Member Name: swannie

Product:	Ulead Photoimpact 5
Date:	29/07/00 (101 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use comprehensive

Disadvantages: cost some wizards

I have used PhotoImpact 3 for some time now and find it ideal retouching slides and photos I have scanned into my computer. I was therefore very eager to try out version 5.
It has all the advantages of the older version – easy to use tools for modifying photos, either automatic or manually. Although I note the autofix for brightness and contrast which could be used as two actions in version 3 is now only one – I wonder that this might be limiting. It also incorporates easy switching to the other programs in the suite for cataloguing and viewing your pictures. The difference lies largely in the range of special effects and masks – although not all of these are immediately available but need to be downloaded. It also introduces some wizards to help. However I question the value of these. At this price this is not a program for the casual user and anyone with a little experience would find the wizards limiting. I also wonder about the usefulness of all the special effects. They are fun to play with but I would not see much use for them.
If I was starting from scratch and needed a photo manipulation program I would certainly consider PhotoImpact 5 but I don’t really think it has enough to make me upgrade – even with the special offer at present available through PC Advisor.

Summary: