Post Processing Setup - HELP!!!

[Renae]

Hi all,

I've decided I've got to get serious about PP. Basically I have no idea about where to start so I'm after advice on programs to use & computer setup.

I am currently using my laptop which is not ideal seeing as everytime I tilt the screen the colours/brightness etc changes. Does anyone know if it's possible to connect a separate monitor to a laptop or if I have to spend even more $$$ and get a PC?

Currently I only have the software that came with my cameras, Arcsoft & Digital Photo Professional (which I havent even tried to use yet). I have checked online and there are zillions of tutorials for Photoshop. I figure I am going to have to teach myself via tutorials so I'm leaning toward Photoshop CS3 or Photoshop Elements.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated :D

[matilda]

if you want try colour for printing then you need a colour calibrator.

It's a spyder that you attach to your monitor and it gives you true colours (as colours on monitors vary to that when you print them). They cost about $200

Also are you shooting in RAW or JPEG?

[maccaroneski]

Hi all,
Does anyone know if it's possible to connect a separate monitor to a laptop or if I have to spend even more $$$ and get a PC?



Generally yes. What make and model laptop do you have? Anything from the last few years should do the trick.

[kiwi]

And yes, PS Elements is a fine place to start

[fillum]

Hi Renae, before you spend money it might be worth looking at the free software available. This is from the Learning Centre: Equipment and Software (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=24359) 'sticky' post written by Kym in the New to Photography forum



7. Computer and Software
You will need a computer and software for your digital darkroom (Post Processing).
Don't buy any software until you at least try the free alternates; you are better off putting your money into decent glass (lenses) than expensive software.

For photographic processing your computer will need a reasonable graphics card (256MB minimum) and plenty of memory.
2GB of memory on Windows XP is a good amount.
Windows 7 based systems will need more, 3 to 4GB being normal or more for 64 bit Windows 7.

The following programs are more than sufficient for 98% of PP that any photographer is likely to do.
a) The GIMP http://www.gimp.org/ (this has many plugins and has similar capabilities to Photoshop)
b) Picasa from google http://picasa.google.com/
c) Paint .net http://www.getpaint.net/ (Very lightweight, good for JPEGs and simple stuff)

And the missing 2% can be done using other programs (eg. Autostitch for panoramas (http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~mbrown/autostitch/autostitch.html))

Also many makers provide 30-day trials of their software which you can download and try for free. e.g Adobe (http://www.adobe.com/ap/downloads/)

One thing you might need to check is if your laptop has sufficient memory etc to run something like CS3 etc.


Cheers.