Helicon Filter

Helicon Filter is now my favorite image editor. I find it much easier to use than
Photoshop Elements or Ulead Photo Impact. It is organized in such a way that it
guides you through the entire editing process. I usually have the before and after
views of my image along with the context sensitive help box showing. In most cases
results are instantaneous. Special features not found in my other editors are the HDR
( High Dynamic Range ) processing and the ability to incorporate meta data, captions
and copyright information into the image itself. The program will even do this
automatically if you wish. Batch processing is a snap; This is a great program for
the occasional amateur and should also be great for any type of scientific work
where the ability to record the date,time, file name, and exposure data in the image
is of value. This is my basic photo editor and I highly recommend it.

reads raw files
easy batch processing
easy white balance correction
HRD( high dynamic range) with llittle halo effecrt
great noise filter
simplified e-mail transmisssion
excellent printer interface

no layers, no way to select a section and move it
limited slideshow capability
no way to insert text or symbols into an image

Photoshop Elements 4
Ulead Photo Impact 8

I have used it several times, it is excellent