Lembke Software GraphicConverter

This Mac OS-only program has to be one of the greatest shareware bargains around. It’s certainly no substitute for Photoshop and it wouldn’t be sufficient for the graphics professional, but it’s not intended to be. GC began – and remains – a great program for converting files from one format to another. There's almost nothing it can't import or export. But it has a range of features that make it a valuable and inexpensive tool for photo editing and manipulation. The basics are there - browser, slide show, control over resolution, sizing, hue, contrast, levels, sharpening, etc. - and then some. It's also great for preparing images for the web or for email. Support is top-notch: it seems like the program is updated almost weekly. There's even a newsgroup devoted to GC.

-Reasonable learning curve -Good drag-and-drop image browser and slideshop function -Almost all the editing tools the average print-it-at-home digital photographer needs -Costs only $35, updates free and frequent

-Missing some editing tools

PhotoDeluxe, Photoshop Elements, various shareware image editors

Wonderful - the author responds personally and promptly to emails.