QBeo PhotoGenetics

PhotoGenetics is intended as a program to adjust colour in photographic images, for people with no expertise in or access to conventional image editing programs (such as PhotoShop, PaintShopPro, etc.) It is so simple to use, even my mother can use it (and she can't program her VCR). It is particularly effective with faded slides. I found little benefit with properly exposed and colourful images from a digital camera and high-quality film scanner, but it worked wonders on 30-year old faded slides that I scanned. It takes no more than two minutes to improve an image, and even less time if you start from a previously-saved "genotype" (now there's a user-friendly word ;-) PhotoGenetics does a great job, but it can't compete with Photoshop. I can use Photoshop to make a photo look better than PhotoGenetics can, in the same or less time. However, I've invested many hours into learning Photoshop. If you're not willing to invest the time and money into Photoshop or similar image editing programs, but want to improve your photos, give PhotGenetics a whirl. At $19.95 (yes, that's the price the trial version of software displayed, not the $29.95 price listed on the web site) you can't go wrong.

Minimal computer skills required. Produces excellent results, particularly with faded images. Fast. Inexpensive.

Limited to colour adjustments to entire image -- cannot zero in on areas of the image. Not always succesful at removing colour casts. No obvious sharpening funtion (it's there, but it's hidden in the re-size function -- to use it, re-size to the same size, but select "high quality," which applies sharpening)

Photoshop

Excellent (quick, informative) e-mail responses from tech support

Photogenetics is a great way to adjust your digital pictures. It can make you look like the world's greatest photographer in a snap! No manuals to read or methods to learn. Just tell the program whether you like the change & how much you like the change and the program does the rest. It shows you on the screen what the result will be. Best of all, you can create a template, geneotype, for your camera which can be applied each time you edit your pics. This feature saves time although the whole process is very simple and rather quick. The program also includes the ability to eliminate red eye. With all of the above, it sounds too good to be true BUT they will allow you to download a trial version for free & if you like it, the price is unbeatable. (less than $30) A great program.

Ease of use Cost Results

Does not have all the features of more advanced programs. (but it gets the job done)

None

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