Suggestions for a cheaper alternative to Photoshop?

[RedFive]

Does anyone have any suggestions for software less expensive than Photoshop that can be used for side-by-side print comparisons? I am asking on behalf of a former co-worker who now works for our coroner's office and he doesn't necessarily need to make any enhancements, use layers, or record history. He's looking for a simple application that allows for both known print and decedent's print to be displayed side-by-side and where minutiae can be marked (a la GYRO). I've never used anything except Photoshop, so I had no suggestions for him. I thought about good ol' Paint, but he'd need to scan both prints together (which he could probably live with) as I don't think he can display two images simultaneously in Paint. Can anyone think of any reasons why Paint would or would not work or have any recommendations on another free or cheap alternative?

[rbostrum]

The best choice would be GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), IMO. Learning a new interface and functionality can be a challenge (particularly if you've used Photoshop a lot) but it is worth the effort since GIMP gives you functionality that rivals Photoshop in many respects. And it's free.

The website is http://www.gimp.org/

[Boyd Baumgartner]

If GIMP isn't your thing, here's a link to 19 other free alternatives:

http://www.noupe.com/design/free-photos ... hotos.html

[Bill Schade]

Well, hard to beat free, but if you are looking for a feature packed Forensic Comparison program with all the tools an average user needs, its hard to beat CSIPix. Simple and intuitive. and its a free 30 day trial. Lots of youtube training segments too, so you can check it out before you buy

I like it and use it often

http://www.csipix.com

[Steve Everist]

There is also student/teacher pricing if you are a student or teacher at a college.

[Neville]

I have Paintshop pro at home and at work cost under US$100 to download.

[George Reis]

As Brent mentioned, the Gimp is a good choice. Another free application is ImageJ, originally developed by the National Institute for Health.

For inexpensive, commercial software, there is Photoshop Elements and Corel Paintshop Pro.

And, as Boyd mentioned - there are quite a few other choices as well.

George

[Mike F]

I like Irfanview (freeware) for quick viewing and editing and Photoshop for heavy lifting. If my agency did not purchase Photoshop, then I would substitute Gimp.

http://www.irfanview.com/

[Ground Keeper Willie]

In Queensland we have been using a comparator program which was designed by an ex fingerprint expert here in Australia. It is relatively simple to use and can be downloaded for a trail basis from the following link. The first address gives a brief explanation of the system and shows a picture of how it is displayed. The second will allow you to download the trail version.

http://forensic-software.com/

http://forensic-software.com/fetch/FCSV ... a727e612b4

The system allows you to make adjustments similar to Photoshop and you can also create comparison charts for presentation in courts from comparisons that you have saved. I don't know the cost of purchasing a licence to use it but I don't believe it is that expensive.

GKW Brisbane

Australia

[Neville]

Hi Mike
I like Irfanview also though I am starting to use Microsoft Office Picture Manager more often for multiple image use i.e resizing or rotating for 'working with' images as it is quicker.

[nemesis]

You could try what the west midlands bureau do here in the uk. apparently they print off hard copies from substandard printers resulting in a loss of detail and clarity. this hard copy print is compaired through a magnifier next to suspects ink prints. straight from the dark ages. you will obviosly lose the chance to make some identifications but when as identifying criminals been that important?