Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9 Public Betas

[James Fee]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.jasc.com/community/beta/' target='_blank'>http://www.jasc.com/community/beta/</a><br /><br /></div>"<i>It’s not easy pleasing all of the people all of the time, but we’re trying. Last year we polled Paint Shop Pro users and asked them what they wanted in future versions. 47% of users said they wanted more tools, more options, more power, 48% of users wanted a Paint Shop Pro that was easier to use. Well, here you go. Two versions of Paint Shop Pro available in Public Beta.</i>"<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/pspstudiobetaad.jpg" /> <br /><br />Anyone try either of these betas yet? I'm not a Paint Shop Pro user, but I know there are a couple here. They even have a <a href="http://www.jasc.com/community/beta/compare.pdf">guide to choosing</a> which version is right for you.

[bcre8v2]

I have been an avid user of PSP for almost 7 years (5.x, 6.x, & 7.x).
A few months back I upgraded to 8.0 (and the maintenance release 8.1) and was blown away by the features. However, the product is slow and editing multiple, large picture is tedious (especially with pic's above 6 mp).

I am back to using PSP 7.5 and photoshop for most of my work.

Let's hope 9.0 is a worthy release.

-Steve

[EscapePod]

The final version is already shipping. I received email notice today that UPS Ground will be delivering it (the "power" version) on Tues., 9/7. Guess I'll have to check it out and let y'awl know.

(PS - With another hurricane on the way, I may not have the power available to try it for a while)

[VanHouten]

I've been using PSP for a few years now and have always upgraded. I had a different experience going from 7-8. Large files, especially those with multiple layers were faster for me.

I downloaded the PSP9 beta a few weeks ago and started playing around with it. I knew after 10 minutes I'd be spending the $50 to upgrade. A few things I like:

- The added a dropper to the curves tool
- They added categories for scripts
- The interface is better
- The camera noice reduction tool is awesome
- The one-step photo fix runs faster now
- Native RAW support

[Ed Hansberry]

I think 100% want a PSP that loads faster. 8 is dog slow. 7.x was instant.

[Tim Williamson]

Anyone have an alternate download link? The official one isn't working.

[djh]

I have the beta of Ver9 running on my Thinkpad and Ver8 on my desktop. The Thinkpad is a couple of years old now (1GHz P3) and it takes a long time for PSP to load.

Once it's loaded, the software is really good. I'm using it with the Virtual Photographer plug-in and having a blast.

The only problem I'm encountering, is that if I save an image in PSP format in Ver9, I can't open it later in Ver8.

In my quest for a Photoshop replacement, Paint Shop Pro is in the lead by a mile. Of course with the 60 day trial period I don't have to rush into a decision.