New version with a few, but exciting new features!

Paint Shop Pro X 2 I have eagerly awaited, because I still work with version 10 and have been waiting for new interesting features. Version 11 introduced a few new features to which I could do without. From end of September 2007 Paint Shop Pro X2 is available as a packaged version. The purchase via the Internet is not worth it, because the download version is just as expensive (no discount)! The new features make a good impression. In the Kitchen were lately High Dynamic Range (HDR) images. From multiple images that best exposed parts are removed and assembled into a 'Super Image'. Now it is even with this software, for which there is also expensive and free special programs. I need this feature rarely, but I think it is good that it is integrated in this program.
In addition, the developers have placed the surface in graphite, as you know it from Adobe Lightroom. Alternative can also take advantage of the existing surface. Although this is only cosmetic, but it looks quite good.

What I in any image editing (Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop, PhotoImpact, etc.) find it a pity that the current dual-core processors from AMD / Intel can not achieve their full capacity because the programs were not optimized for it! In an age of such systems, this step would be really desirable. A continuous optimization would not make sense and too expensive, but in JPEG or JPEG 2000 compression, image effects, reductions, etc. this unused power reserves would best advantage.

The new Express Lab, the rapid improvement of the image results, in my view some gimmick. If you want to quickly improve superficial images large quantities, but rejoice. Basically, the function does the same as the photo correction in one step ', only the settings in advance can be changed here again.

The new version of Paint Shop Pro X2 requires, without loading images, even 62 MB of memory (RAM). If you want to work with it properly, should under Windows XP have 1 GB of RAM.

About the new layer styles can be added among others excellent Shadow. I've been missing.

In addition, a crop tool is now added. This can be in an image several parts cut out and open in new windows. Such functions I knew so far only by scanner software.

The new makeup tools I've already tried. They work quite reliable. Firstly, let the bloodshot areas of an eye and white people with a stuffer function can be narrower. A neat feature if you want to beautify one photo to the optimum, although not necessarily realistic. The same functionality could be achieved with a shrink-brush so far, though not as quickly and comfortably.

For first-time customers, the 20 Euro cheaper upgrade version could be interesting! The great thing about the update version is that any previous version must be installed on the hard drive or no check on an existing previous version! The reason for this is that the software has been developed up to version 8 of Jasc Software, meaning accurate compensation to a previous version too much programming effort for Corel! However, in order to stay in the legal area, buy cheap version 7 for less than 10 euros (if used) and then the update version for 62 euros! Then you will save much money!

What Me Corel recently well like that again more emphasis on facilities. The ordinary paperback large manual in several languages ​​and the DVD case with the program CD, the product values ​​to decide. Previously, the program CD has been inserted only in a paper sleeve and 'thrown' in the large cardboard box. Mostly this was a thin manual or a multi-layered piece of paper, which should show the Quick Start Guide. Furthermore, the manual was mostly just as a PDF file on the CD-ROM before, which is good, but there's nothing like a manual in paper form. The limited full version of Nik Filter is quite noteworthy. Although only 5 filters are available, I can make good use of architectural and landscape photography. They enhance the color or change to dull sky colors in a rich blue background. Really succeeded! There are also a few other filters here that I have not tested it in more detail.

Conclusion: For each newcomer Corel Paint Shop Pro X2 is worthwhile. Those who only occasionally processed images should wait a little longer, until the old version XI is offered for about 20 euros. The expected range for each beginner and advanced.