Paint Shop Pro 9, PSP Studio Available in Beta
The next version of my image editor of choice, Jasc Software’s Paint Shop Pro 9, is now available in a public beta version. It looks like Jasc is really upping the ante with this release, competing with Photoshop on features such as RAW image import and advanced filters specifically for digital camera users.
Special PSP-only features that you won’t find in Photoshop at all include improved painting and vector drawing tools, plus a “selective undo” feature that allows you do reverse only some of your previous editing steps without affecting others. I was just wishing for this exact feature last night as I processed the pics from the APRA conference.
Also in beta is a new, more consumer-friendly version of the program called Paint Shop Pro Studio. PSP Studio provides all the essential photo editing and correcting features in an easy-to-use package, along with tools for making cards and calendars. It is probably intended to compete directly with Adobe’s Photoshop Elements.
Jasc has a feature-comparison of PSP9 and PSP Studio in PDF format to help you decide which version is right for you. You can join the beta program and download one or both of the programs here.
Update: The beta program is over, and as of 8/30/2004 both programs were released to market.
