Digital Image 9 Pro

A Review   by   Joy Huguley

 

I use a 2.3 GHz computer, running Windows XP.  I like to print large pictures, so I end up making large files.  I use a scanner and digital cameras as input.

 

The program comes in a box that includes a user's manual and two CD’s in a DVD type case.  The installation was very simple, but does require some choices.  These are all explained in the user's manual.  I installed using the "Typical Installation" choice.

 

The user's manual is probably the most useful item in the package.  It describes all of the tools in enough detail to help a user through any operation.  On the help menu more information is available.  In the manual, I would have preferred more on editing and less on general photographic tips, but a new person to photography may enjoy it.  

 

When the program is started the first time, the startup window appears.  In addition to the five ways to open a file or project, there are four more videos to help a new user become familiar with this program.  On this window you can choose a project (a greeting card, a CD label, etc).  You can also choose to edit multiple pictures (batch process). 

 

The “file browser” is a very helpful tool when opening or saving files.  It opens to the last folder selected, displaying thumbnails of the files.  Other file display options are available.  It can be changed to look at any folder on your hard drive.  It can even “look in” a digital camera, CD or memory card.

 

The work space is a little small, but once a file is open, there are several nice features available to help view your pictures.  The picture can be enlarged  with tools available on the right side of the workspace toolbar.  All kinds of editing tools are available.  Most of the tools use numerical notations that will allow precise adjustments.

 

When a tool is selected, a panel comes up on the left side of the work space.  This panel is now used to repeat or complete the tools function.  This is very handy as the panel will allow you to repeat the operations as many times as you like.  The instructions are in a numbered sequence just in case you can’t remember what you did last time.

 

Several files can be open at the same time.  On the right side of the workspace you can view thumbnails of the files you have open.  By clicking on the file you can quickly change the file in the work space.  Or if you prefer, you can view the layers of your photo.  By clicking on a layer, you can quickly change the sequence of layers.

 

The menu bar, toolbar, workspace toolbar and the common task button, all give redundant access to the tools.  Once familiar with the different methods, you can chose your favorite method to quickly access tools.

 

There is a large number of  tools and projects in this program.  I will be months trying out all of them. 

 

I can recommend this program to anyone interested in digital photography.  It does all kinds of things, and does them well.  I just wish there was more on "selecting" and "using" the tools in the user’s manual.