We've seen a number of specific comments about features or problems with X6 and those provide useful information. But I'd like a more overall evaluation. Are you happy that you moved from an earlier version to X6? Does the overall usability of this new version outweigh issues like plugins that don't work in 64 bit and require you to keep both 32 and 64 bit versions?
I realize that differing needs will significantly affect individual viewpoints. I do significant retouching on a large number of images and use fairly large files. I would call some of this retouching artwork, since I am painting in new facial features in some cases. I'm currently using X2 as my workhorse. I purchased X4, but gave up after a brief trial. It didn't seem to offer many advantages and had a few real disadvantages.
I'm running a 64 bit machine with Windows 7, so X6 could run in that mode for most of what I do. So, I'm wondering — overall, would I find an upgrade to X6 a significant improvement? I use OEM software for RAW conversion and I use Vertus Fluid Mask for serious cutouts. So features in those areas aren't of interest.
I realize I could send back the software if I didn't like it, but it takes a long time to tease out any "gotchas" that affect your workflow. By that time, you've got a fair amount of work saved that can't be read by an earlier version. For example, in X4, putting a numerical entry into a curves layer crashes the software every time. So, I now have one complete job that can't be read by my earlier X2 version.
In addition to the request for an overall review, I have one specific question. If I create a PSD (Photoshop) file in X6, can it be read in earlier versions of PhotoPlus? I use PSD files almost exclusively, since you can't create new PhotoPlus files in a batch operation. But if X6 creates a later version of PSD files, I might not be able to use an earlier version of PhotoPlus to read them.
Thanks,
Bill
I realize that differing needs will significantly affect individual viewpoints. I do significant retouching on a large number of images and use fairly large files. I would call some of this retouching artwork, since I am painting in new facial features in some cases. I'm currently using X2 as my workhorse. I purchased X4, but gave up after a brief trial. It didn't seem to offer many advantages and had a few real disadvantages.
I'm running a 64 bit machine with Windows 7, so X6 could run in that mode for most of what I do. So, I'm wondering — overall, would I find an upgrade to X6 a significant improvement? I use OEM software for RAW conversion and I use Vertus Fluid Mask for serious cutouts. So features in those areas aren't of interest.
I realize I could send back the software if I didn't like it, but it takes a long time to tease out any "gotchas" that affect your workflow. By that time, you've got a fair amount of work saved that can't be read by an earlier version. For example, in X4, putting a numerical entry into a curves layer crashes the software every time. So, I now have one complete job that can't be read by my earlier X2 version.
In addition to the request for an overall review, I have one specific question. If I create a PSD (Photoshop) file in X6, can it be read in earlier versions of PhotoPlus? I use PSD files almost exclusively, since you can't create new PhotoPlus files in a batch operation. But if X6 creates a later version of PSD files, I might not be able to use an earlier version of PhotoPlus to read them.
Thanks,
Bill