If you were to believe Ulead's marketing materials, PhotoImpact 8 is comparable with any image editor on the market today. With established dynasties like Photoshop around, that is perhaps an overly ambitious claim. It is indeed a leader of the pack in the mid-tier range, and a very solid product -- even if the lofty marketing language needs to be taken down a peg or two. Where the program truly differentiates itself is through affordability coupled with a robust range of easy of use features.
First time users are made to feel comfortable with the digital camera wizard that makes setting up and configuring your equipment a breeze. The interface isn't intimidating, and I was impressed by the EasyPalette feature, which allows you to apply special effects to your photos using simple drag-and-drop techniques. Common photographic flaws such as red eyes and over/under exposure are easily correctible, and definition and contrast can be automatically improved or adjusted.
PhotoImpact 8 isn't just a simple image editor. It is a multifaceted tool that competently allows for increased graphic design and web-enabling capabilities. On the design front, this new version adds enhanced onscreen type and text effects and features a wide selection of optical filters and special effects. Improved vector drawing tools and 200 preset shapes create a multitude of possibilities -- and did I mention the 2,600 web components, 2,000 photos and 1,000 pieces of clip art included? Value added, to say the least. But when you also take into the account the new 3D graphics tools, the overall design capabilities of PhotoImpact 8 are downright impressive.
The program is compatible with 38 popular file formats and can be used alongside all major WYSIWYG editors. Version 8 allows users to create DVD galleries and JavaScript-based web slideshows with ease and includes a suite of surprisingly intuitive and useful programs. The GIF animator is among the best I've ever used, the photo album software is capable of cataloging 65,000 images, and the file browsing capabilities will increase your speed and productivity considerably.
