Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good First Experience ..., September 21, 2009
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Length:: 0:56 Mins
This is a fully-functional, highly professional Photo Editor. I have attached a short video with some of the photos I have edited during my learning process.
For those who have never used a photo-editing software before, all of the choices can actually be quite intimidating. Since I had been away from working with Photo-editing for awhile, I chose to go through the tutorials, which were very helpful in getting me back up to speed. Even so, I found myself picking up the manual to look up things.
Since I will be using the software mostly for photos, I focused on that aspect, however it includes animations, panoramas, and a very nice photo file called "Serif Album Plus."
There is one thing you should know (which marked down the software a bit in stars) - getting your software installed and registered is a two-step process. After you install, you have to either go out to the web site or call an 800 number in order to finish. At that time you will be given a registration code.
The registration process says to call the 800 number, but I was aware that Serif could be registered online.
I chose to register online, and it worked, but was a bit clunky (I had to write down information to type into the registration - then do the reverse to get the number into the program). It might have gone better on the 800 number.
There was a document in the box offering a MontagePlus for free if you registered. When I did not see it in the online registration process, I contacted Customer support via the WebSite. They were prompt and courteous in their response and are mailing me the software, since it is not available via download.
During the installation process, I was asked which types of photos I wanted to open in PhotoPlusX3. I chose some that I was unable to open in other editors (including Kodak Raw Images). When I export a file as a jpg - it automatically reopens in the software I have designated for jpgs. Saving a file in PhotoPlusX3 automatically saves it as a SPP file. In order to save a new file into a jpg, you need to export, rather than save the file.
I also encountered a problem when the program stopped working while I was creating a new file. Windows notified me that there was a patch available (which I installed), but I was disappointed I wasn't notified of the patch automatically when I installed the product. (I am used to software checking for updates as a part of the installation process) The patch worked, and I was able to create the file I needed to create.
I rated the software 4 stars for the reasons that follow:
3 stars for the extra steps required for installation/registration
3 stars because I wasn't notified of the patch
3 stars because this isn't as intuitive as some of the competitors
5 stars for the tutorials - really well done and comprehensive
5 stars for the number of features
5 stars for customer service - even on a weekend!!!
If you are a beginner who just wants a few touch-ups on your pictures, you might want to go with some simpler software. However, this is really a very nice product, and can do a great deal. I do recommend it for those who are experienced or those who wish to do more with their photo projects than just simple adjustments.
EDIT ON REVIEW:
***Special Note *** Serif has e-mailed me a new serial number so that I can test their sincerity in ensuring that this product can be used without registration. If any of you are having difficulty, or haven't installed because of the registration issue, I suggest that you contact Serif Support concerning the registration. They seem to want to resolve the issue.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I like the new version. X3 is excellent., July 10, 2009
I've been using Serif Photoplus since the first version many years ago, and I downloaded the free version sometime ago, when I got a call from Serif, telling me I could upgrade to X2 for about $40. I did and was very impressed with it. I have been using Photoshop 6 for years, and the transition to Photoplus X2 was smooth, much smoother than I had anticipated. Then, I got a call from Serif again, extolling the virtues of the new X3 version, so I bought the upgrade. Even though it's an upgrade, it's a full-blown version.
I'm not sure what the two other reviewers are talking about. My installation was effortless, and registration was without incident. All they are talking about is the problems with software installation, which I am perplexed at. I installed it, and entered the appropriate information, and it was up and running in no time.
I like the ease of use, especially if you have used Photoshop (any version) in the past. In fact, Photoplus will use Photoshop plugins, which the amount is almost limitless. I really like the RAW photo import and editor. It allows you to do some major pre-editing of RAW photos.
I also like the HDR Photo Merge editor. You don't need RAW photos only. But also, if you don't have three photos at EV-2, EV0, and EV+2, you can use the Photography Macro to do the same thing as if you have three photos at different exposures. I have done that with some success.
I love the feel of the program, especially after using Photoshop for years. You can even use the books on Photoshop to do much the same things as Photoshop with some minor differences (Like Photoshop calls reverese photos invert, where Photoplus used Negative Image.) Of course, Photoplus X3 does not have everything Photoshop does, but instead of paying $115.00 for Photoshop Elements, and $650.00 for Photoshop C4, you pay less than $80 for a great program that both the amateur and professional will find use for.
I am delighted with the program. I would also recommend the Resource guide, which gives you some great examples of how to use the various features as well as the Studios extras set, which includes some awesome royalty-free photos, but also goes far beyond the tutorials included on the installation disk.
I will be purchasing upgrades from now on. If you have any doubts, download the free version, use it for a bit, then buy the full and latest version. I can almost guarantee you'll enjoy it.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Completely idiotic registration process., September 27, 2009
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
How long has it been now that we could register and unlock software online, on our schedule? Why in the world would any rational person produce software that cannot be used at all until it is unlocked by making a phone call during limited office hours? I am not interested in talking to a salesman and I will not be cajoled into buying software over the phone. Just allow me to use the software I obtained legally. After reading some of the other reviews here, I guarantee that I would have been extremely angry by the time I was permitted to use my software.
It appears that it uninstalled properly and I did a system restore without apparent problems. I am writing this only a few minutes after the system restore, so I hope nothing bad turns up in the future.
As a Paint Shop Pro user for many years, I was willing to see if Serif had something special to offer. They did: A completely insane registration process. Go away, Serif.
Update: I read in another review here that you can unlock this program online at the Serif web site. This option is NOT described at all in the screen that blocks you from using the software. And their web site privacy policy says they will spam you unless you opt out.
I think I've already wasted too much time on this thing.
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