GIMP 2 (Free)
Pros: GIMP is a very good program, especially when you consider that it is free and can do just about everything Photoshop can do. There are many additional plugins that you can download for it since it is open-source and anyone can write code for it. Being free is really the only thing that sets it apart from programs like Photoshop or Fireworks.
Cons: It is a little clunky to use. I don't like how the menus are independent of the open images. They can get lost when you are working with several photos. I also don't like they layering system, it's not nearly as smooth as Fireworks or Photoshop (which create layers automatically). Finally, it's menus just take getting used too, especially if you've learned on another program.
Fireworks ($300 for current version, I have MX, which is pretty old)
Pros: Fireworks is another very good program. I can't speak to the latest versions, but MX works well. It's faster to work in than GIMP. The menu setup makes more sense to me than GIMP's does, and is very similar to Photoshop's.
Cons: Cost. Honestly, if cost was not an issue, I'd use this or Photoshop exclusively. Having said that, the only reason I'd choose Fireworks over Photoshop is that it's less than half the price.
Photoshop ($700 for current version, I had an older copy that has gone missing)
Pros: Photoshop is the best of the programs I've used. I've been able to test some of the newer versions and it is much faster now than it used to be. It also has the best layout of tools, and the menu system just seems more intuitive.
Cons: Cost, cost, cost. I don't see a need to pay this much money unless you are going to be doing professional work. Sure, it works great, but theoretically it's a $700/year investment (to stay up with the latest version).
Final Thoughts
For the normal person, I'd say GIMP is just fine. It takes some getting used too, but does just about everything Fireworks and Photoshop can do and the price is right. If you have the money and are not looking to make photography a full time job, you can certainly purchase Fireworks or Photoshop. However, if I had $300-700 burning a hole in my pocket, I'd purchase some new hardware, like a better zoom lense or flash and use GIMP.
I haven't really gotten into using any of the Photo Organizing software that is out there...if I do, I'll post a follow up reviewing the software. Below are a couple of photos so you can see some of the stuff a novice (like myself) can do with these programs. Both of these were done in GIMP (and can be done in Fireworks as well).
Tony
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