"You can make great movies using this bundle too, thanks to InstantMovie which automatically finds your best clips and edits away bad footage."
John Hillman, 28th September 2010
Image editing is one of the areas in technology where things are improving dramatically.
With Microsoft Word 2010 now coming with basic image editing functionality, Google offering a free facility through Picassa and an Adobe Photoshop app even available as a free download on the iPhone, it’s no surprise that software like this is going to have to be exceptional to convince people to put their hands in their pockets.
What we like best
Because of this Adobe has managed to cram loads of great new features into this Photoshop Elements 9 software version and we like it. Firstly comes the slightly jaw dropping fact that Content Aware Fill is available through the healing-brush.
This means that you can dab at an object you wish to remove and the software’s algorithm works out what should be behind it and replaces the object with an unbelievable accurate background. It isn’t as magical as the version you get in Photoshop CS5 but at this price it’s amazing.
This version is a lot simpler to use than the last one. The Organiser feature allows you to bring all of your clips and photos together in one place, creating a media hub of all your content that integrates with Facebook for easy sharing.
You can also share images and videos easily online with the one-of-a-kind Online Albums and you can also use the Organiser to upload your images directly to Facebook.
You can make great movies using this bundle too, thanks to InstantMovie which automatically finds your best clips and edits away bad footage. You can be a Spielberg in no time!
A great new feature added by Adobe is the web DVD viewing experience which lets you debut your movie on Photoshop.com or on your very own website.
What we like least
There isn’t really anything bad to say about his product, it is a great package for anyone who is really into their photo and video editing, and the features are really exceptional.
Obviously this is aimed at the keen amateur rather than the pro. Serious photographers and graphic designers will have to shell out for the full system.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9
A top notch and affordable piece of image editing software that provides new users with a good learning curve, whilst keen amateurs will find themselves immersed in a big box of fab new tricks in no time at all. If this is the result of a fiercely competitive market then long may it continue!
Learn more GOFeatures
NEW: Quickly share photos and videos on Facebook directly from the Organiser.
Add On
Available as an upgrade
Download or CD
CD
Compatible with
Vista - Windows 7 + Macs
System Requirements
- For both Mac and Windows 7 Gb of available hard disk space to install applications; additional 5 Gb to install content
- Graphics card with latest updated drivers
- Compatible DVD burner required to burn in desired format
- DV / i.Link / Fire Wire / IEEE 1394 interface to connect a Digital 8 DV or HDV camcorder or a USB 2.0 interface to connect a DV-via-USB compatible DV camcorder
- QuickTime 7 software
- internet required for web based features
Adobe is possibly the most creative software company on the market today and its innovation doesn’t stop at the latest Creative Suite 5 tools. Rosie Khdir discovers the Adobe Museum of Digital Media.
Groundbreaking digital design
The Adobe Museum of Digital Media (AMDM) was built with experimentation in mind and aims to “illustrate how digital media shapes and impacts today’s society”, according to the website.
This museum is unlike any other in that it is open 24 hours a day, 365 day a year and is an online gallery that can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
The “building” was designed by an Italian architect called Filippo Innocenti who is famous for his fluid lines and large public installations. He worked closely with award-winning designer Piero Frescobaldi, who had the role of “building contractor” for construction of the virtual space.
The first exhibition
The Adobe Museum of Digital Media will host its first exhibition on 2nd August 2010, entitled The Valley. It will feature the work of Tony Oursler, an artist from New York who has had his digital communication and moving images featured in museums across the globe.
Tom Eccles, executive director of the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College, former director of the Public Art Fund in New York City and current curator of the Adobe museum, said of Oursler:
“He is an artist who has always sought to reveal, in a way, the soul of humanity.”
He also asked him in a video interview on the site: “How do you think technology has influenced the evolution of your work?” To this Oursler replied:
“I really felt like I was born at the right time to play with technology, because I think that the moving image was passed into the hands of the every man.”
“Right now you’ve got these wonderful computers that can do things that just cost, you know, millions of dollars ten years ago, and that a kid can do on a laptop or even a mobile phone. I’m interested in that kind of progression as my palette, so to speak.”
See it for yourself
The exhibition will open at the beginning of next month, but for now you can check out the Adobe Museum website were you can watch the above interview and have a look at the “making of the museum”. You can also become a member on the site and get exclusive footage and access to special events.
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