It should be noted that a patch is finally available for PSPXI (we reviewed the patched version), fixing many glaring bugs (including the loss of EXIF information on image duplication). While it's great that Corel has addressed these issues, it seems that their beta testing process could use an overhaul if such obvious flaws made it into the production release. Frustratingly, it also took nearly three months for this patch to see the light of day. Given the impact of some of the bugs to daily workflow, it would have been nice to see two patches in that period, ala the days of JASC.
Depth of Field Dialog
The patch does include support for five new RAW formats (Canon 5D, Nikon D200, and the Sony DSCF828, DSC-R1, & DSC-V3 models). Sadly there is still no support for the Panasonic digital camera line.
On the whole Paint Shop Pro Photo XI feels more like a minor upgrade to its main focus: photo editing. The new editing features are nice to have but the Organizer's value will depend largely on how you work (and how comfortable you are with navigating your OS).
As mentioned, post-processing experts have probably already figured out how to perform most of these new effects and won't need the upgrade. But just like flipping through a book or magazine for inspiration, having these effects at the ready can help steer you in a different, perhaps better, direction for your digital darkroom. Certainly, they will help novices expanded their horizons as to what can be done after the image is captured.
Bottom line, if you're still back on PSP 8 or maybe 9, then you can't go wrong with the upgrade to PSPXI. However, the question becomes more complex if you're on version 10. The upgrade and full version can be found at in stores and online at a reasonable discount, which should make the decision to upgrade all that much easier. I will say, that after the patch, I have no qualms using Paint Shop Pro Photo XI and would recommend it highly to someone looking to make their first foray into post-processing.
UPDATE: (January 19, 2007) -- After much thought, we've revised our score of PSPXI from 3.75 to a much more deserved 4.50. I was looking at PSPXI as an upgrade through the eyes of a long time user instead of what the package as a total represented. So the 3.75 could be considered the "upgrade" score, while the 4.50 is the overall score. I apologize to our readers and Corel for not catching this earlier on.
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Strengths
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Weaknesses
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- Worth upgrading if you're a version or two behind.
- Learning Center is a big plus.
- Good package for those starting out with photo-editing.
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- Few new features of value to experienced post-processors.
- Depth of field tool.
- Organizer adds little for photo-editing.
- Much needed patch was slow in coming, but does fix many issues.
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