GIMP- the perfect photoshop alternative

GIMP is a free image editing software that gives the proprietory Photoshop a good run. In almost all aspects of editing images, it is as good as Photoshop. I have been touching and improving upon photos with this great software for ages. There are some very minor compartments where Photoshop is still better but these are seldom required even by professional photo editors.
GIMP has recently come out with its 2.8 version. It is superb, but has some bugs. You can go for the sturdy and highly functional version 2.6.
What is more, GIMP has a huge fan following and you can get support from these GIMP users. There is also an exhaustive tutorial. There are thousands of sites talking about tips and tricks that can be done through GIMP.
If you have questions about GIMP, you can send them as comments to this post. I will try to help or guide you to the right source.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH4: OK at this price

Lumix FH4 is a rather good camera at this price (Delhi: Rs. 4500 or less: equivalent to ~ $85)

This pocket camera comes with 14 MP censor and HD video recording and 4x optical zoom. Its ISO goes up to 1600 and it also has high sensitivity mode with ISO at 6400.


Panasonic also boasts of iA (intelligent automatic) mode: “You just choose the iA Mode, aim at your subject, and shoot. Six detection and correction functions are simultaneously activated to optimize the settings, so you get stunning photos every time.”

Sony HX-100V: will you buy it?

Sony Cybershot HX-100V is a superzoom camera, with 30x optical zoom. It is often branded as a semi-DSLR with its zoom, goo quality video and other features.

However, at the price of Rs. 21,000, I won't recommend it. It is neither here nor there. If you are into professional photography, why go for 1/2.3 sized mini sensor? You are not going to get as good results as from an entry-level SLR. If you are a hobby photographer, why spend this much amount?

Canon PowerShot SX150 - a super affordable superzoom

Canon PowerShot SX150 IS

This camera is a superzoom pocket camera that scores great in most compartments:
Zoom – 12x
Video – HD [720 pixels, at 30 frames per second Zoom available in video mode too
Very sharp images
Sturdy make with professional looks
Many pre-set modes as in the case of most Canon cameras
Large display screen
Image stabilization: reduces shakes
14 megapixel CCD sensor
The best aspect of this camera is its price. You can get it at below Rs. 7500 ($150)in Delhi.

But it has some problems too, and of course such problems occur in many other pocket cameras:
Noisy images at high ISO levels: the noise is prominent even at 400 ISO
Performs poorly in dim light conditions
Heavy, large in size

In all, it is a camera for people who’re going to use it for outdoor photography. At this price, you are not likely to get 12x optical zoom, that too in a Canon camera.  

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS: fine camera

This excellent featured camera comes in the range of around Rs. 11000-11500 in Delhi.
A good pocket camera by all means if you want a good and yet very small sized camera.
Specifications:
very thin design
12 mp
optical zoom 5x
shooting speed good
1080 HD video
ISO 100-3200
shutter speed 15 – 1/2000 sec
wide aperture 2.7
red eye removal
dedicated movie button
comes in black, red, silver colours
good low light performance