jgaines

One thing to check is that "Resample Image" in not checked when you are using the image resize dialog. This can cause you to get some bad results.

Initial resizing should be made without using the resample image checked. Only after changing sizes and inspection of resulting "resolution" would I change it with resample image.

An example from a 30D image. Inital out of camera file is 48.667 x 32.444 at 72 pixels/inch.

Resizing to a 6 inch would yield: 6 wide, 4 high, 584 pixels/inch.

For printing, 300 pixels/inch is sufficient, then re-sizing again with "resample image" checked and changing only the pixels/in to 300.

would yeild a good image for printing.

I would consider Photoshop Elements 6. (around $100 US) This is on a par with Paint Shop Pro and if later you decide to upgrade toward Photoshop, then command structure is the same. You won't have to relearn over again.

Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop Elements are very similar in performance.

Not a blemish, sensor dust. Good place to read and learn to clean is Copperhill. http://www.copperhillimages.com/

The in-camera dust cleaning system is not perfect and you probably will still have to do manual cleaning.

The "apply image" is photoshop command. I believe the effect is to apply a blending option to a layer without creating a duplicate first.

In PSE5 the equivalent would be to 1 duplicate the layer (i.e. background). Then set the blending mode of the duplicated layer to "screen" as in your example. Then select the two layers. (click on the first layer to highlight, then hold the Ctrl key {windows} and click to highlight the second layer),then use the Layer>merge layers command to put them back together.

Hope this helps

Some of the items not in Photoshop Elements are Masks (extremely useful), the ability to create and run actions, and the pen tool.

This is not all the differences. I have PSE 5 and I found a add in for creating masking (Hidden Power) in Photoshop Elements. I don't know is is available of for PSE 6.

This site has a free basic course in Photoshop.

Check it out. http://graphicssoft.about.com/

Jim

Here is a tutorial for photoshop 6 but same instructions will work in Elements when using the Levels command (either as an adjustment layer or directly on the image).

http://ps6.com/Tutorials/Color_Correction/intro.html

A quick way is to use a "levels" adjustment layer and use the eyedroppers to set the black, grey, and white points.

I would recomend one of Scott Kelby's books on PSE. He has a very good step by step method for doing this.

Here are couple places. Classes are 20 to 30 USdollars per class.

Eclectic Academy:

http://www.eclecticacademy.com/classrooms.htm

LV Assocaiates:

http://www.lvsassociates.com/

There is a short article in the December issueof Popular Photography about this ScanCafe.

Editoral by John Owens. He sent some for trial and was impressed by the results. Turn around time was about 40 - 60 days.

I would recommend the book. Photoshop Masking & Compositiong by Katrin Eismann.

This should help you.

Be prepared to spend some time learning and improving you skills.

I would search the internet for reviews on each and compare.

One site for A530 is: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/a530.html

One site for the DMZ TZ3 is: http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_tz3-review/

each has sample picture galleries.

The attachment has been downsized and is of no value to investigate.

Post a 100% crop of the facial area in question, so we can see all

the pixel information.

>Does anyone know if it's standard lenses are plastic like the 400d?

Depends on who's selling it. Generally it comes with the 18-55 lens like the XTi. You can get a body only.

I would recommend a good starter lens 17-85 IS. This is in the US $500 dollar class. A very good lens is the 50 mm 1.8 (at around US $80).

Since the 40D has come out the 30D is obsolete and the price of the existing stocks have come down.

I have the 30D and really like it very much. I think the handling of the camera and controls are very good.

I have the 17-85 IS lens along with some others.

Jim

Here's another link at Adobe forums.

http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3bc4b5d3/0

I installed PSE5 on my Vista computer without any problems. I had the CD for installation. You might also check the Adobe PSE forums at: http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx/.eeb4f8b/

After you get it running visit Adobe and be sure to download the latest update which will make it 5.0.2. This update is what makes it more campatible for Vista.

If your are using Vista, then you should visit the Canon web site and download the latest versions of Zoombrowser and DPP. You will need your original disk with the older software for it to install.

The latest ZoomBrowser 5.8 is Vista compatible. I think the latest version of DPP has been updated for Vista also.