Whether you accumulate images from the
Internet, scan them into your computer, or use a digital camera, Image
Expert will be a useful program. Image Expert provides not only basic
ways of grouping and organizing photos and images but also has advanced
search and cataloging features. It remembers where your images are
stored, whether they are on a hard disk, floppy, CD ROM or computer
network. This software allows each image to have a label and
description, a very useful feature when trying to find images.
With its Windows Explorer-like interface, Image Expert is easy to
use. Windows users will find navigating the program simple. (Sorry Mac
users this is a Windows-only program.) Yet, somehow, I didn't find the
program to be terribly intuitive. Some users, no doubt, will be able to
plunge right in but most will benefit from taking the included Quick
Tour. While the Quick Tour is not really quick, it is an excellent
tutorial worth the time investment.
Image Expert works with most digital cameras to transfer photos to
the computer. When I tested it with an Epson 3000Z, which also captures
audio and short video clips, the Image Expert program worked like a
charm, handling the audio and video as well as my photographs.
This program also includes basic image editing capabilities.
Functions are limited, but they are extremely useful, including all of
the necessary tools such as rotate, flip, and resize. An improved
cropping tool keeps the image's aspect ratio in perspective as you crop
pictures. Retouching tools have easy-to-use sliders that let you adjust
brightness, contrast, color balance, hue, saturation, sharpness, and
equalization. The screen is divided into two; one half shows the
original, and the other half shows your proposed change. If you don't
trust your judgment, there is a Quick Fix button that will adjust
brightness, contrast, etc., to what the computer thinks are the proper
corrections. Unlike other programs that I've tried, I find this Quick
Fix button is on target more often than not.
Image Expert is great at sharing images. The on-screen slide show is
easy to configure, and you can even include audio. E-mail any image or
an album of images to friends or family. Use any of the seventeen
predefined Web Layouts and post your images to the Internet. The print
functions are sure to impress. Print layouts can be changed and
customized with the print preview, which allows you to see exactly how
your full page of wallets or your 8 x 10 photo will look.
If you received a limited version of Image Expert with your digital
camera, you will find the upgrade to this full version worth the price.
If you are not happy with the software that came with your camera,
Image Expert 2000 is worth a look. The program supports digital cameras
from Agfa, Epson, Nikon, Olympus, Polaroid, Sanyo, and Toshiba.
If, like me, you need some help to organize your photos, this
program is sure to please. Try the 30-day trial version available at
the manufacturer's Web site. You simply can't go wrong!
