Conference hydra::amiga_v1

    Photon Paint (I checked it out this weekend) is a HAM mode paint
    package.  It allows you to work in 4096 colors at one time.  It
    has some unique features, like being able to wrap a brush (image)
    around a shape (like a ball, a cone, etc..)  Because it works in
    HAM mode, you will get annoying color fringing on the vertical edges
    of shapes, where there is a strong contrast of color.  Also, because
    it is HAM, you can only work in 320x200 and 320x400.  It supports
    overscan in these resolutions.
    
    My opinion:  wait for something else to come along.  This package
    reminded me a lot of Prism, another HAM mode paint package.  The
    big problem is with HAM mode.  Sure you get all those colors to
    pick from.  The results look so lousy.  Photon Paint has loads of
    features, but again, I find that the finished images take so much
    work to create, and look so fuzzy, that it isn't worth the work.
    
    On the other hand, DPaint II is one heck of a package.  It is loaded
    with powerful features.  It allows you to work in all resolutions.
    It is not a HAM paint package, so you are limited to 32 colors of
    less.  So what?  I often use it in 2 color Hi-Res mode to create
    artwork for my other desktop publishing software.
    
    You can create overscan images, so it's great for video work.  Just
    to be able to create crisp, clean, sharp output, on video or in
    print makes this package great.  I am now using it with DigiView
    and Professional Page.  All three packages work together so well.
    
    Back to Photon Paint.  If you really feel you need all those colors,
    go ahead and buy it.  I've been using my Amiga extensively for the
    last two years to do video and graphic work.  I have yet to find
    any use for any of the HAM paint packages.  The images are too hard
    to create, and in the end, they just don't look very good.
    
    Another package you might want to check out is ExpressPaint.  They
    claim that it is a 'print oriented' paint package, geared towards
    desktop publishing.  I've had no experience with it though.  Deluxe
    Paint II is more than enough.
    
    Randy
    

	There are basically TWO kind of 'paint' programs:
		- image oriented
		- graphic oriented
	Based on your artistic skill you can get fantastic results using
	either one. If you're not a 'genius' you better choose the one which
	is closer to your interest.
	I personally have three different programs:
		- DPAINT II	still the best for graphic works. Very good
			with low-res 32 colors. Bad use on memory makes you
			run out of chip-memory when trying hi-res /
			16 colors
		- PHOTON	image 'paint' program. Works in ALL resolution.
			I'm very new to it ( got it last week) but I think 
			it's a lot better then DIGI-PAINT. You MUST use it 
			with some sort of digitizer(*). The limitation of HAM is
			only a 'technicality'. Who has forgot 'Laurie' ?? 
			What's the problem there with HAM  :-) ??
	 		(*) digitizer=image digitizer such as DIGI-VIEW
		- BUTCHER	image 'processing' program. I find this the 
			best for doing some processing of images and then
			eventually convert them to IFF/ 32 colors format for
			subsequent process with DPAINT, if needed.
	The new come is EXPRESS PAINT. I've seen a DEMO someplace. Not bad.
	You may find it (the DEMO) someplace around this notes file. 
	I Do not expect it to be better then PHOTON ( when HAM ) or DPAINT 
	( 32 colors) but if I'm not wrong it combines the two.

	I suggest that you state what you need a package for. We can then 
	make better suggestions or even start a 'paint program' war, with
	the mandatory use of EXAMPLES ( with description of the procedure to 	
	realize them). What about it ,folks ?

    Would it be safe to say that Digi-Paint is a subset of Photon Paint?

    Yeah, that would be pretty safe.  There is a newer version of
    Digi-Paint coming up (no one knows when) that is supposed to surpass
    Photon Paint.
                       
    One nifty feature that Digi-Paint has, that I wish the other ones
    did, is that it makes a mini version of your picture for a file
    icon, when you save a picture.  Now when you look at workbench,
    there are all these little versions of the pictures.  However, it
    doesn't always do a good job of translating the picture from 4096
    colors to only 4.  
                 

    I am looking for a paint program that I can use to create pictures
    with and print them out onto paper.  I would like the best paint
    program that will allow creativity and high quality, but not a lot
    of complication.  Is the HAM type program that Randy was talking
    about in note .1 not a very good quality picture?  He had mentioned
    the fringing on the vertical edges of shape when there is a strong
    contrast of colors.  This bothers me, however, I like the idea of
    having 4096 colors to use at once, I think.  It is so hard for me
    to say since I have not seen the programs.  I am going to an Amiga
    store today to see if they have any that they can demo, but I would
    appreciate anymore advise you can give me.
    
    Thanks again,
    
    Jill

    You want to print them out on paper...in color or black and white?
    For most print oriented applications, black and white is the way
    to go.  Copiers are (for the most part) black and white.  Even color
    printing (from a printing press) starts as black and white artwork.
    
    If color output from a printer is important to you, a good printer
    is even more important.  Ink jet printers are now capable of amazing
    output...but what are you going to do with the output?...frame it
    and put it on the wall?  Use it as a mock-up?  
    
    For the price, why not get both?  Rest assured that whatever you
    buy, a better package will be available 6 months later.  It's hard
    to go wrong with either DPaint or PhotonPaint
    
    Randy
    

	I've seen the box for PhotonPaint (shrinked wrapped in a store).  From
the information I was able to get from that, it looked like PhotonPaint supports
32 colour mode as well as ham mode.  If this is not the case, I think the
packaging is a bit misleading.

	Also, does anyone know if it's copy protected (i.e. Can I install it
on my hard disk).

Mark

I see in the recent mailing from EA that they have a new Deluxe SomethingOrOther
which is an extension to DPaint II.  Seems to claim all the features of all the
other programs.  Of course it is probably smoke...

	Paul

    re: .8
    
    I believe you are referring to Deluxe Productions.  Sort of like
    a Deluxe Deluxe Video.  Claims to lots of fun things with IFF.
    And it's priced just right for that trendy video market, something
    like $200 if I recall correctly.
    
    -Dave
    

    re:.8
    
    New item is called Deluxe Photo Lab.  I didn't read it too carefully
    and was confused as to where it fit in with DP II, DeluxeVideo and
    DeluxeProductions.  Deluxe Print II is also out with new added features
    and supposedly increased print quality.
    

    Here's how PhotonPaint supports 32 colors (and Prism!, and DigiPaint
    too...):
    
    They give you a 32 color palette along with the 4096 color selector.
    The 32 color palette will give you colors that will not 'bleed'
    when placed on or near each other.  The other 4064 colors do not
    guarantee this.  You can import pictures made with any range of
    colors, from 2 to 4096.
         
    Randy