The first of the PhotoSuite modules is Get which is used to access your images from your computer or scanner or digital camera. The number of cameras PhotoSuite 4 supports directly - Agfa, Epson, Kodak and Olympus - has been increased, but you should be able to access most models through the generic TWAIN interface. One limitation, especially compared to Paint Shop Pro's excellent image browser, is that the standard Open dialog can only show one image preview at a time. MGI has thrown in a simple standalone Viewer utility to help you quickly identify files but again this is restricted to showing single images.
Much the most impressive new feature is the complete overhaul of PhotoSuite's Stitching capabilities based on PhotoVista technology MGI acquired from LivePicture. Now you can create seamless panoramas simply by dragging up to 48 images onto the main image window, roughly positioning them and then selecting your camera lens type. You can even choose to create 360-degree immersive panoramas. Generally the process is simple and the results are impressive and you could easily expect to pay more for less powerful dedicated stitching software.
Alternatively you can cut out the need for paper completely with the Share module. This lets you turn albums into slideshows complete with full control over timings and transitions. You can also add sound and PhotoSuite 4 now supports MP3. If the person you want to show your photos to isn't actually present you can use PhotoSuite's e-mail capability. This lets you send individual or multiple files and lets you automatically convert images to JPEG with the option of specifying a desired size. You can even choose to send slideshows complete with an embedded player. Alternatively for the widest possible access you can post your images to GatherRound.com.
It's certainly true that you get more all-round power with a traditional application like Paint Shop Pro, but in a way that's PhotoSuite's strength. PhotoSuite has chosen to target just the one area of PC Photography and within this field it provides everything you need from digital camera access, album-based organisation, easy image editing, panorama stitching, project creation and slideshow presentation through to print, email support and final Web upload. PhotoSuite 4 knows exactly what it's doing and does it well.
