Jasc launches Paint Shop Pro Studio and Paint Shop Pro 9

Jasc announced today the general availability of Paint Shop Pro Studio and Paint Shop Pro 9.

The most recent generation separates the product line in two products : Paint Shop Pro Studio targets first-time-users which do not want to learn complex tools but rather work with automated tools. Paint Shop Pro 9 will continue to aim at advanced users which are not willing to shell out $650 for Adobe Photoshop but expect a similar feature set for home use.

The studio version uses main features from Paint Shop Pro plus the image management software Photo Album 5.

Paint Shop Pro 9 includes a new set of integrated art media painting tools that assist the ability of digital artists and graphics hobbyists to add realistic wet and dry artwork to their photographs, illustrations, and other images. A new Mixer palette provides artists with an area to add and mix paint into custom colors. Also included are several functions for the removal of digital camera noise, chromatic aberration, and purple blooming.

Paint Shop Pro 9 and Paint Shop Pro Studio are available at www.jasc.com . The products are priced at $129 and $79, respectively.