dcdev:
I can't comment on one user interface to the next (I think the GIMP is fine for my purposes), but it CAN save to tons of formats, including Photoshop, TIFF, TGA, etc. If you don't wat to get laughed at, just click "Save as" and tell it what file type you'd like
Wow, all the Linux guys come out with flaming sticks and pitchforks! Don't shoot, I run Ubuntu! :light:
The last time I attempted to save something as a psd in gimp, it worked OK, but some of my linked and locked layers came out scrambled... admittedly this was a while (about a year) ago. i was also using gentoo at the time, so go figure. I'd also like to add that, unless you use it somewhere else, the OP would have to download Glib and GTK+, which can be confusing for someone not in the know.
I'd agree that GIMP will easily out-match elements, but for my money, I'd rather get the value-added coolness features in PS CS2-3 and its plugin architecture (Healing brush? Red-Eye plugin included with distribution? Vertus' QuickMask Plugin? Integration with Illustrator or another vector program of that caliber?) Also, GIMP's colors are max 8 bits per channel, and if the OP has a 48 bit camera (most cams that have a RAW mode, also Canon EOS or Nikon D-whatever.) he'll lose picture quality when gimp edits and saves the file.
I will say, in gimps defense, that the plugin architecture is nice and extensible, and the ability to create procedural brushes that would take input from a wacom tablet or something would be very cool. Unfortunately, the OP's question was about photo retouching stuff, which may or may not benefit from it.
So, flame away. Thats all I have to say about that.