Free and not-so-free image converters

Nancy writes:

Back in ’98 I started using a Kodak 200 3.1 digital camera. At that time I did not know the difference between JPG and FPX, so I saved all my pictures as FPX. The problem is, I am on my third digital camera (I’m saving all pics as JPG now) and have upgraded two times with new PCs. I burned all my FPX photos to CDs. My new PC is using Windows XP, and I am unable to open or print the FPX files.

What we need for Nancy’s Kodak FlashPix (FPX) files is simple: An image converter. There are utilities available that will convert pictures from one file type to another. In this case, we need to make sure that the converter we pick understands converting to and from JPG and FPX. One the pictures have been changed to a more common format (like JPG), most any other modern computer will be able to read them.

There are plenty of options out there, and here are two. The one you want depends on what you’re willing to pay, and ease of use of the image converter software:

LEAD Command Line Image File Converter
Price: Free
Download: http://www.leadtools.com/Utilities/Cmd-Line/File-Converter
Summary: This is an image converter that uses a command line interface. That is, the program is text based only: Instead of pointing and clicking a mouse, you have to type all your conversion commands on your keyboard. It’s therefore more difficult to use, but honestly, it’s not that bad. And it’s free.

Image Converter Plus
Price: $30
Download: http://www.imageconverterplus.com
Summary: This is an easy to use image converter with a graphical interface. Non-techie types will benefit from this, but there is a cost involved.

For all interested readers, I’ve combined the supported file types of both these programs. At the time of this writing, here’s what they’ll work with: