gPhoto2 is the digital camera engine behind most Linux programs that have anything to do with digital cameras. There is no viable other choice. The list of supported cameras is impressive and ever expanding. It really doesn't matter what the interface to the program is because there are just a few command-line options for gPhoto2. This program is usually used with an accompanying front-end program.
gtKam
Great
Great
gtKam has the most basic, uncluttered layout of other programs that work with digital cameras. You can save images from your camera and delete images on your camera in one easy interface without additional complication or features. The fact that gtKam is made by the gPhoto2 group is also an advantage, in that gtKam will always account for any new developments in gPhoto2 that other programs might not support right away.
GIMP
Great
Great
It's the GIMP. It's the best and only advanced graphics program for Linux. Detractors of the program seem to always taint their complaints with regret that the GIMP is not the Photoshop or Illustrator that they are used to. I went through the same thing. When you get past the adjustment and learn a few of the quirks, the GIMP is your friend. This is a great program for screen graphics and Web graphics, but the GIMP is not up to speed for print work yet.
KPaint
Good
Good
This is just a simple program to doodle, play, or quickly do something basic with an image. For most basic image functions, the GIMP is still better, despite a complexity of options that might scare away some users. KPaint works well to draw in or give the kids a doodling space that you don't have to clean up later.
Digikam
Good
Great
This program is great for managing photo albums on your computer. The developers have done a good job of anticipating the most needed features and using terminology that the average user can understand. Some parts of the program seem new and underdeveloped. As this project matures, the oddities will get worked out. It has a lot of potential.
gThumb
Great
Good
Like lots of GNOME programs, gThumb isn't the flashiest or the prettiest, but it is the reliable workhorse program of its class. The program shares many features in common with Digikam, but gThumb feels more solid when you use it. The labels and terms in the program, such as catalogs rather than albums, could be adjusted to be more intuitive.
