Gaussian Blur- For that smoother blur compared to previous versions of program.

Unsharp Mask- Provides more control over sharpening that allows users option to choose from edge width, contrast, and noise reduction.

Multiple Selection Tools- Over 60 preset shapes for marquee selection, including freehand, magic wand, and edge finder selection tools. For smoother selections, tools now have anti-alias and feathering options.

Rule of Thirds- Displays a grid when cropping to improve composition.

Save for Mobile Devices- Reduces photos to sizes that fit mobile phones, pocket PCs, and Palm devices. Plus, tool comes with 50 new effects filters.

Print Multiple Auto Collage Templates- Compiles a huge selection of layout templates that is easy to use, with flexible multiple photo layout options.

Larger Work Space. Compared to other photo editing software, Digital Image Pro 9 stands out with over 3,000 professionally designed layouts for crafts, gifts, cards, stickers, labels, albums, scrapbook pages, among others. The two CDs also has 5,000 images, as well as a whole range of creative text effects. In addition, program also features standard text formatting options and spell check support.

With an abundance of creative effects and fun designs, Digital Image Pro 9 is definitely a user's dream when it comes to simplified tools to enhance images, as well as providing a wide range of professional looking designs that can be customized with less hassle.

On other hand, Illustrator is a vector-based postscript drawing program, which functions by generating curved paths (Bezier curves) connected by modifiable anchor points. These anchors, are ultimately editable using their handles, and never leave structure of file. A vector-based drawing program creates various elements of image as individual vector objects which retain their characteristics but they do not become part of a "bitmap." Illustrator is thus ideal to use with complicated graphics like maps, logos, or even publications for print like ads, brochures and others.

Because of these differences and unique capabilities, graphic design professionals and higher-end hobbyists actually own BOTH programs. Again, bottomline is choosing right application for your project instead of thinking which one is better than other as they’re both good in what they do.

As for issue on pricing, well, a less expensive version of Photoshop is Photoshop Elements. It does about 90% of what Photoshop can do, minus higher-end pre-press printing capabilities.