I just realized the OP wasn’t even looking at PhotoShop, because of the price. Oh well. 
I haven’t used PhotoShop elements, but isn’t it basically like MGI Photosuite or MS Picture IT? Not so much a graphic program but more like a photo enhancing program? Or am I wrong about PS Elements? 
Elements is $100. It is a “light” version of Photoshop, and a viable “stepping stone” to the full version of PS. (And, as others have mentioned, getting an educational or older version shaves a whole lot off the price.) I got an older version (off of eBay) and then upgraded later. A lot cheaper to go that way. I can’t afford a $600 program either!
Feh. Most digital cam software is - shall we say - skimpy, at best. Even expensive, big-name cameras don’t come with ANYTHING. I’m talking Sony, $800, 3.3 megapixels here.
Of course, if you’re using a digital camera that costs less than $2000 for professional work… you’re in the wrong business.