Ok Opinion from all you ZenGurus out there

At some point I will be attcking the images problem of configuring tons of images. I will be starting with images already on my site and then going to adding more.

Q?

I have read about

Image handler2?
Adobe photo program
and
easy populate
I have MS image composer which probaboly a good assumption is that it will not do what is needed.

Which is the best to invest my time in? Opinions please?
Why woudl one be better over another?