Posted by Doug Andrews on June 18, 2008 at 6:22 PM
Since I now have a home computer than can actually handle current software requirements, its time to upgrade my photo editing software. I've decided to make a break from Paint Shop Pro and go with something in which there is a larger base of users that I can seek help with problems/questions/issues etc. Photoshop CS3 is way too expensive and mostly overkill for my needs. I'm considering either the current version of Photoshop Elements, Lightroom 2.0 (which if it isn't out yet will be very very soon I believe) or CaptureNX 2 (because I shoot with a Nikon D200). Anyone have any thoughts to share about these three contenders?
Elements gives you 99% of the functionality of Photoshop with mostly the same methods of doing work as CS3. That would be my recommendation. Lightroom doesn't offer full editing support. I don't know about Capture NX, but I doubt it would put you in a better position than PSP.
My other thought is: Do you have a way to purchase a education copy of Photoshop? A friend who is a teacher or a child who is a student? It significantly reduces the price.
Mel offered some great advice about getting an educational version of PS. CS3 has the exact same RAW conversion engine as Lightroom, with the advantages of layer masking for 'combining' images with a large dynamic range (as you see quite often in these forums),and the ability to use tools like Tony Kuyper's superb Luminosity Masking actions, which have become absolutely indispensable to my digital darkroom, and neither of which are capable of being used with Elements or Capture.
If neither of those features interest you, then Elements and Lightroom would be a fine choice, IMO.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on June 18, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Actually, I have a way of using luminosity and saturation masks in Elements, but thats for another time.
But I'll say there are many other reasons why I will be trying to move to CS3 shortly.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on June 18, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Mel, you may want to wait for CS4 which is expected out as early as this Fall. There are beta versions floating around out there under the name Stonehenge. And here is a preview of some of the features: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3ybu4YmdNE&feature=related
I am still using CS1 and planning a switch soon.
Lightroom is probably a step up from Elements without some of the layering/masking capabilities of CSx. Another way to get CSx cheaper is to buy an older copy of PS and then upgrade which is what I did. You could probably pick up CS1 on ebay or somewhere for a reasonable price. Then you have all the full features of PS if you ever need them. Then do an upgrade when you feel you want the newest thing.
Posted by Roger Rouch on June 19, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Doug, I used any early version of PS elements, and it really was't too bad. Like you, the full version of PS was too expensive. I did exactly what Derek suggested. Bought an unregistered copy of an older version of Photoshop on eBay and then bought the upgrade to CS2 (which was the current version at the time). It saved a few hundred dollars doing it that way.
Hi Doug
I would suggest Elements and start learning it as much as you can. After you register your copy of Elements and be sure to check you would like other offers and information they will sent you an email to go to PS. Even if they do not send an email call them and tell them you want the promotional offer of getting PS for $300.00. They will then work to get you in some promotional cost for PS. They sent me an email and I really didn't think I would like to upgrade even fopr the $300 but a month or two later I desided probabl not a bad idea for the money so I called and a fellow worked and got me a copy for $300.
So I suggest find a good price on Elements and there is lots to learn there and then keep a look out for a promotion down the road to upgrade.
Note that the version of Adobe Camera RAW in Elements is a limited version of the full blown converter found in CS3 & Lightroom.
Also note that the Elements->CS3 upgrade offer works with any version of Elements. If you can find a cheap version of Elements and upgrade to CS3 from that, then you wouldn't need Lightroom in order to obtain the full version of ACR.
Here's a link to the upgrade offer, which expires in November,
Discussion
7 repliesMy other thought is: Do you have a way to purchase a education copy of Photoshop? A friend who is a teacher or a child who is a student? It significantly reduces the price.
Mel-
Mel offered some great advice about getting an educational version of PS. CS3 has the exact same RAW conversion engine as Lightroom, with the advantages of layer masking for 'combining' images with a large dynamic range (as you see quite often in these forums),and the ability to use tools like Tony Kuyper's superb Luminosity Masking actions, which have become absolutely indispensable to my digital darkroom, and neither of which are capable of being used with Elements or Capture.
If neither of those features interest you, then Elements and Lightroom would be a fine choice, IMO.
But I'll say there are many other reasons why I will be trying to move to CS3 shortly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3ybu4YmdNE&feature=related
I am still using CS1 and planning a switch soon.
Lightroom is probably a step up from Elements without some of the layering/masking capabilities of CSx. Another way to get CSx cheaper is to buy an older copy of PS and then upgrade which is what I did. You could probably pick up CS1 on ebay or somewhere for a reasonable price. Then you have all the full features of PS if you ever need them. Then do an upgrade when you feel you want the newest thing.
I would suggest Elements and start learning it as much as you can. After you register your copy of Elements and be sure to check you would like other offers and information they will sent you an email to go to PS. Even if they do not send an email call them and tell them you want the promotional offer of getting PS for $300.00. They will then work to get you in some promotional cost for PS. They sent me an email and I really didn't think I would like to upgrade even fopr the $300 but a month or two later I desided probabl not a bad idea for the money so I called and a fellow worked and got me a copy for $300.
So I suggest find a good price on Elements and there is lots to learn there and then keep a look out for a promotion down the road to upgrade.
Also note that the Elements->CS3 upgrade offer works with any version of Elements. If you can find a cheap version of Elements and upgrade to CS3 from that, then you wouldn't need Lightroom in order to obtain the full version of ACR.
Here's a link to the upgrade offer, which expires in November,