I think it probably depends on how you use the product. There are a whole host of new features that I'm sure you've read about. The new technology in "Refine Edge" to make critical selections is a big step forward. Content Aware fill can be a time saver and works really well for some things, and of course doesn't work well for others. I'm very glad I upgraded. I'm on a Mac so this is the first full 64 bit version. The only problem I have today is that my 3rd party plug-ins from Nik are not 64 bit yet. The promise they are coming.... tick tick tick.
I've had CS5 for about two weeks now. The new Refine Edge features are quite good, although I had to buy Anon's CS5 for Nature P{hotographers to figure out how to use it. The book is very good, by the way. I've found the much-hyped Content Aware Fill less useful, although I just may not have had the right situations yet.
I can't go to 64 bit on my Mac because Noise Ninja isn't available in a 64 bit version yet; Noise Ninja works fine in CS5 in 32 bit mode.
CS5 is noticeably slower in many operations on my somewhat elderly Mac Pro. For example, selecting the font tool with my mostly standard fonts takes 3-5 seconds to become active.
Bottom line: I think it is likely to be worth it. Between the lag in converting plug-ins to 64 bit and the learning curve, it's too early for me to say for sure. Certainly Refine Edge is dramatically improved.
Posted by Lisa Cuchara on June 26, 2010 at 12:11 AM
worth it! Even though I love photomatix, having real HDR within PS is cool. We have had pretty good luck with content aware fill. Still working on "refine edge" but the promise is there. I also have Anon's book. Painter still in CS5 too. The jump from CS3 to CS4 was small and many did not upgrade, which made sense, this new CS5 is too tempting.
If you are a NAPP member you can get 15% off the upgrade.
http://www.photoshopuser.com/?aid=wjqany
This is not directly related to Photoshop CS5, but rather LR3.
I'm an LR3 and CS3 user.
LR3 has accelerated the processing in certain functions at huge expense to others. I shoot large format film and work with big scans, which LR2 finally allowed me to view in my catalog. LR3 allows me to move through the catalog in a much faster fashion, but other functions have become strangely slow. For example, if I have selected a photograph to work in photoshop LR3 does not necessarily respond to the request or may take several minutes to do so. LR2 would always perform this action and open the file immediately.
When it comes to processing 35mm digital content, LR3 tools have some excellent new features, and I've been glad for that in my workflow.
Discussion
4 repliesThanks for comments
I can't go to 64 bit on my Mac because Noise Ninja isn't available in a 64 bit version yet; Noise Ninja works fine in CS5 in 32 bit mode.
CS5 is noticeably slower in many operations on my somewhat elderly Mac Pro. For example, selecting the font tool with my mostly standard fonts takes 3-5 seconds to become active.
Bottom line: I think it is likely to be worth it. Between the lag in converting plug-ins to 64 bit and the learning curve, it's too early for me to say for sure. Certainly Refine Edge is dramatically improved.
If you are a NAPP member you can get 15% off the upgrade.
http://www.photoshopuser.com/?aid=wjqany
I'm an LR3 and CS3 user.
LR3 has accelerated the processing in certain functions at huge expense to others. I shoot large format film and work with big scans, which LR2 finally allowed me to view in my catalog. LR3 allows me to move through the catalog in a much faster fashion, but other functions have become strangely slow. For example, if I have selected a photograph to work in photoshop LR3 does not necessarily respond to the request or may take several minutes to do so. LR2 would always perform this action and open the file immediately.
When it comes to processing 35mm digital content, LR3 tools have some excellent new features, and I've been glad for that in my workflow.