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03/10/2005 08:04:15 PM · #1 |
I'm ready to upgrade from my current Photoshop Elements 1.
Do I just get Elements 3 or go for CS8? I'm strictly an amateur and am slowly easing into the digital world. Honestly, I've only scratched the surface of even Elements 1.
A recent photo magazine article suggested that Elements 3 is now all you really need. Are there features on CS8 that are really key that are not on elements?
Because I can take advantage of a student discount, CS8 is only $265 while Elements 3 is $60. But still, is CS8 worth the extra $200?
I would love to hear from those of you that have experience with these programs
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03/10/2005 09:00:15 PM · #2 |
Anyone?
Can't believe there are no opinions here |
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03/10/2005 10:13:56 PM · #3 |
I've had Elements 3 since the fall, up from Elements 2, and I'm very happy with it. I would recommend the jump to 3.0 for the cost you've named, and by the time you want CS, the next version will be out.
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03/20/2005 02:45:40 PM · #4 |
It is difficult to compare these two products, even though you will find several threads that attempt just that. Just because GM makes both the Chevy Cavalier and the Cadillac Eldorado does not mean you can compare these two products on similar levels.
My advice - if you can get an academic version of CS - go for it. If not, learn with Elements and in a couple years when you are ready to move up - PS version 10 will be out and you can take the plunge at that time.
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03/20/2005 04:07:54 PM · #5 |
You can download and test the latest versions from Adobe. I am testing CS right now but its not that much better than Photoshop 6 for me as I have no clue what I am doing. I also have elements but prefer to use 6 or CS. Learning, but there is a lot to learn!
dahkota
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03/20/2005 04:22:09 PM · #6 |
| As far as I know, the two most important differences betwen PS and PSE are the ability to use Curves on an adjustment layer -- a very powerful control -- and the ability to convert to the CMYK colorspace (only important if you're outputting for offset printing). |
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03/20/2005 04:34:03 PM · #7 |
I have just moved from PSP8 to Elemets 3.0 and could not be happier, although missing the curve tool I have got a free addin that adds curves into the program.
must admit that even after a few weeks I have used Elements a lot more than PSP8 and have corrected a bunch of pictures that would have been left.
Happy days
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03/20/2005 04:41:26 PM · #8 |
One thing to consider - if you have the opportunity to get a full legal version Photoshop now cheaply then you might want to take it. From then on you'll only have to pay for the upgrade versions whenever you want to upgrade and they're much cheaper.
I can't comment on Elements - I've never used any version in anger. But if you see yourself getting on the Photoshop train at some point then it might be wise to do so while that big up front cost is reduced.
Personally I started on v4, upgraded to v6 and recently upgraded again to CS. I couldn't be happier with Photoshop.
Of course if you can't afford the $200 extra then the point is moot.
John
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03/20/2005 04:46:21 PM · #9 |
| I was wondering about GIMP 2.2. How does it fare with the PS and other top of the line Editors. |
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03/20/2005 05:22:34 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by RulerZigzag:
I was wondering about GIMP 2.2. How does it fare with the PS and other top of the line Editors. |
It is rumored to compare favorable so far as features, but less-so in ease-of-use and maybe phugins and such. Since it's free, it is probably worth trying it for a week or two before buying something expensive. |
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03/20/2005 05:43:20 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by RulerZigzag:
I was wondering about GIMP 2.2. How does it fare with the PS and other top of the line Editors. |
It is rumored to compare favorable so far as features, but less-so in ease-of-use and maybe phugins and such. Since it's free, it is probably worth trying it for a week or two before buying something expensive. |
Thats a big help. I did hear it was similair so I was sticking with it. But since you said it is harder to use, I understand why Im having difficulty with it. I am gonna move to PS |
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03/20/2005 11:00:30 PM · #12 |
It seems to me from the discussion that the key item that CS has and elements does have is curves. What exactly is curves and what does it do? I read that Elements 3.0 has contrast adjustment tools in in quick fix that operate similarly to curves.
Any thoughts or feedback.
As for the cost its not the availability of the additional $200, just whether its worth it - or is it better spent on something else. Getting in on the full version at a great price has merits, but only if I am going to use some or all of those additional features. Sort of like buying a Ferrari in Manhattan - sure it can go 200 MPH, but only if you take it out of the city. |
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03/20/2005 11:10:44 PM · #13 |
| Curves allow you to precisely manipulate tonal values at all points along the tone range. The "Levels" adjustment applies similar effects more coarsely, at highlight, mid-tone, and shadow points only. Curves are effective at bringing out or hiding detail in parts of the tone range, and for controlling and manipulating colors. You can see some examples of how they are used (and occasionally abused) and what the interface looks like in this gallery at pBase. |
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03/21/2005 06:13:44 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by photodude:
As for the cost its not the availability of the additional $200, just whether its worth it - or is it better spent on something else. Getting in on the full version at a great price has merits, but only if I am going to use some or all of those additional features. Sort of like buying a Ferrari in Manhattan - sure it can go 200 MPH, but only if you take it out of the city. |
To take your similie, if you buy a Ferrari now then every car you own from now on will be a Ferrari. Do you ever plan on moving out of Manhattan?
John
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