PSP vs. PS CS 2 - 3 - DPChallenge Forums

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

12/17/2007 12:01:08 PM · #1

I was wondering if anyone knows what Photoshop offers for photographers that Paintshop Pro does not. Theres a lot of things in PS that I do not need and I was wondering what I would be missing if I switched to PSP X2. I am now using PS CS and have been using PS for a very long time, however the cost of the upgrades is starting to get to me. before I venture into CS 3 teritory, I was hoping to get some opinion on PSP X2.

Thanks in advance.

Kevin

Ann

Olympus OM-D E-M1

12/17/2007 12:06:55 PM · #2

Is there a reason you need to upgrade from PS CS?

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

12/17/2007 05:58:17 PM · #3

I know there are some new tools in the later versions. I don't feel the need to upgrade to every version but now there on CS 3. I am happy with CS , but like I said I am aware of some of the newer tools.

Beetle

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

12/17/2007 06:11:02 PM · #4

I started off using PSP but found that nearly all tutorials, tips, tricks, plug-ins, free goodies etc etc etc were for Photoshop.

PSP is a very good program, but Photoshop is THE one and I'm glad I made the switch.

Ann

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

12/17/2007 06:16:40 PM · #5

I've never tried PSP, but PS CS isn't that much different than CS3. If you have a specific CS3 or PSP feature that you must have (better raw conversion, for example), you might find it worthwhile to upgrade. Otherwise, there isn't really that much difference between CS and CS3, and if you already know Photoshop, I doubt you'd be happier having to learn PSP. But trial versions of both are available, so you can try them and make your own decision.

Bobster

Canon EOS-20D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

12/17/2007 07:05:08 PM · #6

if u've been using PS for years, then switching to PSP is going to cause you all kinds of headaches!

surfdabbler

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II

12/17/2007 07:32:23 PM · #7

I'm a PSP X2 user, and it's a great piece of software. I've used a trial version of PhotoShop, and they are different. Being used to PSP, there are a lot of little differences, and I didn't like the way somethings worked in PS. So, if you are used to PhotoShop, you will probably find the same things going the other way.

As for specific features you might miss going to PSP, most of it is there in slightly different forms, but in terms of plugins, you won't find much at all for PSP compared to PS. All the good plugins are PS only. On the other hand, PSP has inbuilt noise reduction and HDR. I use the NR all the time, in preference to standalone Noise Ninja. NN does a slightly better job, but for the ease of use, the PSP NR is just too handy to bother with NN. If I had PS, NN would be a plugin, so I'd use that. :) However, the panorama stitching in CS3 is supposed to be amazing, and PSP has nothing like that.

PSP is certainly going to be cheaper, but changing software is a big decision. If you really want to switch, download the trial for 30 days and see how it goes first.

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/17/2007 09:21:26 PM · #8

Originally posted by annpatt:

...but PS CS isn't that much different than CS3. If you have a specific CS3 or PSP feature that you must have (better raw conversion, for example), you might find it worthwhile to upgrade. Otherwise, there isn't really that much difference between CS and CS3...

I hate to disagree. there is a ton of difference in CS and CS3, unless you are talking about interface, but then they are still suppose to be the same. I went from CS to CS3, and gained alot of things I didn't have before and am glad I did.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/17/2007 09:28:42 PM · #9

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

12/17/2007 10:01:51 PM · #10

Well..for one reason..."Of course, if you think you're going to outgrow it and will be upgrading to something better later, keep in mind that Adobe will only allow you (I think) to "upgrades" versions that are no more than 2 major releases below the version you're upgrading to, i.e. you could upgrade CS to CS3, but you couldn't upgrade Photoshop 6 to CS3. You'd have to buy a full version of the software at that point, instead."
Another, just starts with Bridge and and the ACR. Do a session and note that you have a few dust spots. Open all them in the session and use the Retouch (Spot Removal) tool to fix them all at once. Also increased control over the image within ACR, with Fill Light, Recovery (blown areas), Vibrance, Tone Curve, HSL, etc.
Within PS...Smart Objects, much improved Smart Sharpen and Curves....as a few.