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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Paint Shop Pro vs Photoshop Elements for a newbie
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11/03/2006 03:52:48 PM · #1
Okay, I have a pretty good feeling this thread will generate a lot of I use this one so I pick it, but I would still like to get some takes on this:

I'm new to dSLR photography. 2 months and counting. From a friends advice I purchased Paint Shop Pro X for my post processing as I was on a very tight budget and managed to get it for about $25 (sealed). I've been fairly happy with it and still have MUCH to learn not only about it but post processing too.

My question is: Which would you suggest using: Paint Shop Pro (PSP) or Photoshop Elements (PE) as a newbie trying to learn about post processing?

I ask this because 1) I can't afford CS2 or anything in that price range and 2) It seems that most users here list their PP steps in functions of Photoshop. I thought I might catch on quicker I could mimic the steps by using the same or similar software. I think PE uses essentially the same standard options as CS2 (just PE being far less robust), so I'm considering a switch (mid-stream).

Just wondering if it's worth dropping another $45 or so to go to PE with the hopes of someday purchasing something in the CS range.

PROS / CONS? (or is this completely a users preference thing?)

Message edited by author 2006-11-03 15:53:56.
11/03/2006 03:57:06 PM · #2
It really boils down to a user preference thing. They both effectively perform the same functions at the same level of competency and speed.

The only real PRO I can think of for PSE would be: If you are planning on eventually moving to CS, you'll find yourself a little more skilled in that camp than if you were switching from PSP.

Forgot to mention that Photoshop 7 can be had quite inexpensively. Minus RAW conversion, it's still one hell of a program. Although I have CS2, I run PS7 on my laptop, because it requires less resources than CS2.

Message edited by author 2006-11-03 16:00:28.
11/03/2006 03:59:32 PM · #3
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

It really boils down to a user preference thing. They both effectively perform the same functions at the same level of competency and speed.

The only real PRO I can think of for PSE would be: If you are planning on eventually moving to CS, you'll find yourself a little more skilled in that camp than if you were switching from PSP.


Thanks. I was kind of thinking that too. Just don't want to bite off more than I chew right now having one and trying to learn it. I wasn't sure how different some of the more advanced functions were named between products. I'm sure hue/saturation/sharpness, etc are probably the same.

Edit: and with CS3 coming in the near future, I figure maybe I can become proficient enough with PE to take the plunge to something bigger. Long way to go before I'm there though.

Message edited by author 2006-11-03 16:00:27.
11/03/2006 04:12:26 PM · #4
I used to favour PSP because I found it both more intuitive and generally better than elements. Recently though I've switched over to using Elements 4 instead, mostly because of the spot healing brush, which is far superior in Elements. Add to that that Elements 5 has curves and I reckon that that would be a clear winner just now for photography editing.

The only thing that I miss in Elements that is in PSP (and sometimes start it for) is the ability to do a screen capture.

Message edited by author 2006-11-03 16:12:42.
11/03/2006 04:14:58 PM · #5
I really don't believe the difference are enough that you'd feel completely lost if you moved to CS2(3) from PSP. The concepts of processing are the same. Personally, I wouldn't waste more money by switching to PSE.

FWIW, PSPX has more than adequate processing ability and functionality for all but your most difficult tasks. As you grow in your PP life, you might find it can handle all your needs.
11/03/2006 04:15:03 PM · #6
Originally posted by mist:

I used to favour PSP because I found it both more intuitive and generally better than elements. Recently though I've switched over to using Elements 4 instead, mostly because of the spot healing brush, which is far superior in Elements. Add to that that Elements 5 has curves and I reckon that that would be a clear winner just now for photography editing.

The only thing that I miss in Elements that is in PSP (and sometimes start it for) is the ability to do a screen capture.


More good info. Thanks.
11/03/2006 04:33:06 PM · #7
the real problem is that one software package does a function better than the others. But, choose another function and the first package is not as good as a third one.

I use a few and take advantage of what they do best. I use Nikon's Capture since it has the best straightening tool, Nikon Picture Project for the color correction, Paintshop Pro has the best sharpening, and Adobe Photoshop has the best cropping and cloning tools (IMHO).a

When I work on a picture (even with the great results from my D200), I tend to use multiple packages, because one does not do it all.

D
11/03/2006 04:36:09 PM · #8
Originally posted by mist:


The only thing that I miss in Elements that is in PSP (and sometimes start it for) is the ability to do a screen capture.


Can't you do a "Prt Scr" keypress and then "New from Clipboard" and accomplish a screen capture?
11/03/2006 04:36:54 PM · #9
Dodge and burn is FAR superior in PSE than PSP. PSP dodge and burn is TERRIBLE.
11/03/2006 04:38:16 PM · #10
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:



Forgot to mention that Photoshop 7 can be had quite inexpensively. Minus RAW conversion, it's still one hell of a program.


I'd love to have PS 7 if you can point me to a legitimate source.
11/03/2006 04:41:13 PM · #11
Originally posted by nards656:

Dodge and burn is FAR superior in PSE than PSP. PSP dodge and burn is TERRIBLE.


I think the dodge/burn tools in all current packages are horrible, although the tool in CS2 is acceptible if I'm in a hurry. Painting to a softlight or overlay layer produces much better results.
11/03/2006 04:43:08 PM · #12
Originally posted by nards656:

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:



Forgot to mention that Photoshop 7 can be had quite inexpensively. Minus RAW conversion, it's still one hell of a program.


I'd love to have PS 7 if you can point me to a legitimate source.


Not sure if they are still there, but I saw some on overstock.com not too long ago. Might check Amazon also.
11/03/2006 04:51:42 PM · #13
Being a PSP user, I can say this. Even though PSP can physically do most (not all) of the things PS (any version) can.....following the tuts would be easier even with the most basic form of PS. If you do plan on upgrading, better to start with some version of PS. You can get a full version of PS 5/6/7 on EBay, sealed..never used, for pretty little money. Just make you sure it's not the 'Limited Edition' if you do.
11/03/2006 04:54:36 PM · #14
Photoshop Elements for sure. It is much better laid out and intuitive.
11/03/2006 04:57:38 PM · #15
Originally posted by nards656:

Originally posted by mist:


The only thing that I miss in Elements that is in PSP (and sometimes start it for) is the ability to do a screen capture.


Can't you do a "Prt Scr" keypress and then "New from Clipboard" and accomplish a screen capture?


Yes, but generally only of a specific window. With PSP you have more control over the grab area and timing. Yeah, you could probably recreate the idea by cropping a PRTSCR I suppose, I just liked the functionality.
11/03/2006 05:22:17 PM · #16
Originally posted by MrEd:

Being a PSP user, I can say this. Even though PSP can physically do most (not all) of the things PS (any version) can.....following the tuts would be easier even with the most basic form of PS. If you do plan on upgrading, better to start with some version of PS. You can get a full version of PS 5/6/7 on EBay, sealed..never used, for pretty little money. Just make you sure it's not the 'Limited Edition' if you do.


Thanks Mr. Ed. The tutorials and step-by-steps some people use with their photos seem to 'always' be geared towards PS (or PE) so that is what made me start the thread.

I appreciate everyone's participation and feedback.
11/03/2006 05:23:40 PM · #17
Originally posted by mist:

[quote=nards656] [quote=mist]
With PSP you have more control over the grab area and timing. Yeah, you could probably recreate the idea by cropping a PRTSCR I suppose, I just liked the functionality.


That functionality has come in handy several times. It really is nice. Wasn't aware PE did not do that. Does PS/CS2?
11/03/2006 06:23:25 PM · #18
Originally posted by dallasdux:


That functionality has come in handy several times. It really is nice. Wasn't aware PE did not do that. Does PS/CS2?


Nope
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