Yo Photographer
Register for FREE!
Go Back   Photography Forum > General Photography Forums > Photography Talk


Log-in/register to unlock all the member quick-links and features!
Reply


Nick R
Member
Nick R is offline
Nick R is Male
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Sarasota, Florida, USA
Posts: 68
Comments/Critique welcome You may edit and repost my images but ONLY on this site
 
07-07-08, 11:32 PM
#1

Photoshop Opinions

Hello everybody

I am planning on purchasing Photoshop sometime soon.

However, I have NO CLUE as to what version would be best for me. LOL

I want to be able to perform basic to intermediate and some advanced edits to my photos such as extracting parts of a photo and putting it on a neat background, or adding borders/frames to my photos.
I also want to be able to edit photos (Exposure, color values, cool effects, etc.) and touch them up.

I don't mind the price - I just want something that's advanced as possible while still catering to my lack of Photoshop skills.


--
So for those of you who have used or do use Photoshop:

What skill-level would you have considered yourself before you bought Photoshop? Did you think you were totally new and had no idea how to use it, or did you think you would naturally "get it", or what?

Based on that, what version did you end up buying?

How do you like the version you bought and what are some of it's great features?

What would you recommend for me? I have no Photoshop skills based on the trials I have run on friends' and relatives' computers. I would like something that's powerful yet easy to use.



--

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions you all can give
My Compact/P&S: Canon Powershot S5 IS


     
Azz's Avatar
Azz
Admin Team
Azz is offline
Azz is Male
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 15,385
Comments/Critique welcome You may edit and repost my images but ONLY on this site
 
08-07-08, 12:56 AM
#2

Re: Photoshop Opinions

I haven't really used Elements, which is the 'beginners' package, but from what I saw, the interface is pretty much the same as normal photoshop - so it's only really a matter of more features and options.

If money is not an issue I would get Photoshop rather than Elements, as you will prob find that at times you wish you had some of the more advanced options.

There should be trials for both Elements and Photoshop - so I would get them both and give them a whirl, and if you're happy using the main Photoshop.. then you can't go wrong
Kit 1
Nikon D300
Nikon 55-200mm VR
Kit 2
Nikon D40
Nikon 18-55mm
My Compact/P&S: Panasonic Lumix TZ7


     
Nick R
Member
Nick R is offline
Nick R is Male
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Sarasota, Florida, USA
Posts: 68
Comments/Critique welcome You may edit and repost my images but ONLY on this site
 
08-07-08, 01:43 AM
#3

Re: Photoshop Opinions

Quote:
Originally Posted by Azz View Post
I haven't really used Elements, which is the 'beginners' package, but from what I saw, the interface is pretty much the same as normal photoshop - so it's only really a matter of more features and options.

If money is not an issue I would get Photoshop rather than Elements, as you will prob find that at times you wish you had some of the more advanced options.

There should be trials for both Elements and Photoshop - so I would get them both and give them a whirl, and if you're happy using the main Photoshop.. then you can't go wrong
Thanks, Azz

I am trying out Elements 6.

It's pretty neat, and very easy to use. I am already having fun. LOL

However, I will see what I can find out about regular Photoshop... if it's easy like Elements, I will be getting it.

I can't find the trial for regular Photoshop... I can only find CS3 and Elements.
My Compact/P&S: Canon Powershot S5 IS


     
Azz's Avatar
Azz
Admin Team
Azz is offline
Azz is Male
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 15,385
Comments/Critique welcome You may edit and repost my images but ONLY on this site
 
08-07-08, 04:10 AM
#4

Re: Photoshop Opinions

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick R View Post
I can't find the trial for regular Photoshop... I can only find CS3 and Elements.
Yep, CS3 - that's the one
Kit 1
Nikon D300
Nikon 55-200mm VR
Kit 2
Nikon D40
Nikon 18-55mm
My Compact/P&S: Panasonic Lumix TZ7


     
Snapper's Avatar
Snapper
Senior Member
Snapper is offline
Snapper is Female
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Lincolnshire UK
Posts: 2,714
Comments/Critique welcome
 
08-07-08, 06:34 AM
#5

Re: Photoshop Opinions

Think it depends on what you want to do, if it is the normal tidy up or you take your images in RAW then I think you will find Elements ideal for you it is smooth to use and will do most of what you would need to do. However if you want all the options at your fingertips the full PS programme may be better. If you also have to consider cost I think for everyday use Elements is better value, as you will rarely use the advanced features of PS full programme.

Both my OH and I had the full versions of Photoshop & Premiere when I bought the Elements version of both and now neither of us ever use the full version, if fairness the full programmes were getting very out of date so it could be that Elements came as a relieve from the somewhat temperamental versions of the earlier full programmes.
Kit 1
Pentax K7
Pentax 60-250mm
Sigma 105mm Macro
Pentax 12-24mm
Pentax 50mm 1.4
Sigma 50-500mm (Bigma)
Kit 2
Pentax K20d
Lens as other body
Other Kit
View my profile to see my other kit!
My Compact/P&S: Nikon P80


     
Nick R
Member
Nick R is offline
Nick R is Male
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Sarasota, Florida, USA
Posts: 68
Comments/Critique welcome You may edit and repost my images but ONLY on this site
 
08-07-08, 07:02 AM
#6

Re: Photoshop Opinions

Thanks everybody for your input

I think I am going to go with Elements 6.
My Compact/P&S: Canon Powershot S5 IS


     
Moonstone
Senior Member
Moonstone is offline
Moonstone is Female
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: uk/usa
Posts: 10,146
 
08-07-08, 08:10 AM
#7

Re: Photoshop Opinions

Hi Nick,

I first got Elements 6 and I love it, I have been given Lightroom , and now CS2 by a friend who didn't use them

I think it depends on what you want to do, I love tweaking and creating something out of a pic, so I use them to experiment but I think Elements is alot easier to start with

There are lots of editing goodies to download for free if you hunt for them, I have just downloaded a HDR thing called Photomatix, so you can easily have Elements and then get other little bits and pieces to do other types of editing

Have fun


     
Stanokella's Avatar
Stanokella
Senior Member
Stanokella is offline
Stanokella is Male
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Manchester
Posts: 1,419
Comments/Critique welcome
 
08-07-08, 10:26 AM
#8

Re: Photoshop Opinions

I'm an elements user and have used a few versions of full photoshop, the only reason to get full PS is if you are a pro and will be dealing with real print workshops and not getting the odd print of your work done by photobox or the like.

The things missing from elements are really not of concern to anyone that doesn't earn their living from graphic design or photography.
Kit 1
Nikon D700
Nikon MB-D10 Battery Grip
Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8
Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
Nikon micro AF 200mm f/4
Other Kit
View my profile to see my other kit!
My Compact/P&S: Fuji X100


     
clairelou's Avatar
clairelou
Senior Member
clairelou is offline
clairelou is Female
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: south wales uk
Posts: 3,599
Comments/Critique welcome
 
08-07-08, 02:04 PM
#9

Re: Photoshop Opinions

i have element 5 and so far i like it but there are few things missing such as masking and curves also tried the trail CS3 fab!! but cant afford it
Kit 1
nikon D80
nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-s IF-ED
50mm nifty fifty
Kit 2
nikon F55
AF nikon 28-80mm F/3.3-5.6
Other Kit
View my profile to see my other kit!
My Compact/P&S: Canon PowerShot A590IS


     
Reply

Top


© Copyright 2008, Yo Photographer   Yo Photographer | Contact Us | Archive | Privacy Statement | Terms of Use | Top