Should I upgrade to CS5?

[HillHavenStudio]

I have just purchased a used IMac that comes with CS3 and aperture installed on it already. This is a huge leap forward for me considering that i have been using photoshop elements 4 to edit all of my pictures. I am starting my own photo business and was wondering if it would really be worth it to put the money into it right now to upgrade to CS5.
I know that many people also reccomend LIghtroom, so if I had to choose between Lightroom and CS5, which would you suggest?

[jdepould]

There's a pretty big price difference between LR and Photoshop, and they do two different things. If you're going to have a lot of images, Lightroom is great for databasing and organizing. The develop tools do all the toning you'll typically need, but it isn't a pixel editor.

[HillHavenStudio]

Well, I already have CS3, so it would only cost about $200 for the upgrade, and LR3 is $300. Knowing that they do different things, and also that CS3 is older, would it be better for me to upgrade and have ONLY CS5 or to buy LR3 and have that and CS3? I eventually will do both, but I'm trying to figure out which should be a priority.

[Bluenoser]

Ask yourself these questions:

What features does CS5 have that CS3 doesn't have, and that I will use/need?

What features does LR3 have that I will use/need?

Then download the trial versions and try them out to see if they fit your needs.

Then you should be able to make an informed decision on which way to go.

[TheDarkReaver]

Get a "trial" copy of the program and test run it. If you like it go ahead and purchase a "non-trial" copy.

[Jim Poor]

Originally Posted by TheDarkReaver

Get a "trial" copy of the program and test run it. If you like it go ahead and purchase a "non-trial" copy.

Best advice yet with one caveat. Don't download the trial of CS5 until you have learned CS3 really well. It will be a wasted 30 days otherwise.

Honestly, unless there are features you just really NEED, by the time you learn the ins and outs of CS3, CS6 will be rounding the bend.

[CheaperKings]

Honestly? No. You do not need CS5. If you already have CS3, you're in good shape. LR is going to be the next tool you should purchase. I use the portable version of CS5 and, yes, it's good but, I'm also an expert. These are just my thoughts. But, LR is what I would go for...

[ARKreations]

LR3 + CS3 will definitely be more productive than CS5 only.

Another consideration is that just because you purchased a used computer with CS3 installed, does not also mean that you own the CS3 license. (A full CS3 license is probably worth more than a used Mac) That in itself may preclude you from migrating to CS5 in a legal fashion. And if you are going into business, do yourself a big favor and don't even start down the path of non-compliant software.

[no.absolutes]

Lightroom is great, I definitely suggest learning CS3 before upgradingto CS5, though... there is SO much in that program I wonder if the programmers even know about it all ... My question for you, though... if you have Aperture... why do you need Lightroom (at least right away anyways)? I have Lightroom 2 installed on my Mac, but when I made the switch, I also purchased Aperture 3 and now I use it 90% of the time over Lightroom. The only time I use LR is when there is a specific preset I need to use... I guess my point is maybe if you wait a few months, both will go on sale. Use what you have, learn it fully... then upgrade!

[kuvahmagh]

Originally Posted by ARKreations

LR3 + CS3 will definitely be more productive than CS5 only.

Another consideration is that just because you purchased a used computer with CS3 installed, does not also mean that you own the CS3 license. (A full CS3 license is probably worth more than a used Mac) That in itself may preclude you from migrating to CS5 in a legal fashion. And if you are going into business, do yourself a big favor and don't even start down the path of non-compliant software.

I was thinking the same thing my self regarding licensing, just the other day I had a lengthy conversation with the tech where I work about a Software Audit we went through with Microsoft, I'd suggest that you triple check the licenses and have proof of everything if going into business.

Remember you don't own the software just the right to use it in the way they allow you to.