So confused about...

[aropilot]

which digital darkroom program to use. With so many out there, how does one make a decision to choose properly? I've been using Elements 6, then a friend had me try out light-room, and there are so many more. PSE6 is okay and I'm getting good at how to use it. But now my friend tells me I should use Light-room - the new version. I tried the Beta version and well, had to learn all over again for the most part. I don't have a great deal to invest but willing to spend up to maybe $300.
Everyone has their opinion but nothing is making it any easier. Can some of you please help?

[inkista]

Well, you've got your budget worked out.

The trick is basically figuring out what each application is for.

Lightroom is for photographers who want a workflow tool: something from downloading the files to final delivery form, and who primarily shoot with and want to do non-destructive editing with RAW files.

PSE is if you plan on doing edits that are more along the lines of compositing images: masks, layers, etc, or local/specialized edits on parts of the image, rather than the image as a whole.

Basically, you should have both: a workflow tool and an editor. Chances are good that if you aren't heavily into using photography as raw material for another type of digital artwork, but doing photos as photos, you'll be doing 90% of what you need in LR, and 10% of extra or specialized tweaking in PSE. LR processing controls are essentially the 10% of Photoshop you need 90% of the time, as a photographer.

That's my take on it, anyway.

[nategesner]

It depends on your intent, skill level, and finances.

If your like me, PSE6/7/8 is probably enough for daily use. However, there are times I need more horsepower for a particular task. In that case, I use GIMP. It's 100% free and it can do anything CS4 can do. Download it and give it a shot. There are tutorials all over the internet that will show you what you need to know.

Edit: If you're interested in seeing what Lightroom is all about, search for the Lightroom beta. You can download it for free and it is 100% capable until June 30th. That's plenty of time to experiment and see if it's worth your money to buy the complete version.

Enjoy!

[aropilot]

Thanks for the input.
I have been using PSE6 for a couple years and am somewhat used to it now. I did download LR and used it for a few months but just seem to have issues with how to use it, the fact that when ever something is initialized, LR opens, even for text files and I don't know how to change that, and well. it seems like 1 more thing I need to learn and don't have the time. Maybe 27 hour days would do the trick...
I'll keep pondering and searching and .......................................