Elements or CS4?

[acb]

Ok so I have PS CS4 - I acquired this from my little brother. Being a newb, trying to fly this A380 of programs is well, rather daunting. My question is :- should I spend the hours trying to learn how to use the program to a very basic level, or should I buy Elements (which Im happy enough to do)? The only thing I am going to need the program for is post prod on stills - and nothing too flash.

cheers

[Wooglah]

Get trial version of Elements and see for yourself which one suits you best - compare the UI, functions, filters, automation, ...

[zappo]

Hm PSE is good, and your're right PS is overpowerd for most of the users out there. But you got the CS4 for free from you brother, maybe better spend the 100$ in a basic course on PS. You will have to learn PSE, too after all and 100$ will get you a subscription on one of the major training sites (like Training for Photographers, Graphic Designers, Illustrators, Multimedia Artists, and Hobbyists | Kelby Training ).

[lputman]

I agree with zappo. You've already got the tool, invest in training. You will not regret it.

[ccb]

I have been using Elements for a year and the more I learnt about Post production the more I felt that I was a bit short. Don't get me wrong, Elements is good, but there are a few big shortcomings, and I have now invested in CS5, which I am so looking forward to install.
I agree with above, you have the tool, I would spend a little time and $ in learning how to use it, once you get a grip on the programme it's no longer so daunting

[acb]

Thanks very much for the responses guys - and thanks for the links. I guess youre right - I have the program I might as well learn to use it

[BigFuzzy]

Though not directly related to your question, I'd seriously consider also looking at Lightroom. I now do 95% of my work in LR and the other 5% in CS4. And that 5% is because I do a lot of multiple exposure or montage shots.

LR also has a free trial... but as the others say, PS CS is still the granddaddy of them all, learn it and it'll never hurt you.

[Torria]

I'm a huge fan of PS and was for the past...hmmm..5-7 years.
Currently I have CS4 nd do a lot of post-editing in there, but I also am very interested in Lightroom.
Have never used Elements, but do agree with everyone who said, if you have software already, learn it, use it and afterward if you still want to invest in something else, at least you have more knowledge.
There are also a lot of great free tutorials online for Photoshop. No need to pay for them (for now at least)

[zappo]

Well I agree there are numerous free tutorials on the web and I sure did hundreds of them, but if you really want to learn fast and are totally new to it I would pay for professional training.