PS vs LR

[AnonymousKiwi1]

Ok, so as part of my general upgrade, I'm thinking of getting myself some new software.

I currently use Photoshop CS2. It does almost everything I need, and just about every time I use it I learn something new. The only thing that's holding me back is my continuing inability to make it read RAW files, despite having downloaded Adobe's upgrade thingy (forgive me, I'm hopeless at the technical stuff).

So I'm considering biting the bullet and purchasing LR, as I understand it this comes all ready to handle RAW files. And it has a batch processing capability. BUT, I also understand that LR does not allow for working in layers. Does this also mean that there is not ability to use masks?

Of course I could keep using CS2 for the occasions that I need to create layers and use masking.

What are your thoughts? Is it worth spending the $500 to get LR, or am I wasting my cash? Has anyone managed to get CS2 to handle RAW files? Is it just my total lack of technical know-how that's holding me back???

I NEED to be working in RAW!

Edit: One more thought. My IT guy tells me that once I upgrade to the i7 processor there's a possiblity that some of my older software (read - CS2) might not work. Does anyone have any experience with this?

[jdepould]

The CPU shouldn't break backwards compatibility. As far as I know it's just up to the OS, but I'm no expert.

For my money, I'd go with LR + CS2. You gain a whole bunch of organizational tools, the ability to edit your raw files, then spit them out into a .psd or .tif, which will let you layer to your heart's content.

Edit: you wouldn't be migrating from a PowerPC perchance? If so, then that could break CS2.

Edit 2: If that's the case, and you don't want to break the bank, I'd go with LR + PS elements. I don't think you can get upgrade pricing from CS2.

[zenandzen]

Before you spend money, here's an open source RAW converter.


UFRaw - Home

If it works for you then you save $$.

I understand there are others but this one I know of and have used in windows and Gimp.

[rosserx]

Originally Posted by jdepould

For my money, I'd go with LR + CS2. You gain a whole bunch of organizational tools, the ability to edit your raw files, then spit them out into a .psd or .tif, which will let you layer to your heart's content.

I agree. Pick up LR3 and keep CS2. That will give you the best bang for your buck. You can download a full working 30 trail from Adobe and give it a test spin. True you need PS for the times you need to create layers. How often is that? And LR converts your RAW files to DNG which is a universal non-proprietary RAW file. You can even open dng's in Preview and whatever the PC version of Preview is on the quick. No muss no fuss!

[TraceyHill3]

Originally Posted by rosserx

I agree. Pick up LR3 and keep CS2. That will give you the best bang for your buck. You can download a full working 30 trail from Adobe and give it a test spin. True you need PS for the times you need to create layers. How often is that? And LR converts your RAW files to DNG which is a universal non-proprietary RAW file. You can even open dng's in Preview and whatever the PC version of Preview is on the quick. No muss no fuss!

I completely agree! I have LR3 and PS Elements, which work great together! You can send photos from your LR to PS. LR3 doesn't do layers but you will realize that's okay once you start using it. One of my favorite thing about LR3 is the way it helps me fix the white balance on photos and I can reduce noise without my pics being too smooth and fake. Also, you get presets plus you can create your own where you can edit a photo with just one click. It's just really great software and I LOVE it!

[AnonymousKiwi1]

Originally Posted by jdepould

The CPU shouldn't break backwards compatibility. As far as I know it's just up to the OS, but I'm no expert.

For my money, I'd go with LR + CS2. You gain a whole bunch of organizational tools, the ability to edit your raw files, then spit them out into a .psd or .tif, which will let you layer to your heart's content.

Edit: you wouldn't be migrating from a PowerPC perchance? If so, then that could break CS2.

Edit 2: If that's the case, and you don't want to break the bank, I'd go with LR + PS elements. I don't think you can get upgrade pricing from CS2.

Doh! You're right. It was the upgrade from Vista (gasp!) to Win7 that he said might cause a problem. Does anyone have any experience with this?
PowerPC? I know not of what you speak ...
If it helps, I'm going from a four year of HP laptop to a brand spanking HP workstation.
'Tis the breaking of the bank that I'm concerned about.

Originally Posted by zenandzen

Before you spend money, here's an open source RAW converter.


UFRaw - Home

If it works for you then you save $$.

I understand there are others but this one I know of and have used in windows and Gimp.

I'll look in to that - thanks!

Originally Posted by rosserx

I agree. Pick up LR3 and keep CS2. That will give you the best bang for your buck. You can download a full working 30 trail from Adobe and give it a test spin. True you need PS for the times you need to create layers. How often is that? And LR converts your RAW files to DNG which is a universal non-proprietary RAW file. You can even open dng's in Preview and whatever the PC version of Preview is on the quick. No muss no fuss!

Hmmm.. I can't download the trial til I get the new machine, my current beasty is on its last legs. I daren't add any more strain. I'll keep this in mind


Thanks all of you for putting up with me. I will get this sussed, one day!

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by AnonymousKiwi1

So I'm considering biting the bullet and purchasing LR, as I understand it this comes all ready to handle RAW files. And it has a batch processing capability. BUT, I also understand that LR does not allow for working in layers. Does this also mean that there is not ability to use masks?

Of course I could keep using CS2 for the occasions that I need to create layers and use masking.

LR will handle the raw files. It can do limited batch processing. It does not do layers or masks. You can get some effects like masking but it's not as powerful as CS2 and with the presets and other tools it has some nice stuff. For basic retouching and minor adjustments it will be a breeze compared to CS2 (or other version) Being able to apply an exposure or color adjustment to a group of images at one time is a timesaver.

Can't speak to the value for your $ but I would buy it again if I had to. Sorry no help on the processor change but I would be surprised if it was an issue.

[AnonymousKiwi1]

Originally Posted by TraceyHill3

I completely agree! I have LR3 and PS Elements, which work great together! You can send photos from your LR to PS. LR3 doesn't do layers but you will realize that's okay once you start using it. One of my favorite thing about LR3 is the way it helps me fix the white balance on photos and I can reduce noise without my pics being too smooth and fake. Also, you get presets plus you can create your own where you can edit a photo with just one click. It's just really great software and I LOVE it!

I'm definitly leaning towards getting LR3. So Elements does allow for layers?
I may have to look in to this if CS2 fails on my new machine.
Thanks!

[vomviersen]

I had some issues getting the CS2 suite to work on 64-bit Vista. I did get most of the programs working but still ended up going to CS4 since Acrobat 7 would not work. Anyway, back to your possible issue of Photoshop CS2 and Windows 7 - found this link which might be useful. It sounds similar to the issues and solutions I had with CS2/Vista:

GeoPlanIT: Installing Adobe CS2 on Windows 7 64bit

I, too, am debating purchasing Lightroom 3 - I got a special offer coupon for "creative professionals" and I just can't resist a sale I have been reading all of the Lightroom vs PS vs PSE threads here and elsewhere trying to decide.

[AnonymousKiwi1]

Originally Posted by vomviersen

I had some issues getting the CS2 suite to work on 64-bit Vista. I did get most of the programs working but still ended up going to CS4 since Acrobat 7 would not work. Anyway, back to your possible issue of Photoshop CS2 and Windows 7 - found this link which might be useful. It sounds similar to the issues and solutions I had with CS2/Vista:

GeoPlanIT: Installing Adobe CS2 on Windows 7 64bit

I, too, am debating purchasing Lightroom 3 - I got a special offer coupon for "creative professionals" and I just can't resist a sale I have been reading all of the Lightroom vs PS vs PSE threads here and elsewhere trying to decide.

Thanks for the link - I'll keep that in mind.

Originally Posted by zona5101

LR will handle the raw files. It can do limited batch processing. It does not do layers or masks. You can get some effects like masking but it's not as powerful as CS2 and with the presets and other tools it has some nice stuff. For basic retouching and minor adjustments it will be a breeze compared to CS2 (or other version) Being able to apply an exposure or color adjustment to a group of images at one time is a timesaver.

Can't speak to the value for your $ but I would buy it again if I had to. Sorry no help on the processor change but I would be surprised if it was an issue.

A breezey timesaver is just what I need! Thanks.