Lightroom vs. Elements

[edg]

I'm a new member of this forum, and am adding a new subject to this LR3 discussion.

I am choosing between LR3 and PE to replace iPhoto. My questions :

1-Can LR3 import footage from my Panasonic DMC-ZS3 in AVCHD lite format ?

2-If it CAN import the AVCHD lite footage, is it relatively straightforward to grab that footage from within Final Cut Express 4.0.1 for editing ?

If the above two answers are "yes" then it seems that LR3 is the better choice. If not, I'm back to looking at PE/Premiere Elements.

Additional note : LR3 looks good to me because I scan a fair amount of negatives from my Nikon FM (yes, fully manual film camera), as well as import a fair amount of digital images. I am looking for a better way of organizing them.

Thanks very much,

EDG

[Michelleltn]

Do you think LR3 will stay at this low price?


I too am trying to decide if I want it. I plan to install PSE9 today once my new laptop arrives. Then I get to learn how to work it too. Right now I use DPP (Canon's raw processing software.) Not sure how it compares to LR3.

[Roshenk]

Originally Posted by Michelleltn

Do you think LR3 will stay at this low price?


I too am trying to decide if I want it. I plan to install PSE9 today once my new laptop arrives. Then I get to learn how to work it too. Right now I use DPP (Canon's raw processing software.) Not sure how it compares to LR3.

Once LR4 is released expect all the LR3 discounts to go away as the software is pulled off the shelves to funnel users to the new version.

I also started with DPP and recently began using LR3...you get a far greater range of options with LR3 as well as the ability to use pro plug ins like the Nik Efex suite.

Personally I would upgrading from DPP to Lightroom to anyone wanting to make the most of their photos...and the price is tough to beat right now.

[ceremus]

Originally Posted by Michelleltn

Do you think LR3 will stay at this low price?


I too am trying to decide if I want it. I plan to install PSE9 today once my new laptop arrives. Then I get to learn how to work it too. Right now I use DPP (Canon's raw processing software.) Not sure how it compares to LR3.

Depends on what price you mean.

There have been some one-day sales that have sold LR3 for <$100, B&H currently is selling it for $70 today only (Feb. 15th). Adobe has given a manufacturer discount of 50% off that will be valid through March 5th. So at least until then you will be able to buy the full version for $150. The ending of the discount will probably correlate roughly with the release of LR4.

If you'd like to see how Lightroom compares to your existing software, you can always install the trial version. http://www.adobe.com/go/trylightroom

The beta (testing) version of LR4 is also available for public download, if you think you might be interesting in waiting for the new version. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 | photo management software beta - Adobe Labs

[Michelleltn]

Well I added it to my cart at B&H and it says the item is back ordered by the manufacturer. I ordered it anyway, who knows when I might get it though.