help me which software to choose?

[JoesPhotos]

Originally Posted by dlthibo

My wife just bought me a Canon 50D for Christmas. But now PSE6 won't let me edit the camera RAW files. I went to the Adobe site and upgraded to the latest version of camera raw, but it still won't open the raw files. So I downloaded a trial version of PSE7 only to experience the same problem. Then when I contacted Adobe they tell me they don't offer tech support for trial versions. I really like PSE, but I don't want to spend money on a product that may not work for me. Does anyone have any experience with their Canon 50D and PSE6 or PSE7?

My operating system is Windows Vista Home.

www.GIMP.org for the win. Hard to beat FREE.

[KFriede451]

I have both Photoshop Extended CS3 and Adobe Lightroom 2. Lightroom has plenty of features for photographers and unless you are doing cutouts, gradients, HDR, etc, Lightroom would be my suggestion.

[EOBeav]

Before you plunk down ANY kind of money for photo editing software, download GIMP and try it for about a month. There's a bit of a learning curve, but you'll find so much open up for you when you do.

Picasa is a great photo organizing tool, and a few of it's editing features are quite nice. The retouching tool is surprisingly effective, since it's so simple to use.

Generally, I use Picasa to transfer photos from a camera/card and do some rough editing: Cropping, recoloring, and retouching. Then, when I really want to do something extra, I open up GIMP and do further editing there.

[odyn]

There is also a great piece of software called ACDSee (Photo manager if you don't do RAW, Pro 2.5 if you do). Great for organising photos, quite some editing options too; I rarely need another program (sometimes for per-pixle editing) for my photo work.
Not too expencive and they often have cool discounts.

[JerBear]

If you ever thought about pursuing a photography career, then I would highly suggest getting Lightroom2. It is what most of the pros use. You will need to be proficient in PhotoShop and lightroom to snag a internship in most studios. Photography skills on the computer are now as important as the skills behind the camera for up and coming photogs. See if you can qualify for the student versions of the software, which will give you a much better price. You can usually buy them online without any problems.

I would highly suggest Light Room 2 first, this is the first software your images will see. Then if PS is to much $, get Elements and work with that. It does most of the things you will need and when you transition to the full version of PS, you will already have the knowledge and skill levels ready to go.

That said, Windrider86 has a solid suggestion, try the Free trial versions and see if there is anything you really like. If your not planning to go the distance in photography, it does not much matter what you use, as long as You like the results.

BUT, if you plan to go pro, save yourself a lot of time and hassle with the learning curve on a lot of different programs and stick to the ones used in the industry.

Then when a new release comes out with something you really like, all you need to learn is the new skill, not the whole software.

Also, a lot of software programs come and go, so think about that as well.

Good luck

JM

[cameragirl]

So LR2 covers it all. I mean, you don't actually need PS of PSE? If that is so, and that is what i read and hear a lot, then its worth it. I am going into more professional way and I want to make sure that I have the right tools. In that way I think PSE6 is okay to work in, and I love it, but organizing is a big thing too. Many times I get lost to find my pictures.

[JerBear]

Yes, LR2 does everything you will need to start with your files. From there you can tweak the photos in PS or Elements to finish off.

There are also a lot of plug ins for LR2 that will also help, just google them.

If you can master LR2 and PS, you will be in demand for opportunities in photography. I know some who make a living just post processing photos for photographers who do not know how or want to deal with that part of the work.

I believe that a good photographer will know and understand how to use all of the tools that finish their photos. Even if they have someone else actually do the work, they should have the understanding of how it is done.
Good Luck,

JM

[cameragirl]

Man, it took me a while. Loved the trial version but...its so expensive and not a good time now either! However, I decided to go for it and get to know all ins and outs. I also ordered Scott Kelby's Lightroom 2 for digital photographers with the software.
HOPE IT IS A GOOD DECISION THAT I WONT REGRET. And it all started with the purchase PS6 that was cancelled......

[JerBear]

A good investment in your future.

Scott Kelby's a great source of educational material too!

I know times are tough now, but I like to think that if you are going to spend some money, make sure it is money well spent. They say the cheap comes out expensive, do it right the first time.

I have used LR2 now since it came out and have always been glad to have it.

Good shooting

JM

[cameragirl]

Originally Posted by JerBear

A good investment in your future.

Scott Kelby's a great source of educational material too!

I know times are tough now, but I like to think that if you are going to spend some money, make sure it is money well spent. They say the cheap comes out expensive, do it right the first time.

I have used LR2 now since it came out and have always been glad to have it.

Good shooting

JM

You're right JM, that was what I was thinking too, if I am going to spend money it better be well spent! I loved it right away, and everytime I opened Aperture I was staring at it and not knowing what to do and where to go?
I expect my order next week, am really anxious. Thanks for all your information, it really made me decide to go for it.