What’s Your Preference?

cameragirl · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 04:39 AM

I have no photo editing software right now, I only have PSE4 (mac) and a few trial versions that are running out in a few days. I thought I was going to purchase PSE6 but now I think maybe I should get Lightroom instead? I know that Lightroom is organizing tool but it does have a lot of tools to edit photos too. Compared to PSE6, what would be a smart choice??

Samanax · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 04:53 AM

What kind of camera do you have now? Did it come with it's own editing software?

I use Photoshop Elements 6 right now and it does what I need it to do (or more accurately, what I'm able to do) and I'm still learning about how much more it can do. I've only been shooting sort of seriously for a year now and feel PSE 6 is all I need for now. I do have Photoshop CS3 that I haven't installed yet and I do want to get Lightroom 2 eventually. But for now PSE 6 works well for me.

How much were you looking to spend too? There is a big price difference between PSE 6 (or 7) and Lightroom 2.

JoesPhotos · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameragirl

I have no photo editing software right now, I only have PSE4 (mac) and a few trial versions that are running out in a few days. I thought I was going to purchase PSE6 but now I think maybe I should get Lightroom instead? I know that Lightroom is organizing tool but it does have a lot of tools to edit photos too. Compared to PSE6, what would be a smart choice??

Gimp for the WIN!!!

1. It does 90% of what Photoshop does.
2. It's FREE.
3. Lots of people on here use it, so you can get help here.

www.gimp.org

gh patriot · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 05:26 AM

Gimp makes me all tingley inside.(i like it)

cameragirl · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samanax

What kind of camera do you have now? Did it come with it's own editing software?

I use Photoshop Elements 6 right now and it does what I need it to do (or more accurately, what I'm able to do) and I'm still learning about how much more it can do. I've only been shooting sort of seriously for a year now and feel PSE 6 is all I need for now. I do have Photoshop CS3 that I haven't installed yet and I do want to get Lightroom 2 eventually. But for now PSE 6 works well for me.

How much were you looking to spend too? There is a big price difference between PSE 6 (or 7) and Lightroom 2.

I use a Nikon D80. Yes it came with software but I did not like that. I loved the PSE6 trial version, but...I also had the trial version Lightroom 2. From what I read on the internet a lot of people use Lightroom and sometimes need to switch to Photoshop. Since I have already PSE4 I thought not to purchase PSE6 but instead Lightroom. Yes I know there is a big price difference, thats why its so difficult.
Then I think, well if it works, organizing is a big thing for me too, its worth it of course.

oldwolf · #6 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 01:38 PM

I personally use Picasa to organize pics. It's free too.

For post processing I use Paint Shop Pro X2. Great program. Does just about everything PS does at less than $100. You can probably find it on sale for around $70 or less.

I've used GIMP in the past as well but it's been a while. I even have a few good books on it that doesn't get too techy when explaining how to do things in it.

Use what you think you're comfortable with though. There are people that will tell you the program they use is the best in the world but if the interface isn't easy for you to use then you'll get frustrated with the learning curve.

monkeyfinger · #7 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 02:02 PM

I haven't ever used PSE4, so this might be a bit skewed, but you really can't go wrong with PSE6. I think its great, and can actually be fairly sophisticated, if you want it to be.

kirbinster · #8 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 02:43 PM

There are only two programs that I use more than Lightroom - my e-mail client and my web browser. Lightroom is fantastic!!!

Samanax · #9 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameragirl

I use a Nikon D80. Yes it came with software but I did not like that.

I hear that a lot with the Nikon software.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameragirl

I loved the PSE6 trial version, but...I also had the trial version Lightroom 2. From what I read on the internet a lot of people use Lightroom and sometimes need to switch to Photoshop.

Almost all my shooting buddies use Lightroom 2 (LR2) and CS3 or CS4 (they've all been shooting a lot longer than I have and are way ahead of me with their PP skills). They all do most of the PP with LR2 and only export the image file to CS3 or CS4 for extra heavy PP work. But most just use LR2 for everything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameragirl

Since I have already PSE4 I thought not to purchase PSE6 but instead Lightroom. Yes I know there is a big price difference, thats why its so difficult.

Yeah, this is a major reason why I haven't gotten LR2 yet. I need the full version instead of the upgrade and the full version is almost $300...gonna have to wait till after Christmas to get it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameragirl

Then I think, well if it works, organizing is a big thing for me too, its worth it of course.

PSE 6 has an organizer in it, but on my computer it tends to lock up and get real fussy. I hardly use it now. I organize my image files the old fashion way...through Windows Explorer (File Manager). My friends tell me the organizer in LR2 is great.