Which photoshop do I buy? Elements, CS4?? Help!!

[jeffreyp]

I use 2. I bought elements 5... it rocks.. I liked it so much I couldn't wait for my first cs software. I picked up CS3, then I went to the local bookstore and picked up about 5 books for CS3. Read them all and now use them for reference. Now I am hooked on CS3.. yes I tried CS4... I prefer CS3 still.. it does everything I need...and I still don't know everything about it. But... I miss my elements.. when I installed CS3 it overwrote my elements... so I had to add elements again after CS3's installation. I do a lot of baby, kids and weddings. I use the elements for borders, edges and adjusting skin tone in my portraits. Elements has automated those and I find them VERY useful.. and my creativity never ceases... Why not both?

[jstockton]

Just get adobe master suite cs4 and get everything. easiest but must expensive way to do it

[kurtwall]

Originally Posted by littlebeesmom

My question is: can anyone explain to me what the difference between the photoshop, photoshop elements, photoshop CS4, photoshop lightroom etc are? As someone new to photography, which one would be better?

In addition to what the others have written, the "full-on" Photoshop (Photoshop CS4) has the ability to take advantage of the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) in addition to the CPU to speed up image processing operations. However, you need a new(er) NVIDIA GPU to get that additional bump (which can be significant).

[HOTumps]

You need to learn more about what you have before you move into something with more power. Elements can do almost everything the other ones can do and probably more than you need to do. You just have to learn how to do it. There a lot of on-line courses you can take to learn how to use elements efficiently, I strongly suggest you try one of those first

[lmatias]

Hi
Like Nathan said, GIMP is the way to go.
I'm a Photoshop user too lazy to learn GIMP but for you, that is fresh starting, no PS "adiction", is the best option - free (no $$$/€€€), complete, with increasing number of web tutorials, lighter than CS.
If you go to deal with large number of RAW files then Lightroom (helped with GIMP) must be tried (for large hundreds of files).

[FaceFirst]

hi
You probably have more than enough help so far but I haven't been on many forums and your question caught my eye, so I thought I would answer. Firstly elements can do most of what the main photoshop can do apparently, ( I must say I haven't tried it as I went strait into Photoshop.) I think you are better staying with what you know, so if you do really want to get into image manipulation stay with photoshop rather than changing to psp or gimp. Photoshop is expensive but there are ways around this. You can get it as a student licence by enrolling on various photography courses or college courses. This makes it quite affordable. Finally I noticed on of your answers said learn what you have first, this is great advice as once into it , it gets very addictive. The various versions of photoshop are confusing but I think cs2 or cs3 are best. cs2 had image ready, this delt with animation and web design a lot easier than any of the other versions. cs3 integrated with the flash and dream weaver well. cs4 seems to be mainly for 3d animation. If you want advice on learning photoshop check out my blog
Alternative Learning « Facefirstltd's Blog
most of all enjoy what you do.

[Kistabill]

I've been taking photographs for years and still consider myself a beginner. I use Paint shop pro since an old version came free with my camera and when I got a bit more accustomed to digital I updated to X2 ultimate. I did try Elements for a while but in the version I tried some pretty basic things were missing like curves on their own adjustment layer. Aftter 2 years with Paint Shop Pro I'm still really only scratching the surface of the programme and don't know how on earth I would ever be able to manage Photoshop which everyone says has a much steeper learning curve. My advice to you would be to invest your money in glass and focus your energies on learning to use the camera rather than learning PP

[teaking]

I would be one of those who would recommend GIMP its free and is powerful I wont lie it doesnt handle 16bit yet or have adjustment layers yet both are in the pipeline. Apart from that its up there with the commercial products some people dont like the dual windows but thats being fixed with a single window mode in development.

On to the thing you actually wanted to know lol Duo toning images well in the GIMP if you go to "meet the gimp" theres a video tutorial all about toning images in fact there are several all explain the whole process.

[jpel3500]

So is Lightroom a stand alone program or do you have to have Elements or one of the other Photoshop programs to run it? A little confused on that subject. LOL. And with that question being asked; Would you recommend using Lightroom without one of the other Photoshop programs (if it can be done)? Or would Elements be enough by itself? hehehe. I know, alot of questions!
Just reading through and wondering about that, as I didn't really see it described apart from Elements or CS4 or something else.
BTW, I've been taking pictures for years, but getting into photography more now. Never really done much PP work, but IF I am going to spend the bucks, I want something that will last a while.

Thanks,

JDPelfrey

[garyp]

Originally Posted by jpel3500

So is Lightroom a stand alone program or do you have to have Elements or one of the other Photoshop programs to run it? A little confused on that subject. LOL. And with that question being asked; Would you recommend using Lightroom without one of the other Photoshop programs (if it can be done)? Or would Elements be enough by itself? hehehe. I know, alot of questions!
Just reading through and wondering about that, as I didn't really see it described apart from Elements or CS4 or something else.

Thanks,

JDPelfrey

I would like to know the answer to these questions as well please anyone. I am trying to figure out which programme would be best for me too. I am only starting to get into the processing side of things. I saw a tutorial on lightroom showing how to take out dust spots captured from the lens, do the other programmes do this aswell?