Thanks everybody, downloaded elements 11 as a trial version and am enjoying it enormously, the crop tool is more like CS5 than CS6 which is taking some re-adjustment to using but on the whole its exactly what I need. I also use an external hard drive to store my photos so doubt any of the changes mentioned below will affect me. Will download the full version when the trial ends.
My computer died around this time last year and with it my copy of CS5. Since then i've been using a school copy of CS6 to edit everything, which is very nice to use but a right pain in that all my photos come in on a memory stick and out again and I don't get enough time to get all my shots done. I haven't been able to do many at all over the summer, so i'm resolved to get a new copy and senior authority tells me that i'm not getting another 'free copy' of CS5!
So that basically leaves me lightroom or elements. Lightroom's more expensive, would anyone think its worth going for it over elements? All I really need is unsharp mask, layers, denoising and the lasso tools, I think you can get all this on Elements without having to shell out on Lightroom?
Photoshop is the BEST. If only Adobe would reduce the price to something people could afford, we could all get legal copies! They would probably make loads more money if they charged £50.
The annoying thing is that they "make" you update. I had an old version of Photoshop (version 7 I think) that worked fine with photos taken on my Nikon D70. Then I bought a D300 and couldn't get a RAW plug-in - they no longer "supported" the version i had.
I was forced to upgrade to CS5. Do they seriously think people go out and spend hundreds of pounds on the latest version every time a new camera is purchased?
Elements 2 was perfect for what most of us amateurs need. I succumbed to upgrading to Elements 9 (£50 from Amazon) because of its RAW handling capabilities - which it does really well and in a pretty idiot-proof way. But I often find myself using the superb Stoik Imagic 5 editing software, which is free to download in its non-premium version. Its browsing mode puts Adobe in the shade and the whole programme is far more user-friendly than either of my Elements versions. If you like to play around, it has the most brilliant greetings card and calendar making programmes, plus the best automatic red-eye remover you'll find anywhere. Just Google "Stoik Imagic 5" and several sources offer a free download.
I'd not heard of Gimp. Must say I was not too sure what I would find once I put it into google tonight, but not a rubber mask in sight. Looks quite good.
-- Edited by Adam Jones on Thursday 26th of January 2012 08:25:38 PM
I've 'got' CS5, its great stuff, but its stupid money. You get some really good effects with it, and the layout is great. Stuff like layers (so as sharpening can be applied to a specific area) has helped my pictures to improve drastically. Still, I wouldn't pay for it!
Elements 10 has all those functions as well,layers has been a part of elements since elements 4,and sharpening to certain areas has always been present.
I've 'got' CS5, its great stuff, but its stupid money. You get some really good effects with it, and the layout is great. Stuff like layers (so as sharpening can be applied to a specific area) has helped my pictures to improve drastically. Still, I wouldn't pay for it!
Elements 10 has all those functions as well,layers has been a part of elements since elements 4,and sharpening to certain areas has always been present.
I use a full version of Photoshop at least 3 hours a day, five days a week, and use less than 1% of its functions - and I deal with a lot more than photos. Buying yourself the latest full version would be like buying a Lamborghini for the weekly trip to the supermarket!
And, yes, I know there are people who do that
Elements will do everything you need, unless you intend setting up in business as a graphic designer.
I've 'got' CS5, its great stuff, but its stupid money. You get some really good effects with it, and the layout is great. Stuff like layers (so as sharpening can be applied to a specific area) has helped my pictures to improve drastically. Still, I wouldn't pay for it!
I think last time I bought Photoshop Elements it was a genuine copy for about £50 on ebay and was certainly all I needed for ages [until I went Lightroom and Macs]. Just had a quick look and loads of proper copies for £59 BIN. Hope that helps, Peter
I'm looking to invest in Adobe photoshop for the editting of my photos etc. Unfortunately there seems to be umpteen different versions on the market and I'm not sure what I'm looking for.
I don't want to pay stupid money but if someone could guide me in the right direction with the cheaper versions then that would be much appreciated.
I'm looking to invest in Adobe photoshop for the editting of my photos etc. Unfortunately there seems to be umpteen different versions on the market and I'm not sure what I'm looking for.
I don't want to pay stupid money but if someone could guide me in the right direction with the cheaper versions then that would be much appreciated.
adobi Elements 9 or 10 is the best cheap option,you may be able to pick up 9 for under £50 a bargain-9 is what i use.The other photoshop options are just too complicated for the beginner at this lark,and too expensive,and you will find you only use whats in elements anyway,expecially if you stick to jpegs like me. elements 10 seems about £80 everywere,CS5 is £500,So you can see why so many choose elements if they buying a legit one,don't be tempted with free downloads,its not worth the hassle as you can never get updates,for plug ins etc.
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Wednesday 18th of January 2012 08:35:12 PM
I'm looking to invest in Adobe photoshop for the editting of my photos etc. Unfortunately there seems to be umpteen different versions on the market and I'm not sure what I'm looking for.
I don't want to pay stupid money but if someone could guide me in the right direction with the cheaper versions then that would be much appreciated.
I use CS5 Extended and bought it from www.buyitultracheap.com.
-- Edited by Adrian Drummond-Hill on Wednesday 18th of January 2012 08:25:02 PM