V. 5 & CS2, Redux

[mrod]

So, I'm guessing several of you who also use CS2 (or some other version of Photoshop) have had a chance to play with PSE 5 for awhile.

What's your opinion? Glad you have both? Or do you think you'll stick with PSE 3 or 4 because CS2 has you covered?

Mike

[TonyW]

I do have both PSE5 and CS2 (as well as earlier PSE versions) and although it's early days my first impressions are that, unlike the early PSE which was just a cut down Photoshop, Elements has now evolved into what is now very much a complementary program. For photo editing, layouts etc PSE5 is the best and the one I use most. If you're into more pro graphics stuff (which I'm not) then you'll obviously want CS2.

With PSE4 I found I was often popping into CS2 to use things like smart sharpen but now I don't need to as they put it into PSE5. Correct camera distortion (which also does perspective) is another great new addition to PSE5. I'll still be using CS2 for some of the things I do but I suspect that all the photo editing I do (as well as the photo organizing) is going to be pretty much all done in PSE5.

Bottom line - I'm glad I have both - and PSE4 and PSE3 are rapidly become unused icons on my desktop :)

Tony

[LauraInTX]

I agree with Tony totally. I am thrilled that PSE5 has taken a the route of companion program with PS CS2 ... it's just fun to use!

Laura

[gcherry]

I have both CS2 and PSE5 (and 4 and 3 and 2 - can you say "uninstall"?). I find myself using PSE most of the time because it does almost everything I need and loads faster. But I do like the ability to add layer masks in CS2 without having to use an adjustment layer. I also like the fact that I can make use of Photoshop tutorials without having to figure out how to use the same techniques in PSE. I'm sure if I were more experienced with one or the other, I wouldn't have the need to keep both. But there ya go! :D

[TonyW]

Glenda: You don't need to use an adjustment layer to get a layer mask in PSE5. Graffi's actions or Grant's Tools will give you a one click layer mask on any layer.

Tony

[Shari]

Thanks for asking that question Mike. I was wondering the same thing. I did check into CS2 but for the price difference I think PSE5 will do the trick for me. I need something straight in my head though. When you say you jump from one programme to the other - do you have to close and save what you are working on and then open it in the other programme? I was also thinking of getting Painter. Would I do what I want in Painter and then put the image in PSE5 for text or finishing touches or whatever. This part is all a bit complicated for me and I would like to have it straight before I go looking at additional software. Thanks.
Shari
PS - I just noticed the "Senior Contributor" beside my name. This does not sound like a very senior question is it. I get to be a senior contributor because I have asked so many questions and at my age I have to keep asking because it does not sink in - so yes I am a senior contributor as far as age goes!!!

[sanarita]

I have PSE 4 and CS2-haven't checked out PSE 5 yet. I am still on the learning curve with CS2, there seems to be a lot more to it. Elements seems to have a lot to offer as a complete and absorbable package, and I appreciate and use the Creations part of it. Sometimes I think that Elements just makes more sense out of some things that don't need to be complicated.

I have been working in Adobe Bridge very extensively for awhile. This is the file organizing part of CS2 that is very different from the Organizer in Elements. Since I have decided to go with an Explorer based structure for my photo files, the Bridge has been invaluable and very fast for pulling my pics from file to file.

I haven't done much popping back and forth between the two programs to work on one picture. I usually stick with the application that I started in, and that has been CS2 lately since I am training myself to use it.

On my computer, CS2 loads MUCH faster than Elements. Go figure.

Helen

[jedimasterk]

I wonder how Photoshop Elements 5 will do with Astrophotographers, since now curves is somewhat implemented.

[Pauline]

Shari to go between ps and painter, save your files as a layered file (psd) and then you can open between the two. You will find that some things are not exactly the same like the blend modes. I haven't done a lot of work between the programs but have read about it and have a couple books that combine the use of both.

[Daviskw]

hmmmmmm ....I may get PE5 later but I think I will see what comes along with CS3 first. I think the upgrade price from CS2 to 3.. will not be much more than the cost of PE5

Butch

[gcherry]

Glenda: You don't need to use an adjustment layer to get a layer mask in PSE5. Graffi's actions or Grant's Tools will give you a one click layer mask on any layer.

Tony

Thanks for the info, Tony. I may check them out ... if I ever find the time!

[mrod]

Thanks for all the replies. I must say, that's sort of what I was afraid of hearing. I'm pretty new to CS2, but very comfortable with PSE 3/4, and I'm a bit leary that if I get PSE 5, I'll ignore CS2 more than I do already, simply because it'll be what's familiar and easier. Least path of resistance syndrome, I guess. I still may get 5. We'll see...

But I really want to expand my CS2 (and eventually CS3) abilities. And as I've mentioned before, my occupational need to stay up with PSE is diminished because of the turn to Corel that my school district has decided to do.

I'll always be an Elements fan, though. And a fan of this place. :D

Mike

[Pauline]

Mike the more I use cs2 the more I like it. Problems can occur when you forget which program you used and then open a cs2 creation in elements! :( When using cs2 I use the folders in the layers palette a lot to organize things.......then I go to elements and there are those closed folders sitting there. Darn......into cs2 I go! I will probably continue to go back and forth between the two depending on what I am working on.

As for Corel..........well I'm struggling to learn Corel Draw X3 and like you said, it's so easy to chose the path of least resistance and head back over to ps a program I know and love!! Which is why I've enrolled myself in a couple of corel classes!! :DWhile the corel programs are fantastic the problem still lies in the lack of information and training available for their products. Their own web site isn't bad but it really is pretty skimpy. I think if they want to get more people interested in their product they need to get more books out there to help people learn it. (currently the only book I could find was for corel draw 12. A manual at that and extremely boring with no step by step lessons). I also watched the videos on lynda.com, but again, need much more than that to get going.