Pse cs3

[camerabug]

I am interested in getting PSE CS3. However I am a bit confused as to what is the best way to purchase it. I have found a download online for as little as $59, an ebay bid on CS3 for $150,a free trial, or order from Adobe for over $600 plus shipping. ???? Ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :)

[Roln]

Sorry, I can't advise you as to what you should get, as far as CS3 is concerned, But whatg I can tell you is this: I have three friends that have either CS3, CS4 and PS7 and they also have a version of Photoshop Elements. According to them, they use PS Elements 90% of the time....because it's faster and easier for editing.
I am very new to Photoshop Elements....never used PS before now and from what I've learned in the past two months is.....there are tons of Photoshop add-ons for Elements that makes it a more powerful editing program. All this for a lot less money.
If, by chance, you've never used Photoshop Elements, you can download a FREE trial, that is fully functional. Then, you'll have an opportunity to see what it's capable of.

Perhaps other members here can add their two cents worth too?

[Wendy]

I have both CS3 and Elements and I tend to use CS3 most of the time ... I find it a lot more flexible that Elements and it also does a whole lot more.

However, do be careful where you buy it from as there are some pirate or illegal versions around.

Things to watch out for are:

Cheap Downloads
Unboxed Versions with no manuals
Versions that say ... Serial Number Provided

Pirate and Illegal versions can't be Registered or Upgraded and can carry all sorts of Viruses. So it really is better to buy from a reputable dealer ...

One way is to wait until Adobe do an offer to registered Elements users. They tend to do about once a year and the price is very reasonable :)

Wendy

[Priyanka Azad]

Hi,

If you are a home user or hobbyist, save your money and go with PSE. It has all the features of Photoshop that you are likely to ever need. However, if you are planning to enter the graphic design or photography business, you will need to know industry-standard CS3, which offers many more advanced tools and productivity enhancements over Photoshop Elements.


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Some of the features in Photoshop CS3 that are not included in Photoshop Elements are:


CMYK and LAB color modes
More tools and features that work with high-bit (16-bit and 32-bit) images
Combine multiple exposures to create high dynamic range (HDR) images
Channels Palette
Recording custom Actions (for batch processing)
Adjustments: Color Balance, Match Color
Layer Masks, Layer Comps, and Quick Mask mode
Lens Blur Filter
Vanishing Point Tool
Pen tool and paths palette
Some adjustment layers (curves, color balance, selective color, channel mixer)
Editing History Log
Text on a path, advanced text formatting
Advanced Layer Style manipulation
Advanced Color Management
Advanced Web features (rollovers, slicing)
Customizable tool presets, keyboard shortcuts, and menus
In the features and tools that are shared, the Photoshop version usually offers more advanced options for fine tuning and control.

Although these features are not natively supported in Photoshop Elements, some of them can be simulated through other tools in Elements ( masks and quick mask, for example), and some are actually there, but hidden and only accessible through actions created in the full version of Photoshop. Some generous folks who have access to both Photoshop and Elements have created add-ons and tools that will allow Elements to use some of these features.
Photoshop Elements also offers some features that are not available in Photoshop such as the cookie cutter tool, drop in frames, backgrounds, and artwork, an automatic red eye removal, Quick Fix mode, and the Photo Organizer. The Photo Organizer (only in the Windows version of Photoshop Elements 3 and up) lets you organize your photos with tags, then search and share them. The Organizer also offers several types of creations for sharing your photos in slide shows, video CDs, cards, email, calendars, Web galleries, and photo books.
In addition, most filters and plugins will also work with Photoshop Elements. Photoshop Elements users who are aware of the limitations noted above can also take advantage of the many tutorials found on the Web.
If you are still undecided about which version to purchase, best would be to download time-limited but fully functional trial versions of both programs from the Adobe[URL="http://www.adobe.com/"] (http://graphicssoft.about.com/library/weekly/aa020899.htm) Web site.



~Pri

[camerabug]

Wow! Great information and advice thank you everyone. :)

[Simenon]

Pri - that is the most comprehensive explanation I have ever seen regarding the differences between PS and Elements. I am sure many forum members join me in thanking you for your thoughtful input.

~ Simenon

[BigHildy53]

If you are interested in Photoshop you may want to consider the PSE offer from Adobe. For $299 you can upgrade to CS4 Standard. The link to the offer is: www.adobe.com/go/moveuptoPSCS4 (http://www.adobe.com/go/moveuptoPSCS4).

I'm trying CS4 out. While the editor interests me, on the surface I like PSE's organizer much more than Bridge. The two are different at the core.