cr2 plugin for elements 2.0

[ajprokop]

Hi,

I hope this question isn't asked by every newcomer.

I just purchased a Canon 20D. It comes with a copy of Photoshop Elements 2.0. I would like to work with Canon's CR2 raw files, but I don't see how. I tried to use the 2.3 plugin, but when I try and open a CR2 file I receive an error saying that the plugin is not compatible. Is there a way to do what I am trying to do? Thanks!

Andrew

[Wendy]

Hi Andrew ...

... and welcome to the forum :)

I am afraid that PSE2 doesn't have the capablity to deal with RAW images ... that wasn't added into Elements until PSE3, and there isn't a workaround. You will be able to use the Canon software on your RAW files .

Wendy

[ajprokop]

Hi Andrew ...

... and welcome to the forum :)

I am afraid that PSE2 doesn't have the capablity to deal with RAW images ... that wasn't added into Elements until PSE3, and there isn't a workaround. You will be able to use the Canon software on your RAW files .

Wendy

Thanks, Wendy. I was afraid that that might be the answer.

While I have you on the line, are there overwhelming reasons why I might want to bypass the newer versions of Elements and buy a full Photoshop 7 (or whatever the latest version of that software is) instead? I would like to save a few dollars, but at the same time I don't want to limit myself too terribly much. I am pretty new to all of this and the $500+ price tag of Photoshop 7 begs the question "Is it really necessary?"

Thanks!

[Wendy]

Hi Andew ...

My personal opinion is stick with PSE2 for a while and see if you really like using it ... then work out just what you use it for.

Based on that you can then make a decision on which one is the best for you.

It really depends how deep you get into it ... I started off just adjusting photos, then restoring a few ... then I got hooked and Elements wouldn't do all the things I want to do (mind you neither would the computer I had :) ) . Reaching that stage did take a couple of years ... :)

Sometimes there are offers from Adobe on upgrades from Elements to Photoshop and they tend to be excellent (well if you are in the USA or Canada ... The rest of the world doesn't get these offers :( ) .. so it may be worth seeing if you get one of those :)

Wendy

[Carbone]

Hi Andrew, and welcome aboard!

You'll have to skip Photoshop 7 is you want to open your RAW files directly in the software because RAW wasn't implemented until Photoshop CS.

I would too start to play with PSE2 and then later decide if you need / want to upgrade.

Ray

[ajprokop]

>>I started off just adjusting photos, then restoring a few ... then I got hooked and Elements wouldn't do all the things I want to do (mind you neither would the computer I had ) . Reaching that stage did take a couple of years<<

Thanks again, Wendy. I have a friend who is a professional photographer. When I told him about my new camera he insisted that I do everything in Canon's CR2 format. That's what led me on this journey. He and I are meeting this weekend where he promised me an afternoon of photoshop lessons so I'll see how I feel after that.

[Wendy]

Hi Andrew ..

Oh that should be really good ... its always better when you can sit down with someone and watch how to do things :)

Wendy

[ajprokop]

Hi Andrew, and welcome aboard!

You'll have to skip Photoshop 7 is you want to open your RAW files directly in the software because RAW wasn't implemented until Photoshop CS.

I would too start to play with PSE2 and then later decide if you need / want to upgrade.

Ray

Thanks, Ray. Do you know if I can upgrade from the copy of Elements 2.0 that came with my camera? I am not sure if I even want to do that, but it would be nice to know.

Andrew

[bayhli]

Another option would be to download the free trials for Photoshop and Photoshop elements. It would give you a little time to play with both.

[Wendy]

Hi Andrew ...

Ray doesn't seem to be online at the moment ...

Adobe do let you have Elements at a cheaper price if you already have a version of Elements but its not a large reduction. Here is a link to the information:

http://store.adobe.com/store/products/master.jhtml?id=catPhotoshopUpgrade

Wendy

[Carbone]

Andrew,

Routinely, you can get a discount on Photoshop for selected version of Elements (there was once a few months ago for Wacom users). Adobe sends, sometimes, specific rebates to some users. But as Wendy said, the current rebate isn't worth writing home about... 499$ is quite a lot of money.

Ray