Reading mode: Light Dark

Is the Photoshop CS worth it?

Go to last post
R

Rends

Senior Member
Messages
1,739
Reaction score
0
Location
Los Angeles, CA, US
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it. But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights please. Thank you.
--
Click!
 
Rends said:
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I
have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have
a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the
cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll
split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to
do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've
been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it.
But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this
deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights
please. Thank you.
Click to expand...
As to whether or not PS CS is worth buying: Considering all the money you've already put into your camera and lenses, I'd be inclined to say yes (probably), but if you haven't yet perceived any problems or limitations from using Elements 2, then why bother with CS...?

But as to whether you ought to share the software with another person--and thereby probably violate a legal license agreement--that's something you need to decide based on your own moral compass. Many would disagree with me as to whether there's any real moral aspect involved, and I'd rather not get into a debate on this--one reason being my desire to avoid being a hypocrite. But I would advise you at least to not do such a thing quite so publicly.
;-)

Phil
 
You talk about your newness to the DSLR, but not your skills with PSE 2 or other graphics programs...nor your goals in processing images at all. Without knowing your application skills and goals, it's almost impossible to tell whether the upgrade will be worthwhile for you.

I have licenses for both PSE2, 3, and PS CS.

That said:

1. Before you consider upgrading to PSCS, look into Elements 3. It's vastly better than Elements 2...including being able to process raw images, having the Healing Brush tool, and being much more oriented to photographers than PS is (although PS CS is in my mind more oriented toward photographers than PS 5, 6, or 7 were). Oh: and there's an upgrade coupon which, if you buy today from Amazon, will net PSE3 to you for just $45-50 if you're in the U.S. Talk about a bargain!

2. DO NOT "split the cost" of a PS (or any other) license with someone else. In addition to being illegal, it hurts us all in the end. You have two far better options: a) upgrade to PSE 3 as I mentioned above; b) call Adobe...they may well have an upgrade path from PSE2 to full version that will be appealing.

Given what I've seen of PSE 3 vs PS CS, unless you're doing really heavy duty things, or you really want the Actions or other PS CS specific capabilities, I'd recommend sticking with PSE 3 until you find something important you can't do with it.

Abbott
Rends said:
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I
have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have
a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the
cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll
split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to
do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've
been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it.
But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this
deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights
please. Thank you.
--
Click!
Click to expand...
 
Thank you guys for your insights. First of all, I didn't know it was illegal, so I'll have to demure on my friends offer. I'll check out the Elements 3. I'm also new to PS. I am very limited to cropping, re-sizing, quick-fix and USM. I appreciate you help. Thanks!
Abbott Schindler said:
I have licenses for both PSE2, 3, and PS CS.

That said:
1. Before you consider upgrading to PSCS, look into Elements 3.
It's vastly better than Elements 2...including being able to
process raw images, having the Healing Brush tool, and being much
more oriented to photographers than PS is (although PS CS is in my
mind more oriented toward photographers than PS 5, 6, or 7 were).
Oh: and there's an upgrade coupon which, if you buy today from
Amazon, will net PSE3 to you for just $45-50 if you're in the U.S.
Talk about a bargain!

2. DO NOT "split the cost" of a PS (or any other) license with
someone else. In addition to being illegal, it hurts us all in the
end. You have two far better options: a) upgrade to PSE 3 as I
mentioned above; b) call Adobe...they may well have an upgrade path
from PSE2 to full version that will be appealing.

Given what I've seen of PSE 3 vs PS CS, unless you're doing really
heavy duty things, or you really want the Actions or other PS CS
specific capabilities, I'd recommend sticking with PSE 3 until you
find something important you can't do with it.

Abbott
Rends said:
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I
have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have
a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the
cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll
split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to
do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've
been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it.
But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this
deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights
please. Thank you.
--
Click!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Click!
 
In addition to these comments, one of the great things about Elements is that it uses the Adobe Raw Converter plug in so you can shoot raw files with your 20D or other digital cameras and take full advantage of the camera and its features.

jack
Abbott Schindler said:
I have licenses for both PSE2, 3, and PS CS.

That said:
1. Before you consider upgrading to PSCS, look into Elements 3.
It's vastly better than Elements 2...including being able to
process raw images, having the Healing Brush tool, and being much
more oriented to photographers than PS is (although PS CS is in my
mind more oriented toward photographers than PS 5, 6, or 7 were).
Oh: and there's an upgrade coupon which, if you buy today from
Amazon, will net PSE3 to you for just $45-50 if you're in the U.S.
Talk about a bargain!

2. DO NOT "split the cost" of a PS (or any other) license with
someone else. In addition to being illegal, it hurts us all in the
end. You have two far better options: a) upgrade to PSE 3 as I
mentioned above; b) call Adobe...they may well have an upgrade path
from PSE2 to full version that will be appealing.

Given what I've seen of PSE 3 vs PS CS, unless you're doing really
heavy duty things, or you really want the Actions or other PS CS
specific capabilities, I'd recommend sticking with PSE 3 until you
find something important you can't do with it.

Abbott
Rends said:
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I
have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have
a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the
cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll
split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to
do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've
been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it.
But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this
deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights
please. Thank you.
--
Click!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
So would an upgrade to Elements 3 not have the RAW Converter? Where can I buy/get this plug-in? Thanks.
jackkurtz said:
jack
Abbott Schindler said:
I have licenses for both PSE2, 3, and PS CS.

That said:
1. Before you consider upgrading to PSCS, look into Elements 3.
It's vastly better than Elements 2...including being able to
process raw images, having the Healing Brush tool, and being much
more oriented to photographers than PS is (although PS CS is in my
mind more oriented toward photographers than PS 5, 6, or 7 were).
Oh: and there's an upgrade coupon which, if you buy today from
Amazon, will net PSE3 to you for just $45-50 if you're in the U.S.
Talk about a bargain!

2. DO NOT "split the cost" of a PS (or any other) license with
someone else. In addition to being illegal, it hurts us all in the
end. You have two far better options: a) upgrade to PSE 3 as I
mentioned above; b) call Adobe...they may well have an upgrade path
from PSE2 to full version that will be appealing.

Given what I've seen of PSE 3 vs PS CS, unless you're doing really
heavy duty things, or you really want the Actions or other PS CS
specific capabilities, I'd recommend sticking with PSE 3 until you
find something important you can't do with it.

Abbott
Rends said:
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I
have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have
a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the
cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll
split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to
do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've
been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it.
But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this
deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights
please. Thank you.
--
Click!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Click!
 
I also have licenses for Photoshop Elements, 1, 2, 3, and Photoshop 7, and CS.

Photoshop Elements 3 has a better interface, nice features, easier to understand and fully powerful. With the creative use of Apple Script and Elements 3, I don't think a person who is not into professional graphics that needs the support of offset printing and more complicated color management even needs anything more than PSE3.

If you want to really kick it up a notch, and you want to really really harness all that PSE3 can offer, then you must get Richard Lynch's "Hidden Powers of Photoshop Elements 3". It gives you extra tools and techniques that even most CS (I do me most) users don't know about.

So $60 for PSE3 + $30 for Hidden Powers (at Amazon) and you will be all set for under $100, and you will be doing it legal.
jackkurtz said:
jack
Abbott Schindler said:
I have licenses for both PSE2, 3, and PS CS.

That said:
1. Before you consider upgrading to PSCS, look into Elements 3.
It's vastly better than Elements 2...including being able to
process raw images, having the Healing Brush tool, and being much
more oriented to photographers than PS is (although PS CS is in my
mind more oriented toward photographers than PS 5, 6, or 7 were).
Oh: and there's an upgrade coupon which, if you buy today from
Amazon, will net PSE3 to you for just $45-50 if you're in the U.S.
Talk about a bargain!

2. DO NOT "split the cost" of a PS (or any other) license with
someone else. In addition to being illegal, it hurts us all in the
end. You have two far better options: a) upgrade to PSE 3 as I
mentioned above; b) call Adobe...they may well have an upgrade path
from PSE2 to full version that will be appealing.

Given what I've seen of PSE 3 vs PS CS, unless you're doing really
heavy duty things, or you really want the Actions or other PS CS
specific capabilities, I'd recommend sticking with PSE 3 until you
find something important you can't do with it.

Abbott
Rends said:
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I
have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have
a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the
cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll
split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to
do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've
been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it.
But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this
deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights
please. Thank you.
--
Click!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Just FYI, the "upgrade" is the full program, only with a rebate for registered users of qualifying programs.

You can run both 2 and 3 on the same computer once you get the new version installed, and on a mac you can have them both open at once, as long as you start 2 first--it just bounces in the dock if you try to launch it once 3 is open.
Rends said:
So would an upgrade to Elements 3 not have the RAW Converter?
Where can I buy/get this plug-in? Thanks.
Click to expand...
 
I think you'd be happy with 3 as well. In addition you can add these tools for free. The instructions are for Windoze but you should find an equivalent for Mac. I got them installed now. The addition of Curves and Mask is about all I really need.

http://northlite.50megs.com/ps/shipley.htm
Rends said:
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I
have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have
a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the
cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll
split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to
do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've
been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it.
But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this
deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights
please. Thank you.
--
Click!
Click to expand...
--
http://www.pbase.com/mreib
Canon Gee2 and Sfour_ten
 
I'd definitely get PS CS. I tried to live with Elements 3.0 for about a month and found that it was too limiting. Yes, there are work arounds that will allow you to do most things you can do in Elements, however, they tend to be cumbersome. Since I've been using CS, I've found things such as preparing pictures for the web to be much simpler and quicker, plus being able to use actions, curves, etc. is a huge bonus.

Just my 2 cents.... Frag
 
You could split the cost but you could only put it on one machine. Putting it on two machines would be illegal/unlawful. Also, the rumor mill is running wild with news that the new PS CS is coming out at MWSF next week. Another thing to understand is that if you purchase an educators edition, software companies sometimes do not include the full version and/or do not allow you to upgrade to a full version. I know Adobe used to do this but do not know if this is the case with CS.
Rends said:
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I
have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have
a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the
cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll
split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to
do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've
been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it.
But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this
deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights
please. Thank you.
--
Click!
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for your insights. I think I'll wait after MWSF. Yes, i've decided not to split. I'll just buy my own copy.
Detlev said:
Rends said:
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I
have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have
a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the
cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll
split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to
do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've
been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it.
But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this
deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights
please. Thank you.
--
Click!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Click!
 
Go for it, it's worth every penny!

--
Gordy - Reading, MA - USA
PrintShop CS (registered)
Fuji FinePix 6900Z & S7000
Sunpak Auto 383 Super flash
2 - 256M xD cards
Apple iPod Clickwheel 40G (for music and image storage)
NAPP Member
PBase Supporter
http://www.pbase.com/gordy/
http://www.pbase.com/davegw/ (my son)
 
A simple suggestion: if you've really decided to buy PS CS, I'd recommend buying it NOW and getting a copy of the current version before the next ships. Here's why:

On WIndows, Adobe has implemented an activation scheme that requires you to call Adobe to authorize your installation. This does not yet exist on the Mac. There's always the threat that Adobe will start this on the next rev of Mac software...whether it's PSCS 8.2 or PSCS 9 or whatever. While this isn't a big problem, it can be a big annoyance. And given that PSCS is perfectly capable now, you might just find yourself happy with it.

On the other hand, Adobe historically has a grace period for new copies. So if you were to obtain your copy within something like 30 days (might be 90) of a new version being announced, Adobe has historically provided the new version free (or for a nominal shipping cost).

So I don't see where you'd have much to loose by buying the current version, and you might have something to gain.

That said, even the just-shipping Acrobat 7 Pro upgrade for Mac doesn't have activation, whereas the Windows version does. So maybe Adobe will just leave us alone...
Rends said:
Detlev said:
Rends said:
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I
have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have
a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the
cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll
split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to
do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've
been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it.
But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this
deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights
please. Thank you.
--
Click!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Click!
Click to expand...
 
For me, it is worth it. I constanly use the file browser to open my RAW images. If the older versions don't have a healing brush, that's a plus too.
Rends said:
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I
have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have
a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the
cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll
split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to
do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've
been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it.
But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this
deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights
please. Thank you.
--
Click!
Click to expand...
--
Errol Daniels
 
If you're also in the market for a piece of scanning or printing hardware, presently, it may be worth buying a product that has a bundled version of Elements or PS, and then taking advantage of Adobe's generous upgrade pricing. Or even buying a legitimate, early version, secondhand.

In the UK, an upgrade from an earlier or bundled Windows version is typically £124 plus tax. Whereas buying into the full version of CS, from 'cold', will typically be £510 plus tax. For some reason, the Mac upgrade to CS is around £24 more expensive than the Windows product, while full versions for both platforms are priced identically. Of course, we Mac users are loaded, so it matters not. NOT.

In my view, one will take far longer to 'grow into' Photoshop CS, than one will take to 'grow out of' Elements. Thus, CS is my recommendation.

Enjoy your photography,
Shiner
 
Rends said:
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I
have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have
a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the
cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll
split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to
do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've
been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it.
But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this
deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights
please. Thank you.
--
Click!
Click to expand...
From cheapest to most expensive:

1. Upgrade to PSE3, and buy Richard Lynch's Hidden Elements (about $75, previously mentioned)

2. Go to Adobe and upgrade your PSE2 to Photoshop CS for $299
http://store.adobe.com/store/products/master.jhtml?id=catCanon

3. Go to a local college and sign up for a course on Photoshop. You'll be able to buy the educational version ($200), but you'll need to pay for the class. On the other hand, if you get a good class, you'll learn quite a bit.

It sounds to me that you'd be fine with option 1, at least for now.

--Jim--
 
Thank you for your tips. I've thought of taking classes in photoshop/photography. I went to the Apple store but they did not have the Elemtents 3. I'll wait after tomorrow (MWSF). I appreciate your suggestions.
JLK said:
Rends said:
I'm very new to DSLR and currently using Elements 2 for MAC. I
have a 20D a couple of lens ( 24-70L and the 70-200 f/4 ). I have
a friend who happens to be a teacher. She suggested splitting the
cost with her discounted educator's discount. That means we'll
split $200 USD each. For my use, the photoshop elements 2 seem to
do the job. How will the Photoshop CS be any different? I've
been reading about the Photoshop CS and thought about buying it.
But when I went to the Apple Store, it cost about 700 USD. Is this
deal with my friend too good to pass up? I need your insights
please. Thank you.
--
Click!
Click to expand...
From cheapest to most expensive:

1. Upgrade to PSE3, and buy Richard Lynch's Hidden Elements (about
$75, previously mentioned)

2. Go to Adobe and upgrade your PSE2 to Photoshop CS for $299
http://store.adobe.com/store/products/master.jhtml?id=catCanon

3. Go to a local college and sign up for a course on Photoshop.
You'll be able to buy the educational version ($200), but you'll
need to pay for the class. On the other hand, if you get a good
class, you'll learn quite a bit.

It sounds to me that you'd be fine with option 1, at least for now.

--Jim--
Click to expand...
--
Click!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top