Post processing software

As a new A&& owner which software package is likely to be more useful to me and has the easiest learning curve.

Lightroom 4 or Photoshop Elelements 10

Why don't you try for yourself. They can be downloaded for trial. You can also consider alternatives such as Aftershot Pro.

Lightroom for managing files and fairly useful edits, printing options, etc.

Photoshop for more in-depth editing when dealing with layers, real clone tools, and more sharpening options, etc. etc.

I would also highly recommend trying to get a student discount version of Photoshop instead of Elements, as the student version isn't that expensive and real Photoshop has a lot more capability than Elements (though elements is no slouch). Just my opinion between the two...

I'm sure others will chime in with their favorites...Also, try the demos - most packages have free 30-day demos.

FWIW, I currently use:

LR4 with Silver Efex 2 and Topaz Suite plugins.
Photoshop CS5 (also works with the above two plugins)
Nikon's NX2 with Color Efex Pro 2 plugins.

LR4 gets most of my use, though.

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JL Smith
http://www.clickingwithsmitty.com

As already stated, the two programs have different functions. I use the two together. I do my cataloging and RAW processing in Lightroom then go to Elements if additional, more complex, work such as cloning, layers, or other special work is needed. They are designed to be used in this manner and moving from a LR processed image to Elements is very simple. Purchase LR with a student discount if you can-although the new pricing makes it a lot more reasonable than it was.
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Dave

I really think this gets down to just how much PP you expect to do with your pics.
If you wish to alter extensively then PS of Lightroom 4 would be the go.

I rarely touch my pics and I was able to get Corel Paint Shop Photo Pro X3 for $30 on special, and I have found that program more than adequate for everything I need and more.
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ozgoldman

I still use (and am still very happy with) Paint Shop Pro 9, which can be found online brand new for only $15. It is an excellent program that does everything I need it to do. I have Photoshop/Lightroom and still prefer my trusty PSP9. Here's a link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jasc-Paint-Shop-Pro-9-with-Animation-Shop-3-/120878036523?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c24e4762b

Glen
http://www.FocusOnNewfoundland.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fogoislanders/

It depends on how much time you have got on your hands and what you want to do.

I love Picasa for the quick jobs, shadows, highlights, cropping, straightening. Preparing stuff for online work. I probably use this the most. And it is Free. http://picasa.google.com/
Onone Perfect Photo Suite 6 has lots of interesting pre-sets to play with.
Lightroom and Photoshop if I really want to spend time on a photo.

The is rawtherapee for RAW, http://rawtherapee.com/ again free. I have never used it, some people say it is good.

My suggestion have a look at the free or trail stuff first, decide what you want to do and how much time you have to complete the tasks. Start small and as you gain experience then invest it the more expensive stuff.

I also use LR4, but find that PSP-9 can still provide the additional tweaks I need. I used it for five years shooting jpg only with my A-100 and to date, it still does just about all I want.

--
AEH
http://aehass.zenfolio.com/
Question: What do you do all week?
Answer: Mon to Fri. Nothing, Sat & Sun I rest!