I've been using a v-e-r-y old version of Photoshop Elements (I don't think it even has a number) for several years and am ready to upgrade my editing software. I've been looking at PSE 12 and Corel PSP x6 Ultimate. Being relatively experienced with my antiquated version of PSE, upgrading to 12 might be easier than learning an entirely new program (but going from my current to the newer version could be the same as going to an entirely new program). BUT, if PSP x6 offers at least the same features or better, I'm willing and able to learn.
Any thoughts from users of either program (or users of both) would help. Which would YOU recommend and why?
My suggestion would be PSE-12, assuming your computer is running either Windows 7 or 8. PSE-12 isn't compatible with anything older than Win-7. Seems to me that you'd have an easier transition since you already know the workings of an older version, although PSE-11 added some major enhancements/additions. Also, I think you'll find a lot more tutorials & learning resources online (or other venues) for PSE-12 than for PSP. This link gives a good comparison for various versions of PSE.
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements/buying-guide.html
Thanks, Frapha. I guess I should have mentioned that I'm running Windows XP. However, the Adobe specs state:
"Windows -1.6GHz or faster processor (including single-core support) Microsoft® Windows® XP with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista® with Service Pack 2, Windows 7, or Windows 8 & 8.1 (Note: Limited Camera Raw functionality on Windows XP).
So I guess I could use it with limited RAW functionality, though I'm not sure how "limited" it is. I haven't done any work in RAW yet, but that is one of the reasons I want to update my editing software. So...
Any other info you have is appreciated. Thanks again!
Frapha wrote:
My suggestion would be PSE-12, assuming your computer is running either Windows 7 or 8. PSE-12 isn't compatible with anything older than Win-7. Seems to me that you'd have an easier transition since you already know the workings of an older version, although PSE-11 added some major enhancements/additions. Also, I think you'll find a lot more tutorials & learning resources online (or other venues) for PSE-12 than for PSP. This link gives a good comparison for various versions of PSE.
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements/buying-guide.htmlMy suggestion would be PSE-12, assuming your compu... (
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Elements 12 can be run on Win XP with Service Pack 3 - it does not require a 64 bit operating system.
See the System requirements at
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements/tech-specs.html
Since you mentioned raw, here is a recent topic that might be of interest.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-168430-1.htmlMy personal experience is Corel Paintshop Pro x4 - struggled for a year or so. Then bought Elements 12 last month. LOVE IT!!
I would strongly urge you to go with Corel PSP x6 Ultimate with the deals they have going on. It gives you so much of what PS has at a much lower cost. Too many people get caught up in the hype that Adobe is the only way to go!!
photobydmb wrote:
Thanks, Frapha. I guess I should have mentioned that I'm running Windows XP. However, the Adobe specs state:
"Windows -1.6GHz or faster processor (including single-core support) Microsoft® Windows® XP with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista® with Service Pack 2, Windows 7, or Windows 8 & 8.1 (Note: Limited Camera Raw functionality on Windows XP).
So I guess I could use it with limited RAW functionality, though I'm not sure how "limited" it is. I haven't done any work in RAW yet, but that is one of the reasons I want to update my editing software. So...
Any other info you have is appreciated. Thanks again!
Thanks, Frapha. I guess I should have mentioned th... (
show quote)
I stand corrected on the XP issue -- I was thinking Lightroom 5 (it will not run on XP). Some folks who have used both PSP and PSE feel that PSP is easier to learn, but I can't speak from personal experience. Here are some links to a few previous UHH discussions on that subject:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-143548-1.htmlhttp://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-143111-1.htmlhttp://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-108222-1.htmlhttp://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-129547-1.htmlhttp://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-161301-1.htmlI use both PSE and Lightroom and like the way they can interface -- not sure if or how well PSP and Corel Aftershot Pro will interface with each other. If you currently use any 3rd party plug-ins (now or think you may in the future) with PSE, it's my understanding that a lot of these won't work with PSP. Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision.
photobydmb wrote:
Thanks, Frapha. I guess I should have mentioned that I'm running Windows XP. However, the Adobe specs state:
"Windows -1.6GHz or faster processor (including single-core support) Microsoft® Windows® XP with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista® with Service Pack 2, Windows 7, or Windows 8 & 8.1 (Note: Limited Camera Raw functionality on Windows XP).
So I guess I could use it with limited RAW functionality, though I'm not sure how "limited" it is. I haven't done any work in RAW yet, but that is one of the reasons I want to update my editing software. So...
Any other info you have is appreciated. Thanks again!
Thanks, Frapha. I guess I should have mentioned th... (
show quote)
Using Elements 12 Camera Raw I doubt that you will actually notice any limitations. All of the important bits are there, some of the camera calibration functions are not. Many of the "missing" functions can be dealt with in the main PSE 12 editor.
I have heard many good things about PSPv6 Ultimate, but not having used it I can't say anything about it.
I think the Adobe v Corel argument is akin to the Nikon v Canon debates.
I have been using both programs for quite some time. When they became available, I purchased Corel Paintshop Pro X3 Ultimate, X4 Ultimate, X5 Ultimate, and X6 Ultimate. I also have purchased PS Elements in versions 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11 when they became available. In my opinion, there is not a significant (or even substantial) difference between the two programs. They both do very similar tasks, neither program is harder to learn than the other, and both programs take the same plug-ins (e.g., Topaz, Nik). Which one you choose to own or use more often is just personal choice. For me, my choice has been in the neighbourhood of 60%/40% in my use of PSE over PSP.
Thanks for all the great replies. Once again the UHH community has been very helpful and informative. I love this place!
Here is free advice and worth every penny of it. Find one that works for you and stick with it. I spent a year or so working with at least four different programs. What happens is you don't really get good at any of them. I ended up deciding to use Elements with some Topaz plug-ins. I'm still learning but it's easier to learn one program than trying to learn four. I'm still not worth a damn but it's less mental stress. :thumbup:
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