Hi all I'm hoping someone can help me out with a bit of a dilemma. I want to start shooting in RAW & process my photos myself. I have Digital Photo Professional v3.11 that came with my canon but I want to do more than just convert my RAW photos to a different format........ but, I have no idea which is the better program to use. Can someone advise me which is the most suitable program for a new (but keen to learn) user. I was about to buy Elements 10 and someone said I should use Adobe CS6 (or whatever version its up to), but they couldn't tell me why! I would like to learn the whole gamut - layers, masking, removing objects, skys etc. Help please..
I forgot there is also 'Lightroom', which adds more confusion to the issue!
Darryl88 wrote:
Hi all I'm hoping someone can help me out with a bit of a dilemma. I want to start shooting in RAW & process my photos myself. I have Digital Photo Professional v3.11 that came with my canon but I want to do more than just convert my RAW photos to a different format........ but, I have no idea which is the better program to use. Can someone advise me which is the most suitable program for a new (but keen to learn) user. I was about to buy Elements 10 and someone said I should use Adobe CS6 (or whatever version its up to), but they couldn't tell me why! I would like to learn the whole gamut - layers, masking, removing objects, skys etc. Help please..
Hi all I'm hoping someone can help me out with a b... (
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Hard question to anwer. I guess the first thing is how much you want to spend? If money is not object then go photoshop cs6. Lightroom 4 is also great but you will not have layers. I can't speak on Elements i have never used it. I have just upgraded to cs6 a month ago from cs5. CS5 might be answer if you want to save some money there are some changes between the two but they are not drastic changes.
I have PSE 10 combined with various filters from Alien Skin and also use Perfect Photo Suite 6.1 (5 wonderful apps) from onOne Software.
I have PSE 10 and find very adequate for my needs.CS6 is ment for professional photographers hence the cost involved you would have to be taking images for a living to warrant having it.
I suggest PSE 10. I have it and it does virtually all the items you mentioned that you wanted to do. MUCH less cost as well
Darryl88 wrote:
Hi all I'm hoping someone can help me out with a bit of a dilemma. I want to start shooting in RAW & process my photos myself. I have Digital Photo Professional v3.11 that came with my canon but I want to do more than just convert my RAW photos to a different format........ but, I have no idea which is the better program to use. Can someone advise me which is the most suitable program for a new (but keen to learn) user. I was about to buy Elements 10 and someone said I should use Adobe CS6 (or whatever version its up to), but they couldn't tell me why! I would like to learn the whole gamut - layers, masking, removing objects, skys etc. Help please..
Hi all I'm hoping someone can help me out with a b... (
show quote)
Darryl88 wrote:
Hi all I'm hoping someone can help me out with a bit of a dilemma. I want to start shooting in RAW & process my photos myself. I have Digital Photo Professional v3.11 that came with my canon but I want to do more than just convert my RAW photos to a different format........ but, I have no idea which is the better program to use. Can someone advise me which is the most suitable program for a new (but keen to learn) user. I was about to buy Elements 10 and someone said I should use Adobe CS6 (or whatever version its up to), but they couldn't tell me why! I would like to learn the whole gamut - layers, masking, removing objects, skys etc. Help please..
Hi all I'm hoping someone can help me out with a b... (
show quote)
My advice to you would be to start with Photoshop Elements 10. It's relatively inexpensive and will afford you the chance to see if you really want to go down this rabbit hole! I have been using adobe products for years, have upgraded along the way when new bell's and whistles have been added. I am still discovering new things to do with CS5. Like anything else, it will take practice and dedication to learn either of these two programs.
I agree with all the previous postings.
Elements is fantastic for the price. It will do most of the stuff that CS does and is a lot more user-friendly.
On the plus side, if you buy PSE 10, Adobe will offer you a good upgrade deal to CS6, IF you think you need it. Although I doubt that you will.
You can download 30-day trials of both these pieces of software. Give them both a try and make up your mind at leisure.
PSE 10 with Topaz plug in
I think Lightroom 4.1 is fantastic. Used to be a huge Aperture fan (I use a Mac), but have been experimenting with LR tryout. I think I am going to go over to the dark side :-) Any way, LR and possibly PSE are available for a one month tryout. Then you can see for yourself.
Iduno
Loc: Near Tampa Florida
Lightroom 4 and PSE10 is my recommendation. LR should handle the bulk of everything you need to do then PSE for nurturing your more artistic side. You can buy both for less money than CS6.
Iduno wrote:
Lightroom 4 and PSE10 is my recommendation. LR should handle the bulk of everything you need to do then PSE for nurturing your more artistic side. You can buy both for less money than CS6.
Ditto this one. This is a dymanic PP duo. Would suggest you start with PSE10 and add LR4. Prices for PSE10 seem to be dropping and LR4 won't break your wallet. Regardless, what you get with these two will peak your "capture" curiosity.
I have PS 10 and think it is great. I take photos for fun, am not a professional and think unless you are or have money to spare then PS 10 does all you want and more. Have fun.
Thanks for your input Norm.....it seems Elements 10 wins the popularity contest.
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