mdfenton

I can't decide which is better for me: Lightroom 5 or Elements 12, for downloading from camera, sorting/cataloging, ordinary editing (nothing fancy). They seem very similar except for price. Any suggestions? Thanks.

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

You may want to start with PS 12. It has a feature called, Adobe Camera Raw (you will see it mentioned here as ACR). It does about 80% of what is in lightroom (the features that most people use if they have Lightroom). Start with this. Then you can get lightroom if you want.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Of course, I can give you only my personal opinion:
When LR5 was in beta and downloadable for free, I did that and after 4 or 5 weeks uninstalled it. I didn't like the program.
I will probably get many users of this program telling me that it is the best... etc.

As to Elements 12: I have that and really like it. I actually started PSE with version 7, also have used 8, 9 and 11.
PSE comes with a lighter version of ACR than LR does, but I find for my needs it is sufficient.
PSE also has an organizer, which I never use - I already had a system set up withing Windows Explorer that allows me to find photos back fairly fast.
Having said that, if you like to work with layers, LR doesn't do that, you'd need to use PS or PSE.
If you (or someone else who uses your computer) is into scrapbooking or card-making at all, PSE is the way to go, especially with the Guided Edits included in the program.

Possibly the best thing to do is download both programs and try them out. You have thirty days to decide. Then, if you decide on one or the other, you won't even have to re-install, you can simply enter the registration code you get when purchasing the program.

jsmith23 Loc: Adams, MA

Both Lightroom & Elements will take care of your basic needs from downloading/cataloging to simple editing. Having said that, I think you'll find that Lightroom will give you more bang for the buck, and you'll be able to grow with it for years to come. Additionally, I think you'll find most "Hoggers" would agree, that for those of us who utilize both Lightroom & Elements..Lightroom is used for 85-90% of our post processing.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Download and try them out...30 day trial on each (I believe).

For me its a no-brainer to just use LR.

mdfenton

Thanks to all for info and opinions.

http://photographylife.com/lightroom-vs-photoshop-elements

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

I prefer PSE 12 it's easier to use compared with LR

PhotosBySteve

I agree!
I have both LR5 and PS12 and use both on a daily basis. I do about 95% of PP in LR5. The import and cataloging in LR5 is far superior to to PS12 (in my opinion). I believe LR5 to be much more intuitive than PS12. Granted Camara Raw in PS12 is very much like LR5, however LR5 is just much easier to use. I only use PS12 if I have to or want to do major editing and LR5 allows me open the current image in PS12 from LR5.

I love both.

4ellen4 Loc: GTA--Ontario

I tried the Elements 12 for about a month and HATED it, did an uninstall. I went back to using Elements 10 again and CS6 . If you can get 10 or even 11 that is the way that I would go

just my thoughts on the subject

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

If you hated version 12 that much, you probably wouldn't like version 11 either, as that is the version where the largest changes took place.
For anyone who hasn't used PSE before, version 12 would be just fine as there wouldn't be any prejudices about where "things should be" or "I've always done it this way" - it would simply be learning a new program.

Ziza Loc: USA

Depending on your photo-editing, you can get by with using Lightroom only. If your photo-editing includes layers, blend modes, special effects, etc., then you need Elements. To make the story short. There are things Lightroom cannot do; only Elements can. Also, bear in mind that both Lightroom and Elements have a Raw Converter. Starting with Elements 11 this program uses the same Converter as in Lightroom (Process 2012). The difference is that the Converter in Elements doesn't have as many features as the one in Lightroom.

Lightroom 5 is part of the Creative Cloud (subscription mode) but you can also buy it as a single product (outside CC). Why not download the free 30-day trial? Just make sure to check the system requirements. If you are using Windows, Lightroom 5 is not compatible with either Windows XP of Vista; you need Windows 7, 8, or 8.1

http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?product=photoshop_lightroom&promoid&promoid=DTEML

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Look on ebay and find LR5 plus PSE12 in one package at very competitive prices!

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

You might need both. Elements for removing things in light room.

PhotosBySteve

I have both PS12 and LR5. I find LR5 far superior for camera downloads and sorting and cataloging. Much faster also.

mel Loc: Jacksonville, Florida

If you want to see what LR can do, search Serge Ramelli on utube. He does some amazing PP. You may not like his particular style bit he does have some beat thinks to show in his work flow.