Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

Disney Chick · **Photoshop -** 01-12-2007, 12:47 PM

I wasn't sure where to put this, so I stuck it here. I am trying to decide if I should go ahead and buy the full and latest version of photoshop or if I should keep what I have (elements 2) or something in between. Those of you who have the full version, is it worth the extra cash? If it is, I would like to wait until I earn the money to buy that. If not, I'll upgrade to something less expensive now.

Also, if I decide to buy something, where can I get the best deal?

Daniel Bates · 01-12-2007, 12:50 PM

Yes, the full version (CS2 right now) is worth the money! But I did a lot with Elements 4 and a few add-ons (a layer mask "action" and a channel mixer "action").

If you're a student, check out Adobe's educational pricing.

PIC · 01-12-2007, 12:54 PM

CS3 is released in beta sample mode for registered CS2 users.
Elements dooes like 80% of CS 1 - 2.
I still use 7.0 and elements 2.0 but might go CS3.

Cerbera LM · 01-12-2007, 01:18 PM

If money is tight go to ebay an buy an OEM version (no book/box/cards just a cd) of PSE 5. That's how I bought PSE 4. OEM PSE 5 on Ebay, no recommendation of vendor implied. About once a year Adobe will allow PSE users to upgrade to PS for about the same cost as CS user can upgrade. Great deal just have to be patient.

If the money isn't an issue by all means get CS.

I wasn’t patient and got CS2 by buying an old unregistered version of Photoshop, registering it and then upgrading to the current version of CS.

markperez · 01-12-2007, 01:42 PM

I had elements 2 then learn about curves in CS and decided to by CS2. I can't wait to get CS3 because of the new selection tool and other need features. If you find that you can't do something in elements and have the money then I would wait until CS3 comes out later this year. That way you don't have to buy CS2 then pay the extra cost to upgrade to CS3.

Disney Chick · 01-12-2007, 01:44 PM

Thanks for the advice. I think I should wait, then. I will want more if I know it's out there. Right now I haven't even mastered what I have, so I guess I can use the time to practice.

Laura Minks · 01-12-2007, 01:57 PM

I started off using Elements, then switched to PS CS2. I'm glad I got the basics down in Elements first, but find CS2 very valuable. I could never do what I do now in Elements, so IMO if you can get CS2, definitely do so.

Duffy Pratt · 01-12-2007, 03:03 PM

If you got Elements with your camera (Canon packaged Elements2 with my 20D), then you can upgrade to PS for $299.

Other possibilities are to buy an earler version of PS on the internet and then Upgrade to CS2. That path won't work for PS3. Adobe is not allowing upgrades to CS3 from anything before CS, I think.

Eductational packages are also a possibility. I'm not sure, but I think these also have limited upgrades.

As for the basic question, there are some things that are in PS that you can't get with Elements. For me, access to Channels and to different Color Spaces (LAB and CMYK) make PS necessary. You can still do quite a bit using elements.

Duffy

johnastovall · 01-12-2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duffy Pratt

If you got Elements with your camera (Canon packaged Elements2 with my 20D), then you can upgrade to PS for $299.

Other possibilities are to buy an earler version of PS on the internet and then Upgrade to CS2. That path won't work for PS3. Adobe is not allowing upgrades to CS3 from anything before CS, I think.

Eductational packages are also a possibility. I'm not sure, but I think these also have limited upgrades.

As for the basic question, there are some things that are in PS that you can't get with Elements. For me, access to Channels and to different Color Spaces (LAB and CMYK) make PS necessary. You can still do quite a bit using elements.

Duffy

No, education packages have full upgrades...

Duffy Pratt · 01-12-2007, 03:51 PM

Thanks, that's good to know. There is still the limitation on the educational software not being used for commercial purposes. That's in the license agreement, but I doubt if it ever gets enforced. But it is a consideration.

One route into the educational software is to take a course in the subject at a local community college or continuing education center. Often, you can get one of these courses for very cheap and then use the registration as your proof of eligibility for the educational discount.

Duffy

mmcaleer · 01-12-2007, 03:55 PM

If you contact Adobe I believe you can upgrade to the full version at a discount if you are using Elements. I have heard it is about $199. I have PS6 and they said I can upgrade to the latest version of CS for $150.

Mike

Bruce M. Morris · 01-12-2007, 04:02 PM

here is an option for a full version of PS CS2. I have not actually bought from them but reading about them, it seems like a legitimate deal.

http://www.totalsoftware.biz/index.p...&product_id=11

Caveat emptor, definitely check it out before you send any money.

johnastovall · 01-12-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duffy Pratt

Thanks, that's good to know. There is still the limitation on the educational software not being used for commercial purposes. That's in the license agreement, but I doubt if it ever gets enforced. But it is a consideration.

One route into the educational software is to take a course in the subject at a local community college or continuing education center. Often, you can get one of these courses for very cheap and then use the registration as your proof of eligibility for the educational discount.

Duffy

You can after you leave education convert to the Standard License.

No longer a student?

An important note about upgrading your software: Your personal investment in Adobe products may continue to be valuable, even if you no longer meet the qualifications for Adobe Education pricing. Please contact the online Adobe Store or your local reseller for information about upgrades to commercial versions of your products.

http://www.adobe.com/education/purch...n_pricing.html

harris112 · **hello, -** 01-12-2007, 04:29 PM

hello how are you ??

PIC · 01-12-2007, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmcaleer

If you contact Adobe I believe you can upgrade to the full version at a discount if you are using Elements. I have heard it is about $199. I have PS6 and they said I can upgrade to the latest version of CS for $150.

Mike

No - its currently $169 if you have fullversion but over $400 if you have elements or le.
From time to time they have special sales.
A few months ago it was $299 for elements users.