Photoshop CS4

[XoZe]

Before the bashing starts, I have used the search function, and have been reading up on several posts.

Being somewhat new to photography (most of what I have done is P&S) I am wondering if it is worth it to purchase CS4 right off the bat, or should I start playing around with some of the free stuff that is out there such as Picasa or the software that came with the new camera (Canon Rebel XS)?

The reason I ask is that I have the opportunity to purchase CS4 fairly cheap using the student discount, which I will no longer have in a few weeks after I finish my Master's degree.

Thoughts, suggestions?

[ChuckW]

The student discount is so significant for CS4 that it is well worth the money if you have any interest at all in photo editing beyond the basics. Just be prepared to spend some time with it if you want to learn even half the features. The good news is there is plenty of instructional material out there.

[Flea77]

I could be wrong but some software states in the license agreement that you can no longer use it after you are no longer a student. In which case getting all in a rush to purchase it now really will not make a difference. I would check with Adobe regarding specifics for Photoshop. Note that you usually can not sell, trade, or give away a academic license either.

Now assuming you can still purchase it, and assuming you are allowed to use it after you are no longer a student, how serious are you about photography? If very serious, then yes, get it. If not very serious, you may be better served by a cheaper, easier, lighter software package.

Allan

[andyz]

I had an academic version of CS2 and upgraded online with Adobe to CS4. I even verified with them this was allowable. I wouldn't sweat the student version if you later are not a student.

[ldelacruz]

I used Photoshop Elements for 2 years before I needed Photoshop CS4 because I wanted to start using actions. To this day Photoshop Elements does everything I need except for actions.

[XoZe]

Originally Posted by Flea77

I could be wrong but some software states in the license agreement that you can no longer use it after you are no longer a student. In which case getting all in a rush to purchase it now really will not make a difference. I would check with Adobe regarding specifics for Photoshop. Note that you usually can not sell, trade, or give away a academic license either.

Now assuming you can still purchase it, and assuming you are allowed to use it after you are no longer a student, how serious are you about photography? If very serious, then yes, get it. If not very serious, you may be better served by a cheaper, easier, lighter software package.

Allan

Thanks. I already read through the agreement and I will be able to use it after I am no longer a student, so that shouldn't be a problem as andyz mentions.

As far as how serious I am, right now it is just a "very serious hobby" which is why I finally decided to buy my first DSLR. Not planning on ever doing it for a living, although I wouldn't mind making some side money from it (once I reach a certain level, of course). Most of what I enjoy is architecture, street, that sort of thing in B&W, and anything I can shoot during motorcycle rides/trips.

With the price being $194, it doesn't sound like a bad investment. Now if a lighter package is around the same price range, would it still be overkill to get the CS4? I guess I'm thinking I would rather be able to grow into it, than outgrowing the lighter package and possibly have to upgrade.

I've never used Photoshop, so just fishing for ideas as any noob would do.

XoZe added 8 Minutes and 34 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Originally Posted by ldelacruz

I used Photoshop Elements for 2 years before I needed Photoshop CS4 because I wanted to start using actions. To this day Photoshop Elements does everything I need except for actions.

I just checked the website and Elements is not an option I can purchase...adobe has it for $139, so I figure getting CS4 Extended is a pretty good deal at $194. Adobe lists it at $999.

[ldelacruz]

You can find Elements cheap online for about $75. If you can get CS4 Extended for $194then that would be a no brainer. If you find that CS4 Extended is too complicated then what is another $75 bucks if you saved $800 on CS4?

[The Philos]

If it's too complicated you're trying to learn too much at once IMO.

[danchez]

GET IT!!!! that's a steal and you can take months/years to grow into it!!!

[XoZe]

Originally Posted by ThePhilosopher

If it's too complicated you're trying to learn too much at once IMO.

I agree...I've just never used it so I couldn't say how complicated it would be. But I'm definitely up for the challenge. Slowly but surely.