Adobe Confusion

[e123]

We have PS Elements 5. And we used a trial NIK ColorEfex plug-in and liked it alot. Would you recommend buying CS3 or CS4? Or stick with Elements? Not clear on the differences, but if you're using plug-ins I don't see the difference of which Adobe your driving it with - a $79 product or a $500 product. Searched the internet trying to find a difference. Can't really see any advantages. I am not very knowledgable on this subject. So, any help is appreciated.

[KdLaneJr]

Asking the question as you have, from the position of processing with plug-ins, I honestly think that only you can decide what is best for you. That said; I think you'd best be served by sticking with the $79 product until it fails to meet your needs.

[revjvegas]

CS4 just gives you ump'teen more PP options and flexibility...but PSE is very capable in and of itself and much more simplified.

I'd suggest download the trail version of CS4 and give it a test drive along with the new PSE 8. Then decide which you prefer to work with.

[jeffclow]

I have used both and find that Elements is fine for 90% of all the images I shoot and process - and most plug ins work well with PSE.

I concur with the advice above....since you can download a free 30 day trial, what do you have to lose?

[e123]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll try the trial download and see what works.