Elements 5 vs CS 3

[el gato]

Hello all,
I'm still kinda "new" to fancy post processing.
I've had Photoshop Elements 5 for about the last year or so, and Photoshop Elements 2 before that.

I don't do a lot of professional work, but I do shoot several low-budget weddings per year.

For the most part, PE5 does a lot of what I need, but I wonder if moving up to CS3 would open "new doors" for me and help get the quality of my prints to "the next level".

I'm especially interested in what kinds of batch processing or actions CS3 can do that PE5 can't.

Your input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Felix

[wapiti]

I have just upgraded to CS3 from Elements 5. I'm just starting on CS3, so don't ask any specifics. I purchased CS3 for $299 from Adobe. This offer ends 2/29. I figured that if I was ever going to do this, now was the time.
So far, I love what I've seen with CS3. I have not made any prints from CS3, yet.
I was very pleased with Elements 3 and 5, which I used for 5+ years. But I'm thrilled with the switch and I would recommend it.

[jasonhuang]

I would suggest looking into and downloading the free trial of aperture 2.0 if you're on a mac. that program is super powerful and super fast. i used cs3/bridge exclusively for the last year and had my workflow down efficiently, but aperture 2.0 took it and is saving me more time than i could have imagined.

they are using a brand new RAW decode that is incredible compared to adobe's, the previews render 5x faster than in bridge, and everything is so much smoother.

this program is worth the cheap $200 pricetag.

[Abel]

just to build upon what was said earlier...

the $299 is an upgrade price to go from Elements 5 to CS3. The price isn't for CS3 standalone by itself. you have to have Elements 5 first off in order to get that price.

[el gato]

Thanks for the input.
Doing more research, it almost seems like I'd be better with getting Lightroom.

If I'm right, LR does some sort of batch processing for all your images (white balance, shadow detail, etc).
This would be great to speed things up with the workflow.

[GonzoBernelli]

There is always Adobe Lightroom for about $300 if the full CS3 is too muo swallow. It is entirely photocentric as opposed to "Gods gift [snicker] to everyone"

[Dobick]

Originally Posted by el gato

Thanks for the input.
Doing more research, it almost seems like I'd be better with getting Lightroom.

If I'm right, LR does some sort of batch processing for all your images (white balance, shadow detail, etc).
This would be great to speed things up with the workflow.

You are correct on the batch processing ability of Lightroom. I recently purchased this, after playing with it for two different trial periods.

It can get kinda slow if you have large volumes, but there are ways to solve even that issue.

If the majority of your workflow only includes color corrections and sharpening over the entirity of the photo, and small spot corrections like cloning etc, then lightroom will be a big help for you.

Personally, I like to think of lightroom and Photoshop as compliments of each other, and they integrate very well together.

[km5gn]

When I look at the adobe site, it's 599.00 to upgrade from elements (mac).

If someone can provide a link to the 299.000 upgrade, I'll bite the bullet today...

Steve

[Comanche]

I upgraded from Elements 5 to CS3 in December. For me, the biggest advantage has been Adobe Camera Raw. Yes - there is a version of ACR in Elements, but not to the degree of power found in the full version. For the work I do, I have found little need to do more in Photoshop - ACR does most of it.

I understand the RAW engine in CS3 is the same as found in Lightroom. For that reason, I am thinking of buying Lightroom - just to speed up the processing of the sports shots I take most of the time.

[el gato]

Originally Posted by km5gn

When I look at the adobe site, it's 599.00 to upgrade from elements (mac).
If someone can provide a link to the 299.000 upgrade, I'll bite the bullet today...
Steve

The offer I got was for $399 for the CS3 upgrade from PE 5.

But, I'm wondering if CS3 has the same batch processing abilities for color/balance like Lightroom does.

Most of my workflow consists of culling, getting nice color & shadow balance and then a little use of layers & special effects when necessary.

Again, thanks for everyone's input so far.

[wapiti]

http://direct.adobe.com/v?xJlqHqlEJTqTJvP&PID=2767030
Purchase via phone call, but hurry. This offer ends tomorrow. I got mine for $299.
BTW, the fine print states that this offer is for licensed users of Elements 1-6.

[km5gn]

Thanks! Just got off the phone with them. You saved me big bucks!

Steve

[DD3]

I've been happy with my PSE 6 and feel like I've learned a lot but couldn't resist the CS3 offer. I did it!!! I'm so excited. Now.....on to spending more money! Anyone have any input on the Kelbytraining.com series of classes? The website says you can join for $200 for the year and then access ALL classes they offer at no additional cost. It looks like an excellent resource for CS3 and photography in general. TIA.