Lightroom

[wapiti]

I am currently using CS3. Is Lightroom something of value in my PP? BTW, I don't have $300 to be throwing around if it is not of considerable benefit. Thanks for the taking of your time to respond.

[Hogleg 44]

Lightroom is WELL worth the cost! Absolutely!!!!

[darktiger]

I think it is. Since LR2, I have hardly used PS....

[Phanee]

If the volume of photos to be processed is high, LR is definitely recommended.
Able to do local adjustments upto certain extent in LR2 is very helpful.

[rwwright]

i have a lot of photos and it is the best cataloging software in my opinion. also, i rarely use cs3 now and like the results of lightroom better.

[Shane Jennings]

I just got LR, and I already prefer it to CS3 for probably 99% of what I'll ever do. It will be nice to have CS3 every now and then, but LR is awesome. Also, I got it for about $100 with an education discount online. As a parent of a student (2 actually), I was qualified for the discount. Studica.com is where I bought it, but there are other education discount places.

[cfortner]

I just got Light Room a few days ago and I have to agree it makes the entire post processing process MUCH easier!

[jmoore01]

Ditto. Ditto. Ditto.

Better built for batch/mass edits, such as exposure adjustments, contrast, white balance, fill light, etc. With available plug-ins, many free, you have a lot of options on what you can do with your output, whether it's web or print. It's easier to learn and does a lot of work in the background which allows you to continue working. As mentioned by others, for photo corrections, adjustments, and minor manipulation, it keeps me out of Photoshop, and I don't like being in Photoshop.

In summary, yes it's worth the money.

[JohnT]

Except for maybe some finishing touches and special sharpening algorithms, I spend very little time in PS now that I've become pretty proficient in LR2. The cataloging is great!

[picman]

Download the free trial and take it for a test ride - I don't think you will be disappointed.