jonny_mac Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 I know the elements vs. Photoshop question has been asked a billion times sothis reallly isn't that question exactly. I have used Elements 4.0 on a Windowsmachine but recently bought a Macbook Pro, and I'm neeeding software for editing beyondiphoto. My experience with Elements is limited so I am up against the learningcurve. I am relatively tech savvy, however. I know the new mac Elements version is coming out soon next year, but since I ama student I can get the CS3 Extended for only $299. I know for now it is waymore than I need (for now), but if it is discounted that much I'm wonderingwhether to bite the bullet and get something that will grow with me. I don'thave hopes of turning pro or anything, but I don't want to buy elements and findthat I can't do something when I am ready to. Thanks for your help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sattler123 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 For that price I would get PS CS3 - in the future all you'll need to buy are the upgrades. If you don't get it now, you'll have to shell out over $600 if you were no longer a student. It's Christmas time you know - ask your folks to chip in - it is certainly an investment into the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjkdds Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00NcMt IN a word, or a phrase,,, bite the bullet, buy CS3 for Mac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_stemberg Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 CS3! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonny_mac Posted December 12, 2007 Author Share Posted December 12, 2007 Thanks you guys are great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DickArnold Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 I got my CS3 for 300 and replaced Elements 4.0. Bridge is far superior to the Elements file management system which I never used and the same goes for CS3. If you can do it I would. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godfrey Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 No. Buy CS3. You will not regret it. G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandysocks Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 I am finding that one picture in 500 or so needs pixel editing, so I find Lightroom more useful. For the odd touch-up, I find that Elements 5.0 is adequate. Elements does nearly everything CS3 does. The drawback is that it converts to 8 bits for anything challenging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted_marcus1 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 If you can afford the $300, absolutely go for the CS3! But if you can't, don't feel bad. Elements will give you much of what you need for digital photography. I would recommend it over Paint Shop Pro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Ingold Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Photoshop is clearly the best product for professional and advanced amateur use, regardless of price. If you can "join the club" for $300 and get an hard copy (not a $200 bulk license download), then do it. With your own "student" copy, you are eligible for upgrades in the future, which cost about $150 every two years or so. Elements (and Premiere Elements) is a bargain, and sufficient for starters and casual use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonny_mac Posted December 12, 2007 Author Share Posted December 12, 2007 I actually have two options....I can get a boxed copy for $299 or a license with a CD for $140 + $23(cost of the CD). I'm inclined to get the cheaper even if it doesn't give me upgrade rights as that is crazy cheap. Thanks for the tips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjkdds Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Be VERY careful about buying unpackaged bare CDs for Photoshop. There are (or were) many pirated copies of the software which are unlicensed meaning it cant be upgraded or even load at all with Adobes online security check. Adobe was very diligent in attending computer swap meets and confiscating pirated versions of their products. That said, a legal boxed version with all the security precautions intact is the way to go. There is no free lunch even for starving students Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonny_mac Posted December 12, 2007 Author Share Posted December 12, 2007 The license+CD has to be purchased through the University department budget. As such, I am confident it is a legal copy. Thanks for the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwaks Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 CS3 is worth any price provided the user spends the time and money (books) to learn how to use it well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenbarrington Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 As a Lightroom user, I would not buy CS3 for $300. My $50 copy of Elements V5 couples quite well with LR and I feel no need to spend an extra 250 for the same editing power I already have. I know CS3 does more stuff, but I seriously doubt that I would actually USE that extra stuff. I consider Lightroom my main photo software and the editor is an adjuct to it. The thing is, to make the right decision for you, you need to know what it is you are likely to need from a software package and a beginner isn't likely to be at that point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikbryant Posted December 13, 2007 Share Posted December 13, 2007 I just purchased CS2 on e-bay for $115.00, i also saw CS3 for under 200.00 the version i recieved was sealed new in the box and loaded with no issues. just some thing to think about... i used Elements 4,5 & 6 until getting CS2, i will never go back so get the Cs3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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