Photoshop CS Raw processing

[FJC]

I've recently become a RAW convert, and I've tried C1 Rebel (now discontinued). I like the job it does, but overall I find it a bit cumbersome (the file directory stuff is very awkward). I'm basically going through C1 to get my exposure/WB/crop done, developing the pics, then going into PS Elements 2.0 to do any editing, sharpening, and such.

I'm wondering, though, if rather than spend the $99 or so to get the full C1 LE version, if I'd be better off springing the extra money to just get the full Photoshop CS, and use it's RAW converter.

So, my questions...

1) How is the RAW conversion in PS CS? As good as C1, or better?
2) How's the workflow this way? Is it slow for culling out the obvious bad pictures (do you use a different program for that)?
3) How much has Adobe generally charged for photoshop upgrades in the past?

Thanks all, for helping out a newbie as I figure out what's the best workflow for me. :)

[Roger_Cavanagh]

FJC,

You'll get a mixture of answers, I'm sure. Personally, I prefer C1, but there are plenty who swear by CS. No one converter gives the best results all the time, but in general, I like the image quality from C1. The workflow is much superior, especially, if you have a pretty slow PC because C1 will develop in the background while you work on other images and CS will only let you work on one at a time - though you can configure the conversions settings for individual images and then batch process.

For me C1 previews work pretty for culling, but for rapid sorting/culling try Pixort (http://www.jotto.no/pixort/) - the price is right: free. :) It understands raw and all it is designed to do is display an image allow you to delete it or tag it with one of up to 5 folder destinations to which you can copy/move files when tagging is complete.

Last PS upgrade - from 6 to 7 - was around GBP 130 compared to GBP 150.

Regards,

[ohenry]

Like Roger, I prefer C1 but I've worked with CS and think that it would be just fine if I didn't already own C1. Both do an admirable job. It's a matter of what works best for you.

[FJC]

Thanks for the advice - it looks like I can install a relative's copy as a trial, and make my decision before it requires activation.