What do you think about Elements 3?

[barryburgard]

I have been an Elements 2 user and will be upgrading. What are your thoughts about Elements 3 and CS?

Thanks

Barry

[Belmondo]

Just the fact that it handles RAW files makes it a keeper in my mind.

I plan on picking up a copy the first time I see one in a local store.

[HJMinard]

I also like the fact that it incorporates PS "Album" - an organizer with flagging and searching options. With PSE2 you had to buy "Album" (or some other organizer) separately.

Obviously CS is the way to go if money is no object, but Elements 3 looks like a nice alternative for those of us who think that Adobe is a little to proud of the full Photoshop.

[ejwebb]

I have had it for a few days and like it. With the rebate deals, you can't beat the price. Either the organizer or the RAW converter alone justify the upgrade price, not to mention the shadow/highlight tool, healing brush and red-eye removal tool, etc. I was on the fence regarding CS but just could not get there on the price. I was glad when Elements 3.0 was announced with all the added feeatures - made the choice easy for me.

I plan to start messing with RAW now that I have decent software for it (other than the FVU crap). Although, the Canon Digital Photo Profesional is due out soon with DRebel compatibility which may be even better for converting RAW.

[boomer1959]

Do you know if it will open CR2 raw files for the 20D?

[ejwebb]

I don't know - works on my digital rebel files. This is the official Adobe camera support list (I know it says CS but it was referenced from the Elements help files) and the 20D is not on it so I am guessing that means that none of their software supports the format yet:

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/cameraraw.html

The user to user forum here is very helpful and can probably answer any questions you have:

http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx?14@249.rJNgaKbUpNU^43@.eeb4f8b