CS3, is it worth it?

[digger58]

I am very new to digital photography and have photoshop elements 6.0 right now. I have the chance to purchace the complete CS3 for 299.00. Is there enough difference to warrant the purchase and is it a program that new photographers can use?
Thanks in advance

[ibdb]

CS3 is probably overkill for a beginner. If you're a real computer geek, you might be able to make use of it, but it's probably not the best/easiest place to begin.

As for the $299 price, Adobe frequently seems to package upgrade offers at that price. In the past, I've seen that price packaged with cameras, tablets, and some other software packages. There's a decent chance that you'll be able to find another discount somewhere on down the road if you find that you really need what CS3 has to offer.

If you're looking for an upgrade to Elements, you might also want to look into Lightroom. A new version is due out this fall that will offer a few more CS3 like tools that aren't currently available. LR is really designed with photographers in mind, and may be a better fit, especially for someone new to digital imaging.

[Bollan]

Is there anything you want to do but can't do in Elements so far?

CS3 requires a fair bit of investment in time and as mentioned is generally speaking overkill for most newbies in the digital photo world to start with.

[aram535]

There are very specific updates for CS3 that most likely is not going to photographers.

I use it because I do a lot of web sites, image creation, design, optimization. Things like paint blending modes makes my life a lot easier. Other includes Replacing colors, being able to duplicate elements in full perspective, new Clone options, etc.

I have to say that although these are ok in a web/marketing environment, they would fully be considered cheating/doctoring in photography.

Photoshop elements should have 95% of what, 95% of photographers needs. If you're using that % and you have the money, it can't hurt, it isn't any more difficult because of the extra options/tools.

[sadatk]

You'll need CS3 if you want the latest ACR in Photoshop.

[Mark1]

I agree, it all depends on how far you are going to push your self. I would sugest getting Elements. See if you really want to get that heavy into manipulation. If you find dont it is only $79, and you still have a program to use for "light" work. If you decide you really want to get into this kind of stuff. Elements will carry you for a long time as you learn. By the time you "need" CS3, I guess that CS4 will be out and you can move onto that.

[Anke]

...and what with the way LR 2.0 is going, I'm considering not upgrading to the next CS at all.
Just because something appears cheap doesn't mean you have to buy it, you might not need it.

[peterbj7]

Let me ask a slightly different question. I already have CS2, including Photoshop. I use a 5D, whose RAW files are catered for in PS-CS2. Is it worthwhile for me to upgrade?

[Anke]

Let me ask a slightly different question. I already have CS2, including Photoshop. I use a 5D, whose RAW files are catered for in PS-CS2. Is it worthwhile for me to upgrade?

If CS2 works for you and doesn't leave you wanting, what's the point? That or if you're desperate just wait for CS4.

[peterbj7]

Just that I don't know what's been added in CS3.

When is CS4 due out, and does anyone know what will be in that?

[brecklundin]

When is CS4 due out, and does anyone know what will be in that?

On a Thursday?



:::runnnssss for being a SmA::::


BTW, I have searched but haven't found any details when that might happen. For now I will settle for LR2.0 to see if it fixes the problem I am having with corrupted catalogs... ;)

[rodddy]

Where did you find cs3 for 299?

[René Damkot]

Let me ask a slightly different question. I already have CS2, including Photoshop. I use a 5D, whose RAW files are catered for in PS-CS2. Is it worthwhile for me to upgrade?

Unless you need some of the new features added in PSCS3; no.

New features include: B&W adjustment layer, much better auto align / stitch / blend images, quick select tool, "refine edges", curves is better.


I'd rather wait for CS4.

[aram535]

One good thing about Photshop is that they rarely change the base/previous program when they upgrade. They "add" new features 90% of the time. So if you do something that falls in that new feature they added, there is no reason to upgrade.

They don't change Unsharp mask filter, come up with a new formula for gaussian blur, or anything like that. They add in a new tool to be able to add a 2nd door to a house that didn't exist before and still keep the pespecive for it. Well if you don't do a lot of those types of edits, than you don't need the new version. If you think that would be awesome tool to have than upgrade/buy.

[-Douglas-]

Where did you find cs3 for 299?


If you are a registered owner of Elements and have the serial #, you should receive a e-mail with a link for the upgrade! Got mine :lol:, it arrived Wednesday !

You can also call Adobe with your serial # and they will honor your upgrade IMHO. If I remember right, another POTN member in another thread got their's that way!

[peterbj7]

If you have PS2/3 do you need Lightroom? I've never even seen it so again I don't know if I'm missing anything.

[Anke]

If you have PS2/3 do you need Lightroom? I've never even seen it so again I don't know if I'm missing anything.

Different kettle of fish really, LR is great for metadata and keeping a library, it has the same controls as ACR but is more of a organisational tool.

[aram535]

Different kettle of fish really, LR is great for metadata and keeping a library, it has the same controls as ACR but is more of a organisational tool.

I agree, although Adobe Bridge comes close to LR. LR is much much better at everything it does. Bridge is really a bridge between the different Adobe editing products.