Quality reason to upgrade from PS Elements 3 to CS2?

[dannym]

Assuming that Elements does all the functions that one needs, are there quality differences between it and CS2? Like, does Elements use the same software engine for, say, USM and Levels as does CS2? If those are the only 2 modifications would the photo look the same regardless of which version one used? Thanks in advance for you comments.

[DaveG]

Assuming that Elements does all the functions that one needs, are there quality differences between it and CS2? Like, does Elements use the same software engine for, say, USM and Levels as does CS2? If those are the only 2 modifications would the photo look the same regardless of which version one used? Thanks in advance for you comments.

I don't think that you can start with that assumption. The improvements over CS that I'm using - and learning - are:

Bridge
Merge to High Dynamic Range
Smart Sharpen
Smart Objects
Smart Guides
Multiple RAW conversion
Vanishing Point
Spot Healing Brush tool

and about another 50 things.

Until you use some of these things then living without them isn't difficult. But I've seen what they can do for my productivity, workflow and end result improvements, so I consider your basic assumption to be false.

[crh97]

I'm a newbie to all this. Why can't I drag raw files into elements? Am I doing something wrong?

[DaveG]

I'm a newbie to all this. Why can't I drag raw files into elements? Am I doing something wrong?

You can process one RAW file at a time in Elements 3.0 and many at a time in PS CS2.

[crh97]

From zoombrowser, when I hit edit to send to elements, it says it has to convert to jpeg cannot send raw. What am I doing wrong

[DaveG]

Use My Computer to move the files around if Zoombrowser is being a pain. Put them into a folder that you can find and then use Elements 3.0 to find them. Elements 3.0 will convert Canon 10D RAW files and that includes the very first edition of 3.0. It may not convert other RAW files until an update has been installed.

[crh97]

I just looked. I've got elements 2.0. It's the software that came with my rebel. I like raw shooter. However, I can see that if I can learn ps it's better. If I upgrade, what should I buy?

[andygrif]

I think Elements 3 is worth the cost to upgrade to. Things like the Spot Healer is an amazing addition to remove little blemishes and dust spots on the shot.

The whole database which is new in 3 is basically the same as Photo Album, but is very powerful (I read a review saying it was better than the equivalent in CS2) but offers realtime thumnail sizing, will automatically remind you to back-up your photos, keeps thumnails stored locally (if you set it to) and will save your full-sized shots to CD/DVD and prompt you as to which disc number to insert to retrieve, and many other neat features.

[aam1234]

Been thinking about upgrading to PSE 3.0, and there are two options for doing that. Either through a download from Adobe site or buying the physical package. I was wondering if the documentation that comes with the package is useful and worth buying.

[dannym]

I'm sorry but I guess I didn't state the question correctly. It was more of a technical question than a features question.

I'll try again. If I take a photo and use CS2 to make a USM adjustment, then take the same photo and use the same USM settings in PSE3, will the photo look the same?

Again, it's a matter of the software engine. I'm saving my pennies for CS2. Maybe one day.

If this question makes sense, please disregard the first lame attempt. Or maybe they're both lame.

Thanks,

[Barb42]

I upgraded to CS from Elements2 and have never regreated it. It only cost me $300 due to a special upgrade offer from Adobe and a logical move for me. Its a matter of how much you can afford and what you actually want to do with photography. If you are really serious, and you can afford it, then yes, do it. If you have an issue with money - spend it on glass first, upgraded camera body second, then CS. The better the image, the less you need the software. Don't assume that the software will 'fix' your image - depend on your skills and equipment to take the best image possible and then use software for refining. Elements 3 is a great product and will work for you as you learn.

[Reservoir_Dog]

I'm sorry but I guess I didn't state the question correctly. It was more of a technical question than a features question.

I'll try again. If I take a photo and use CS2 to make a USM adjustment, then take the same photo and use the same USM settings in PSE3, will the photo look the same?

Again, it's a matter of the software engine.,

Yes its absolutely the same. Photoshop elements is a stripped version of CS or CS2, even the raw conversion is the same like from....CS2!

The raw plug in update 3.1, u can even use it in elements 3.....
Its very good and usefull software.

The core engine is the same.

Greetings!

[dannym]

Yes its absolutely the same. Photoshop elements is a stripped version of CS or CS2, even the raw conversion is the same like from....CS2!

The raw plug in update 3.1, u can even use it in elements 3.....
Its very good and usefull software.

The core engine is the same.

Greetings!

Thank you. That's what i expected, but was beginning to wonder if I was getting the question across.

[BDM]

Photoshop CS can use 16 bit files while Elements 2 is confined to 8 bit. 16 bit should offer a greater dynamic range and theoretically a larger number of colors. As others have noted, it also has many, many additional features. Some of them are pretty esoteric and may not be often needed or used. But everyone has different needs and interests and so it is nice to have a wide feature set available as needed. I upgraded to CS from Elelemnts 2 and I do think it was well worth it.

You may not notice a significant difference between the output of Elements 2 and CS at first but as you grow more sophisticated I think the differences will become more apparent.

Bruce

[rfreschner]

From zoombrowser, when I hit edit to send to elements, it says it has to convert to jpeg cannot send raw. What am I doing wrong

I thought this was a thread about upgrading from PSE to CS2, where did zoombrowser enter the picture ???

[rfreschner]

The core engine is the same.

Yes, the engine is the same and therefore the results are the same, but that only applies to the functionality that you can use. PSE3 is a great piece of software and I really enjoy using it, but almost every function is stripped down somewhat. Depending on how/why you are using it, you may or may not ever need the added functionality of CS2. I decided to go with CS2 now while I can get the upgrade deal from buying my 20D and love it so far.

[gmaize]

I thought this was a thread about upgrading from PSE to CS2, where did zoombrowser enter the picture ???
Thank you so much for posting what I was thinking as well. And thanks to everyone else for putting this discussion back on track. I'm also currently considering upgrading from PSE2 to CS2 and am interested in what is being discovered as CS2 is just now in release.

Keep going everyone!!

--gmaize