Elements 4.0 or CS2?

Why use Elements instead of CS2? And if you have CS2, do you still need Elements?

I haven't used elements and have no desire to, it's just a chopped up version of photoshop.

CS2 is a big commitement. It is difficult to learn but once you get the hang on it then it become easier like everything else. Element is what have been said, a strip down version of CS2. Since you are askingthen go w/ CS2 either way you're going to have to learn it you might as well play w/ the big boys.

Elements is a fantastic piece of software - it's got a gentler learning curve than its big brother, and is still massively powerful. That being said, I'm still learning Photoshop 6!

It should also be noted that for the price, Elements is a great way to start. If you want to jump in to the deep end to start, then spend the extra $450 and get CS2.

I think that Photoshop is the language of digital photography. If you don't speak it you can't communicate with the 99% of the mass of photographers/designer​s out there. But Elements is a way for a beginner to learn that language without spending a ton of money. Skills learned in Elements are easily taken - at least for the most part - over to PS, when the time comes.

As far as learning PS, I suppose that it's possible to do so with some books and time. But I took a course in basic PS and that opened up the doors. Sure you'll learn how to use levels and how the clone tool works on your own, and pretty quickly. But the strength of PS - Layer's, layer masks et al, require some explanation. So don't only buy Elements or PS, plan on taking a course too.

I think your question is the wrong way round. It should be why use CS2 instead of Elements. For most people Elements is sufficient and it costs a hell of a lot less. The only thing I miss in Elements is the channel mixer, but I can get by without it.

You can get a free channel mixer plug-in for PSE from earthboundlight.com (also comes with curves!)

never used Elements but I guess if cash was an issue i would think about it but since all i know and that is little in terms of PS that haus I would get the industry standard

If you already have CS2, the only thing you'd get from Elements would be Organizer. It is nice but slow photo album software. I have CS2 but use the Elements 3.0 organizer because it came with my Spyder2.

Elements is a good starting place for learning digital image processing, and is a very capable program. Moving from Elements to PSCS2 is easier than going to PSCS2 with no prior PS experience, but is not a required step. Once one starts using PSCS2, they probably don't use Elements anymore except in specific cases as vjack pointed out.

Outstanding add on for PSE 1,2 & 3 ... thanks for the heads up on that.

Hey all,

I just installed Elements 3.0 and it has a few things that I might use. I can do slideshows and VCD's to give out. I can't do that with PS7. Also I just ordered PS CS2, tonight. Can I do VCD's with CS2? If not, I think I will keep and learn both.

From what I have read PSE is all that many folk need to do their image editing. Workarounds have been found that narrow the gap between the two products and with the massive price difference it is, IMHO, worth starting with PSE. Scott Kelby' book - retailing £24.99 can be had from Amazon for 50% off.

Martin

Thats one of the benifits of elements that doesnt come with Photoshop. All the extras geard twards consumers, the slide shows, the VCD's, the premade templates for cards or callenders. These things arent intended for the printing company or graphic artest or add agnecy thats buying $650 phoptshop.