CS3 Upgrade or NOT

I am struggling with if I want to upgrade from CS2 to CS3 or not.

Everything I read about CS3 shows the main improvements to be in ACR and Bridge. I am using Lightroom so none of those changes matter to me.

My concerns are if I don't upgrade and taking any Photoshop classes in the next couple of years will the class techniques be different that what I have in CS2. And as a NAPP member I assume the User Mag will shift to CS3. Are there enough operating or functional changes so that I won't be able to follow the tricks and tips in the mag??

Download it and try it out. If you like it buy it if you dont like it, stick with CS2.

Not a huge difference, a few more types of adjustment layers, and probably some other stuff that I never use.

I'm definitely upgrading as there are some things that I like. I seem to spend a fair bit of time doing selections and they have a quick selection tool that works really quite good. It doesn't make a perfect selection each time but damned close.

Some of the things are cosmetic but having the tool bar in a single row is nice and I do like the way they are docking the tool palettes.

It is probably not a must have but there is enough change in there for me to justify it.

Bridge is not very stable on vista. Crashed a few times already...

Yes, improved ACR and Bridge, but how about smart filters -- the ability to adjust filters AFTER the fact rather than having to go back in history, delete the filter, and redo. How about an smart selection tool and smart methods to render the edges? Then there is a black and white conversion filter that can be used as an adjustment layer and tweaked just like any other adjustment layer. Add to that the ability to automatically align images, improved HDR capabilities, improved vanishing point features, and color managed print previews. I'd say there were some very good reasons to consider the upgrade. As said, download the trial when it becomes available. Try it for 30 days. If you don't like it, don't buy the upgrade.

If you are on a mac than i think the upgrade is justified based on speed alone.

bryno74 wrote in post #3067091
Bridge is not very stable on vista. Crashed a few times already...

thanks for the info...im planning to build another computer just for photos...i do have a lightroom and planning to get cs3 so i guess stick with xp pro for a while...

MJP wrote in post #3071592
thanks for the info...im planning to build another computer just for photos...i do have a lightroom and planning to get cs3 so i guess stick with xp pro for a while...

Isn't CS3 suppose to be Vista compatible??

Adobe told me CS2 was

bryno74 wrote in post #3067091
Bridge is not very stable on vista. Crashed a few times already...

Perhaps in your experience, but not a blanket truth.

I've been running the beta of CS3 on a beta version of Vista since December. Upgraded to the released version of Vista Ultimate a month or two ago, and have just upgraded to the relased version of Photoshop CS3.

I have not had any issues with any version of Photoshop CS3 running on any version of Vista.

CS3 is definitly worth the upgrade IMO, more than enough for the $200 upgrade.

I think I have decided to upgrade.

I sent email to B&H asking when they would have in stock, and if the NAPP discount (FREE shipping) can be used with Bill Me Later.

No response yet. Does anyone know if this can be used together??

i believe you have to call in the order to get the free shipping.