Photo editing Softare - Whats the best?

Hey. Curious. Im about to go get some spankn new software for photoediting. I do have PSCS2. Its nice and works well. thinking of getting CS3.
However I know adobe as well as others have some great software.

Im wondering what you guys think is the best software to use for Photo editing? Is there one that does all or are there combos that I should get?
I dont want too much to the point of confusion, just something to help edit pictures nicely.

For professional Photo editing and 2d design Photoshop is king and world market leader .

Rod

does CS3 come with other programs? If so what are they for?

There are a number of different suite combinations.

Check www.adobe.com

Do you know how to use CS2 really well? Things like how to use the extraction tool, using the filters, using levels, using adjustment layers, etc. The reason I ask is that, if you already know CS2 well, IMHO you wouldn't really be asking what's best. If you don't know, then you probably haven't used CS2 to it's fullest.

This is just my guess and not meant as a dis.

From another point of view, how are you measuring "best"? In terms for value for money I think GIMP is the best. In terms of features I think CS2 has all that I need... and I'm probably only using 25% of what CS2 can do.

Not taken as a dis. I know how to use most of it fairly well. Levels and curves, hdr and filters. Like you Ive hardly used all of it. However I was asking if there was anything better - software or filters. I ask because Ive only used CS2 with nothing else and Ive heard others speak of different software.

Think about what you'll use it for. I use Photoshop Elements 5 and it does everything I need in one affordable package. My philosphy is why buy more than you need? Do you earn a living with your photos? Answering that question might help guide you.

I feel that you can not best Photoshop for the raw power and versatility.

If you learn it well, you can even use it in place of Illustrator for a lot of stuff. I have even used it to create 3D looking images that should have been dome in 3DS max of the like.

I just need something to bring out the color and fix errors. I do however hope to sell the pictures framed. So I want something that will give me professional results. A friend told me CS3 and Lightroom is all I need. I dont even know what lightroom really does.
I havent used elements either, is that a dumbed down version of photoshop?

Yes, PS Elements is a stripped down version of PS.(some people might be a tad upset if you call it 'dummied down' - you know, silly pride)
CS3 is the Cadillac of image processing. But CS2 is already more than you need.
Do you shoot RAW? If so then the CS3 upgrade is worthwhile. If not, then CS2 is still much more than you need.
Do you shoot RAW and also take hordes of photos and need a good photo management system? Then maybe Lightroom could be helpful as it has the same RAW converter as CS3 and also is a great photo managing tool.

If you already have CS2, there is NO reason why you need BOTH Lightroom and the CS3 upgrade. Both have the same RAW converter. LR has the better digital photo management system.
If non-destructive editing of jpgs is important to you then the CS3 upgrade or LR can be of benefit to you.
But if you don't shoot RAW then really your CS2 is going to be much more program than you'll ever use.

I wanna shhot raw but need to learn a bit more about it and how to work with it.
That is the plan though.

(Oh and sorry bout the dumb, I meant stripped. haha)

did you change your avatar just now? It seems incongruent to your nick.I think I'd have noticed that earlier, no?..maybe now you should change the nick to Rebel Cry? yeah, been seeing too many screaming babies lately. But I digress....

If you'll be shooting RAW then CS3 or LR is a definite upgrade to CS2 because their RAW engine is a big improvement. Not sure what you financial situation is (and I don't want to know) but the CS2 upgrade to CS3 is worth it. If your CS2 is a less than legal copy then I'd suggest getting Lightroom as it is cheaper than CS3.
But I would suggest you first dabble with RAW in CS2 (ACR 3.7) and see if you like it. And if you do, THEN upgrade to LR or CS3. ACR 3.7 is simple and easy to use and an excellent entry level program for RAW. ACR 4.1 and LR is more complex and may be a bit overwhelming for someone just starting out in RAW. Bruce Fraser's book on Camera Raw is the ideal primer for learning ACR and RAW.
I'd would not recommend CS3 or LR unless you start shooting RAW - for jpgs your CS2 is already much more than you'll ever learn.

If you can afford it Lightroom and CS3 are an awesome combination. I have begun using Lightroom to manage my pics, but still using PSE5 for editing as it meets all my needs at the moment, I'll upgrade that when the need is really there. I just don't want to spend the money if I don't have to. I would rather put it towards glass or a new body.

Any good filters for PS you would recommend?