RAW converter + PS Elements

So this is my latest thought in my attempt to avoid shelling out the $550 for CS3 upgrade (from Elements 4). Curious what others think . . .

I'm trialing CS3 now but my trial will be up in about 1 week. I've come to realize that at this point in my PP ability, the main thing that I use in cs3 that I don't have in elements is curve adjustments. so, what if i bought a RAW converter that supports curve adjustments and then upgrade to elements 6. is this reasonable? I'm sure it's prob not nearly as powerful, but, I think it might get me by for awhile.

as per another thread, I'd simply prefer to spend my money on lenses, etc.

thanks in advance,

ryan

There are several plug ins available for elements that will allow you to work with curves. I have one of the free ones but it doesn't work that well. If you spend a few bucks there are good ones out there.

I use the curves in Lightroom. For me the best bang for the buck is Lightroom and Elements.

didn't actually realize that Lightroom had curves adjustment. I'll be checking into that.

thanks,

ryan

Try Raw Therapee? I downloaded it today. I think i t does pretty good. It works a lot like Lightroom. but its free. So far I only have about 4 hours of play time, but it seems pretty good. http://www.rawtherapee​.com/?mitem=3