Photoshop Alternative?

So, I just upgraded from my trusty 30D to a 50D, only to find out that my antiquated Photoshop CS2 doesn't support the Raw converter the 50D requires. I honestly don't use 5% of what Photoshop can do. I really just open the Raw files with it, tweak, maybe apply a filter or two (unsharp mask, noise reduction, etc.) and save them as .jpgs. I might do some resizing, or some general touchups, but that's about it.

I really don't want to pay for CS4 when I know I won't get my money's worth out of it. So, is there an alternative for what I need? Can Photoshop Elements 7 do what I typically do (filters & such)? I've never used it, so am unfamiliar.

I know I can open the Raw files and tweak them with the software that came with my 50D, then open them in CS2 to finish them up, but I'd rather have an all-in-one. Any suggestions?

Yes, Elements will do a lot of the things that Photoshop does, at a much cheaper price too.

Just convert your raw files using this free converter, and continue using CS2 - it's a great program.

or use the dpp raw converter that came with your camera "free" or don't by elements, spend the cash on a raw converter. If CS2 meets your needs, but fails at raw conversion, then fix the raw conversion problem, don't throw out the baby with the bath water

Damo77 wrote in post #7798482
Just convert your raw files using this free converter, and continue using CS2 - it's a great program.

+1

I'd convert to DNG as Damo suggests, and carry on using CS2, although I'm sure Elements 7 will be fine.
But if you're going to spend money on Elements 7 (full version) you may as well save up a a bit more and get the CS4 upgrade IMO

Another option is to get Lightroom and do all your RAW work/conversions in this and use CS2 for anything else, but again the cost of this is probably the same(ish) as CS4 upgrade...

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll try out the Adobe DNG Converter along with CS2 to see how it works out.

Kiener, if all you are doing is basic corrections, then DPP is quite possibly all you need as it does everything you said.

Also, I would highly recommend Adobe Lightroom as it does everything DPP does, and more. It will really cut down on your editing time. It is a tool designed specifically for photographers, while PhotoShop is a jack of all trades.

I would just convert to jpeg using dpp and then use photshop. I mean I really dont understand why raw in photshop would be so important when the very first thing I do is add a layer mask and your eyes cant see anything different from 16bit to 8bit? So you never do destructive editing.

Now I do think that there is a benefit in cs3 using raw if you want to bring restore blown out highlights. I dont know what else would really mak a difference btw raw and jpg when using photoshop. But I very well could be missing something