Software?

[big dub]

I'm looking at getting some software and was wondering what people recommended to get?

I'm not going to go for Photoshop CS4 as it's just too expensive for me, so was looking at Photoshop Elements 7 and Lightroom 2. Which one is better, or is it best to get both?

Cheers,

Rob

[Steve Evil]

Depends what you want to do really, Lightroom is good for developing pictures in batches, applying basic processing and so-on, I love it.

Photoshop elements would be good if you intend on manipulating multiple layers or more unconventional image editing.

[MartinP]

Photoshop and Lightroom work very well together. I had it described to me that Lightroom is like the production line, really good for making batch changes and making quick non destructive individual image edits such as cropping, exposure corrections, colour balancing, B&W conversions etc. Photoshop (Elements in your case) is then like the craftsman's area for those slower, very detailed, complex edits.

Lightroom is also great for managing your image library. It allows you to tag and rate your images to allow searches.

Both are really powerful tools on their own. Just down to what you need the software to do. You can download full versions (time limited) from the Adobe website to try them out.

[big dub]

I've taken the plunge and ordered used copies of both of them from Amazon.
£130 inc postage for both.

[Simpo Two]

Lightroom failed for me because it doesn't allow processing on the fly - so if you find a way to do this, let me know!

[miniman]

Simpo Two said:

Lightroom failed for me because it doesn't allow processing on the fly - so if you find a way to do this, let me know!

Not sure what you mean there - define "processing on the fly"?

[NewNameNeeded]

I find Lightroom 2 is excellent. On initially using it I wanted to burn it and throw it away - it just didn't seem intuitive like PSP or photoshop. But now i've made the effort to learn it a little I think it is excellent for 'dark room' pp - exposure, contrast, brightness, curves, etc. And a decent cataloguer to boot.

I use PSP X2 for the more delicate bits and bobs.

[andy-xr]

How can you buy used software?



(In a genuine way)

[stigmundfreud]

I used to use hooky CS2 but tbh it weighed heavy on my morals so I am saving up for CS4, in the mean time GIMP is very good and free. Takes a bit getting used to but its free did I mention that.

Developing I am going to look at Lightroom it is supposed to be very good but presently I do all my work in Digital Photo Professional 3.5 which ships with all canon SLR's

[Scott328i]

stigmundfreud said:

I used to use hooky CS2 but tbh it weighed heavy on my morals so I am saving up for CS4, in the mean time GIMP is very good and free. Takes a bit getting used to but its free did I mention that.

Developing I am going to look at Lightroom it is supposed to be very good but presently I do all my work in Digital Photo Professional 3.5 which ships with all canon SLR's

Me Three but the Photo Pro is quite limited

[stigmundfreud]

the only thing it lacks is dodge/burn tool.

Thats the only reason I use GIMP!!

[big dub]

Ok, PS Elements 7 arrived today, any tips on how to get the most from it?

[miniman]

big dub said:

Ok, PS Elements 7 arrived today, any tips on how to get the most from it?

Must

Not

Say

"Install it"

D'oh!

[Simpo Two]

miniman said:

Simpo Two said:

Lightroom failed for me because it doesn't allow processing on the fly - so if you find a way to do this, let me know!

Not sure what you mean there - define "processing on the fly"?

What I mean is that you can set it to process Photo 1 in the background while you twiddle with Photo 2. That way, by the time you get to Photo 457, they're all cooked

What I was desperately looking for in Lightroom was a button called 'Process'. No luck - it's like having a keyboard without 'Enter'!

[miniman]

Simpo Two said:

miniman said:

Simpo Two said:

Lightroom failed for me because it doesn't allow processing on the fly - so if you find a way to do this, let me know!

Not sure what you mean there - define "processing on the fly"?

What I mean is that you can set it to process Photo 1 in the background while you twiddle with Photo 2. That way, by the time you get to Photo 457, they're all cooked

What I was desperately looking for in Lightroom was a button called 'Process'. No luck - it's like having a keyboard without 'Enter'!

I see what you mean. I've never used PS for anything that takes long enough to process to think about working on something else whilst it gets on with it