Fixing photos - CS3 or Elements 5.0?

[oscillator]

I've come to the conclusion that my old version of Photoshop Elements 3.0 doesn't do enough - specifically vignetting and other lens distortions are a pain.

It looks like many of these features are addressed in Elements 5.0. What do you guys think? Is the "pro" version worth the extra $500 clams or so? Are people here using CS2 or Elements 5?

Thanks!

[dreslism]

Hey Mark, 43 views and no replies.

I say something so you don't feel lonely.

I guess I have never corrected for vignetting or other lens distortions so I can't say.

I have elements and CS2, I use elements more as that is what I started with, and it has a selection brush tool (Keyboard A) that works great for adjust selections, that does not seem to exist in CS2. I very much got used to using this selection brush tool, and that is why I stick with elements. I only have elements 3, so I can't comment on the newer features in 5.0.

Any example of vignetting or other distortions you are removing from your shots?

Thanks,

[j_kookboy]

I've been using the beta CS3 for distortions.

I have Elements 3 as well and am used to that but try to get more time with CS3. Lots of great addon's.

[oscillator]

Thanks Scott and Jesse.

Scott,

if you look closely at the pics I posted recently in the "Daily pic" thread you can see some vignetting. It is more noticeable in the full res file. With Elements 3 I was able to make a gradient mask and reduce it, but it was a huge pain to get the gradient correct - and I still could have done better.

Elements 5 is supposed to handle lens distortions. The upgrade is $79 I think, and only $99 outright. CS3 is $600-700 or something like that, so if I can do everything I need with Elements why not.

Jesse,

what features in CS3 are you using that aren't in Elements 5? I'm sure CS3 does much more than Elements 5, just don't know if I need it. For the difference I could buy a new heli. :shock: I may have just answered my question. :wink:

Thanks!

[j_kookboy]

Jesse,

what features in CS3 are you using that aren't in Elements 5? I'm sure CS3 does much more than Elements 5, just don't know if I need it. For the difference I could buy a new heli. :shock: I may have just answered my question. :wink:

Thanks!

For some reason my beta trial is not expiring for CS3, which is the reason I haven't gone to elements 5 yet.

I read you about the upgrade/price. :shock:

[henrik04]

I've come to the conclusion that my old version of Photoshop Elements 3.0 doesn't do enough - specifically vignetting and other lens distortions are a pain.

It looks like many of these features are addressed in Elements 5.0. What do you guys think? Is the "pro" version worth the extra $500 clams or so? Are people here using CS2 or Elements 5?

Thanks!

I'm using CS2 (after a long step learning curve) and I wont change now :glasses2: (I haven't updated to CS3 yet. There is virtually nothing you can't do with CS2, exept maybe if your original is out of focus.
Too dark, too bright, geometry or colour distorsion, white balance, over or under exposed.. Does not matter :wink:

Once you have passed the 'hovering stage' with CS2, you can do amaizing 3d :D

[KarbonBird]

Adobe Lightroom for correcting exposure, colour etc and PS2 for levelling and cropping shots works fine for me.

[bladebreaker]

I've been in the same boat. So far happy with Elements 5.0 I'm sure there are more bells and whistles in CS2/3, but I need more convincing before I shell out the $. I got my Elements 5.0 at Walmart that was in the $49.99 slot and they honered the price. Best $49.99 I've ever spent!