Okay, what advice is out there on cs2 and element 5?  I've read the comparisons but lack serious vocab in understanding what I read!  So seriously,

who can put it in basic English for those peopel like me!  Thanks a ton!

tamilou,

Basically, CS2 is about $500.00-$600.00 dollars and Elements is about $100.00.  Elements is the abridged version, there are things it will not do.  But from what I understand, if you are just editing your pics for personal use, scrapbooks, albums, family and so on, Elements is perfectly adequate.  If you are doing professional editing or graphic art, definitely get CS2.  There is a learning curve on CS2, you usually don't just pick it up and go.  There are lots of books, magazines and online tutorials to help.  I love CS2, I think it is a riot.

ksc

I am using elements for professional use and so far it has been fine for me.  there hasn't been too much that I've seen done in cs2 that i haven't been able to figure out in my elements so I'm not really sure what I'm missing.  One thing I did see is the bulk uploading ability but other than that...what is a super highlight in it for portrait photog.

Thanks for the help!

tamilou,

By all means, use Elements if it works for you.  It is definitely cheaper and I understand a lot of people feel it fills their needs.  I haven't messed with Elements enough to know how it is different, I went straight to CS2.  I have been told by others that Elements limited them so they upgraded.  I don't know how Elements deals with RAW,  That is what would make a difference with me.  I do know the "bells and whistles" for graphic art is different between the two versions, but that wouldn't matter if you don't use them.

ksc

I used elements 2.0 for about 2 years professionaly. One reason, I was basically self taught with photo editing and didn't know there was a difference. I thought it "was" photoshop. I didn't know any better until I went to a workshop and all I heard was Cs2. huh?? 

I've had it about a year now, and still learning, have come a long way though. There are a lot of features that I may never use. I couldn't do without the portrait photography features. With high volumes at the studio, certain times of the year, I don't know how I made it with elements. Cs2 has so many automatic features and does a better job.  I had to get a new computer to hold Cs2, also an external memory box so I wouldn't use up the memory in the new pc.

It was a big jump from elements to cs2.  If I had it to do over again, I would have stuck with photoshop 6.0 for a while that I got on ebay, and work my way up to Cs2.  I got 6.0 to immediatly upgrade to Cs2 and save money.   I am used to CS2 now, it would be hard to go back.  Note: you can't upgrade to Cs2 from elements.  You will need 6.0 or higher.

I've had the same question.....I too work in elements 5.0 - I have access to CS2 at work and find that it is easier to naviagate and work in elements, but it does lack several options that CS2 carries.

Example: I was working on photos last night with miss moscow (a fellow mpixer) and she was talking about layers etc. When I tried to apply the same technique in CS2 It didn't go quite as smoothly as elements. I was trying to layer the same photo with one bw and the other color to erase out and bring color back in. It worked perfect elements, in CS2 the layers wouldn't separate. what I did to one, changed the other layer too. I am sure it is a setting issue.

good luck in whatever you decide.....and you can find CS2 on ebay for much less....anyone have experience making a purchase this way for software like this?

In addition to below, people have been saying that CS3 has an amazing image stitching tool now... 

Some of the features in Photoshop CS2 that are not included in Photoshop Elements 5 are:

• CMYK and LAB color modes
• More tools and features that work with high-bit (16-bit and 32-bit) images
• Combine multiple exposures to create high dynamic range (HDR) images
• Channels Palette
• Recording custom Actions (for batch processing)
• Adjustments: Color Balance, Match Color
• Layer Masks, Layer Comps, and Quick Mask mode
• Smart Objects, Smart Guides
• Lens Blur Filter
• Vanishing Point Tool
• Pen tool and paths palette
• Some adjustment layers (curves, color balance, selective color, channel mixer)
• Editing History Log
• Text on a path, advanced text formatting
• Advanced Layer Style manipulation
• Advanced Color Management
• Advanced Web features and ImageReady (rollovers, slicing)
• Customizable tool presets, keyboard shortcuts, and menus
• In the features and tools that are shared, the Photoshop version usually offers more advanced options for fine tuning and control.

Although these features are not natively supported in Photoshop Elements, some of them can be simulated through other tools in Elements (layer masks and quick mask, for example), and some are actually there, but hidden and only accessible through actions created in the full version of Photoshop.

zSB(3,3)

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Some generous folks who have access to both Photoshop and Elements have created add-ons and tools that will allow Elements to use some of these features. See the Add-ons and Tools for Enhancing Photoshop Elements section to learn more about how to get these tools.

Photoshop Elements also offers some features that are not available in Photoshop such as the cookie cutter tool, drop in frames, backgrounds, and artwork, an automatic red eye removal, Quick Fix mode, and the Photo Organizer. The Photo Organizer (only in the Windows version of Photoshop Elements 3 and up) lets you organize your photos with tags, then search and share them. The Organizer also offers several types of creations for sharing your photos in slide shows, video CDs, cards, email, calendars, Web galleries, and photo books.

In addition, most Photoshop-compatible Plug-ins and Filters will also work with Photoshop Elements. Photoshop Elements users who are aware of the limitations noted above can also take advantage of the many Photoshop Tutorials found on the Web.

psElements, then go to easyfilter.com and download thier free "smart curve" plug-in.

follow the directions and you will have one of the more important tools missing from Elements although 5.0 has a onelegged version of the curves dialog.

 OOPS!!!

sorry, try this

http://free.pages.at/easyfilter/curves.html

I have Photoshop Elements -- and finally figuired out out to really use it to do what I want. They I got an idea that maybe I should buy CS2 standard since I have been receiving more phone calls to take pictures.  So I purchased the cs2 standard and received it and then decided that I didn't really wanted it and tried to return it but it was too late. The company said that I couldn't -- Is cs2 too hard for me to learn (any one have some good advice on how to teach me to use it) or would anyone be interested in purchasing it from me? 

Please let me know what I can do?

Thanks

Hey Bergan,

 CS2 is tough especially going right to it from elements.  There are lots of schools you can take.  I attend texas school every year.  I always learn alot.  They have at least 3 photoshop classes.  If you really want to do photography on a professional level, keep cs2 and start working with it.  It is a great program and cs3 is even better.  You won't regret it at all.

I'm wanting to buy Photoshop, but not sure if I should go with elements or CS3.  After reading this thread, I'm still not sure.  What would you recommend for someone who's just getting started.  Should I learn E. and later upgrade, or just dive into CS3 with it's advantages and complexities?

I have CS3 and it's an amazing program and I love it.  Saying that, it also required some heavy duty learning on my part.  I started with 7 and went up from there.  I did take two classes in Photoshop, one in 8 and one in CS which helped me really be able to understand what I am doing in CS3.

My suggestion is if you are planning on taking any classes or purchasing any of the great instruction books (a lot on here rave about the Scott Kelby books) go with CS3...if not go with Elements.  CS3 could really make you wish you hadn't spent the money....really steep learning curve and not for the faint hearted.  And using Elements will give you more of a sense of accomplishment than sitting and looking at a program you can't figure out how to use.

PattyG

go with elements 6 not 5 though.

there are free plug ins for elements that make using it more like full PS now.

There are also actions that you can get to use with elements.

 Amen JessE, most people only use 1/10 of PS.

Why buy a Ferrari if you cant drive past 30 mph?

I would love to have a PS challenge here using only the filters that shipped with PS7.

Oh, and in real time no actions.

Yes, there is a learning curve. My curve starts in death valley and heads down before cresting.

PSE6 and add some goodies, rims, sound system, ground effects.

Sorry got carried away, Y chromosome thing.
 

I usually recomend Elements to people who are just starting out...

Using Elements lets you get your feet wet without the sticker shock of the full version of Photoshop. You get a chance to become familiar with the Adobe interface - which is very similar between the products. It allows you to become familiar with the basics and terminology and is still powerful enough for most people to meet 95% of all their editing needs.

I started out with CS2 and now have CS3.  Yes, it is a steep learning curve, but you can learn it.  I bought several Scott Kelby books, I did an online search for PS tutorials and visit a couple of forums that have a PS forum to learn.  If there is something I want to learn, I do an online search and learn it.  I am in no way a computer geek (actually my 4 year old--13 years ago--had to tell me how to turn a computer on!), so I know anyone can learn it.  It does take some time to learn, so just know that.  I consider the learning curve part of an investment in my photographic future.

I am not familiar with Elements, but I have heard (take it as face value as I don't really know) that you can't work with layers in Elements.  Being able to work with layers, for me, is such a big thing that I would much rather have a steep learning curve than not have it at all.  Will I ever learn everything there is in CS3?  I truly doubt it, but what I've learned is amazing and has given me a chance to offer my customers so much more than I ever dreamed of. 

Can I take a picture and have it look great using just Elements?   I am sure I can.  I know several of the fantastic photographers on this forum use Elements.  I just wonder what they could do if they had CS2 or CS3????

Can you get a trial version of either program?  Maybe you could look at the trial versions and then decide.

Elements does have layers and you can use them without any problem...  

monica, not layers, but layer masks.  Then I posted a link for a free plug in for that, and it may have been originally posted here or on another site.

I love the RAW editor that came with PSE6....supposed to be almost as good as the one in CS3.

There is an online community that I visit frequently that I've learned so much about elements in, they also have a forum dedicated to CS3. You might check it out.

Thanks so much for responding.  I think the answer is pretty clear.   

RastaRican:

Why buy a Ferrari if you cant drive past 30 mph?