Adobe photoshop elements 7 to CS5 - worth it?

[PatrickO]

I'm presently using Elements 7 in a very basic way.

I'm detemined to improve my PP skills and have booked myself on to some photoshop training days. The training centre use Macs and CS3. I use Windows but I'm told it's identical on both platforms.

My question is should I bite the bullet and get the full Photoshop and if so which version?

I am eligible to get the Student/teacher version of CS5 for about £170 on Amazon.

Thanks in advance, Patrick

 

[troutfisher]

If you can get CS5 for £170 get it, there is a lot you will never use but for £170 its worth every penny

 

[swanseamale47]

If your trying to improve your editing skills then in time you may outgrow elements (although it's pretty good) the full version has a lot more in it and it's a good investment if your seriously into photo editing (or lightly to be in the near future) I doubt you'll look back from upgrading.

 

[PatrickO]

Thanks Chris and Wayne. I'm still a bit undecided. Money is tight at present, but I'd be willing to fork out if it's really going to make a difference to my PP.

Need to ponder a bit more.

Patrick

 

[Adam_K]

Patrick I started using Elements 4.0 from memory but you will quickly outgrow the software if you are serious about image manipulation. I upgraded to CS4 Master collection and it was worth every penny although a totally different animal. My wife is a teacher and can get CS5 even cheaper through her union, tempted to upgrade but still learning all the tricks of CS4.

I can't comment on the editing power of Elements 7, I am sure it has had many changes but master that and then you will have an understanding of the bigger stronger brother. As I guide I purchased the book Understanding Adobe CS4 for photographers at almost 700 pages it gives you major brain ache.

 

[martyp]

All Adobe stuff is indentical on both platforms, just hit command instead of control on the Mac for example.

If you can get CS5 for that price I'd grab it. I honestly don't know what they'll do in CS6 but I can see me going with this one until something really magical comes to the table. So I'd be a great investment at that price, just pick up Scott Kelby's Photoshop CS5 for Photographers book of Amazon and get learning.