CS3 or CS4 dilemma

Loopy

Loopy

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Lynda
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As said, I'm having a bit of a dilemma at the moment.

I am currently using a canon 20D and Photoshop 7. Old I know but they have done the job so far. I've had this set up for the last 2 years and am soon (hopefully) going to be in a position to upgrade a bit.
I'm hoping to get a 50D in the new year and want to upgrade my software too. I don't think that I want to go down the Elements route because I think I'll miss some of the features I've been using (I am right in thinking that elements doesn't support masks or curves?)
I know that I don't use PS to it's full potential at the mo but I have been using some tutorial CDs lately and I feel like my learning curve is going through the roof.

I've been watching some new CS4 packages on that well known auction site and there are some bargains to be had, however the CS3 goes for a lot less.

I realise that I should only buy a sealed item and avoid the student (and probably the extended) versions.

So my questions are -
Do I pay the extra and try to get the most up to date version of cs or will cs3 be enough for me?
What does 4 offer over 3 or, what are the arguments for buying elements 8?
If I get CS3, will I need a plugin to use raw and does this cost extra too?

My head is spinning with trying to read and make sense of all of this so I would really appreciate any views.

On top of this I'm thinking of changing my lens set up too so I'll probably be asking opinions on that as well.:thinking:
 
I use CS3.3 and CS4 now I've bought a 5d2.. My 50d RAW's worked fine with my CS3.3 - so don't see that being an issue for you?

I guess the question is - will you stop at a 50 - or will the 5/7 come next? Then you'll need CS4...

I'd be wary of buying from a well known auction site - as even the nice shiny sealed ones could very well be fake... Software prices are unfortunately high - but if you think you're getting a bargain be careful - it might be something you later regret :)
 
thanks for the replies guys.

Now really stupid questions.
What is the difference between cs3 and cs3.3?
And where does camera raw 4.6 come in to it.
Also, is a DNG converter something that you apply to CS3 or run separately?
Finally, is it so bad using Canon's own converter?

I'll probably stick with the 50 for a while. It's taken me so long to decide on the upgrade that when I started I was considering the 40 ;).
 
Quick bump to see if there are any more replies or answers.

Ta.
:thumbs:
 
i think the 3.3 was the acrobat 9 update within the suite.
Camera raw comes into it when/if you want to convert your raw files, and needs to be compatible with your cam, and no its not bad using canons converter, so maybe not an issue if your converting to jpeg.
 
Or wait for CS5 - Expected in the 1st quarter of 2010
 
Loopy said:
thanks for the replies guys.

Now really stupid questions.
What is the difference between cs3 and cs3.3?
And where does camera raw 4.6 come in to it.
Also, is a DNG converter something that you apply to CS3 or run separately?
Finally, is it so bad using Canon's own converter?

I'll probably stick with the 50 for a while. It's taken me so long to decide on the upgrade that when I started I was considering the 40 ;).
Click to expand...


CS3.3 is a free upgrade to CS3 owners

If you can find CS3 in good price would be nice and them upgrade to cs5 next year.

here are the new feactures:

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/photoshop/features/?view=topnew

honestly not a lot of new features. Adjustments panel & Lightroom workflow enhanced are the most significant
 
okay, thanks for that. I have a bit more research to do now making some more comparisons, but things are getting clearer.
 
mastertrinity said:
or just get a copy of CS for around £50 then upgrade to CS4 for £160 and there you have it, CS4 for £200 pretty much more than half the price of buying it standard.
Click to expand...

Can you do that jump? I thought it was one level at a time.
 
Get CS3. There is virtually no difference between CS3 and CS4 unless you dig deep, need to do 3D work or want to work with images with a bit size that pretty much no one currently needs to use (32, 64)

I do a lot of Photoshop work, and I mean a lot, and I noticed virtually no difference, and I could do everything I needed to do on both.

Seriously, just ignore CS4, save your money.
(If you ever feel the drastic need to go to CS4, then take the above advice).
 
You are right. But CS4 is a better application to work in - The whole workflow just seems to work better and faster and the user interface is great!

But there isn't muh of a difference in the editig tools available for the average photographer.
 
Theres quite a lot of difference between CS3 and CS4 actually, as well as a new interface theres
spring loaded keys
improved scrolling (with gl supported video cards)
masks panel
ajustments panel
improved colour range selection options
content aware scaling which I find ver usefull on times.
depth of field blending
the extra tools in camera raw are handy if you use raw a lot too.
Having said that personally I wouldn't buy CS4 now with a new version due out in a few months. (probably april)
Wayne
 
Really appreciate the input.

I'm thinking, for me, that CS3 will be enough. I'm still on a steep learning curve and I reckon there'll be enough to keep me busy in the older version.

However, if anyone feels that they can add to the above please do.

:thumbs:
 
Adam Rowney said:
Get CS3. There is virtually no difference between CS3 and CS4 unless you dig deep
.
Click to expand...

I have to disagree with you CS4 is much more user friendly and the use on the mask has improved also I think the new stile of tools please the added ones are much better. Changes to the controls also help making it work better and easer.
 
As I noted above whilst I agree the changes are better, there is plenty in CS3 for the beginner into Ps. I would not worry about the additons in CS4. In fact know a top pro wedding photographer still on Ps 7!!!
 
If CS5 is out in 3-4 months then I'd hold off and wait for CS4 prices to soften...
 
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