Decisions decisions....

[boccers_2000]

Hi all.

I've only just started post processing seriously and there seems to be so much out there on the softwarre side.

I'm getting the sense that Lightroom 3 is the best way to go from the threads.

What I want to use is sharpening, HDR, layering, masking etc. Would you recommed lightroom 3 for this? I had also been looking at Elements 9 and Photo Pro x3.

thoughts on what I should go for and where these can be sourced cheapest?

 

[arad85]

I'd start with Elements 9 as it also has a cut down version of photroshop. Lightroom is great for a lot of things, but you need Photoshop for some sorts of edits (particularly selective masking and more complex content aware options).

 

[Kerioak]

No, LR 3 is a great cataloguing system and a reasonable editing programme but does not do HDR, layers, masking etc. For really detailed editing then Photoshop is great, I understand Elements 9 is an excellent cut down version of Photoshop - Amazon are often as cheap as anyone

 

[Chappers]

Yes Elements 9 is probably the best option for what you want to start with. It's also a lot cheaper than Lightroom. Additionally the skills you learn in Elements can be easily transferred if you decide to go for the full version of Photoshop

 

[swanseamale47]

No, Lightroom doesn't do layers and it doesn't do proper HDR (although you can send to external editors) Elements is probably a better bet from what you say.