Upgrade to CS4 or get Lightroom?

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KayGraham

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Kay
Edit My Images
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I currently have Photoshop CS3 but it (very annoyingly!!!! :shake:) does not open my NEF/Raw files from my D5000 and I can't download the new ACR which supports the D5000 because it is only compatible with CS4!

So my question is do I go ahead and upgrade to the CS4 to get the upgraded ACR which supports my camera, or do I buy Lightroom to do RAW edits in then convert to Jpeg to do any other edits needed in CS3 .........

I hope that makes sense? :shrug:

TIA
 
£500 seems a lot just for a camera compatibility upgrade; LR might be prudent unless you're flush...
 
LR lets you take the files into PS and edit there - then returns them to LR - very handy. Also catalogues all your pictures which is great.
 
Have you actually tried downloading the latest DNG and running it?

It does add files for CS3. You get more than just standard.

Capture NX2 would be a cheaper option.
 
Lightroom is completely awesome! If you do big shoots, it will completely revolutionise your workflow. Far more value for money than the PS upgrade, in my opinion.
 
Merovingian said:
£500 seems a lot just for a camera compatibility upgrade; LR might be prudent unless you're flush...
Click to expand...
I would only pay the upgrade price....

awp- Does Lightroom keep it as a RAW file when it transfers into PS?

Ben Hur- :thinking: I don't understand??? I tried the latest ACR (compatible with CS3) upgrade but that didn't support my camera (D5000) What is DNG :help:

Hmmm lightroom is looking to me like the best option at the moment, any more opinions??
I have never used Lightroom before how does it differ to PS?

The cheapest I have found is:

£142.50 to upgrade to CS4 from CS3
or
£186.50 Lightroom

Let me know if you know of any better prices??
 
It creates a PSD or Tiff - and leaves the RAW file untouched - changes you have already made to the RAW file can be transferred to the PSD for further editing. You can D/L a trial.
 
I'm a big fan of Lightroom, but I mainly shoot sports so can end up with loads of RAWs. If you are just going to use it as a RAW convertor before taking the images into PS CS3 I'd suggest Adobe's DNG convertor, its free and will convert your files to a compatible format.

DNG is Adobe's raw forat, not only does it keep all of the detail of your NEF, it is a slightly smaller file size and the metadata is embedded within the file, rather than put in a sidecar file.
 
Just checked the Adobe site. The latest DNG converter supports Nikon D5000
 
A definite vote for Lightroom. Brilliant for cataloguing your photographs, searching for photographs, and for comparing similar views to decide on best. Great for making changes to your RAW file - white balance, exposure, contrast, clarity, vibrance etc (and can be done to whole photo or selectively).

Can be exported directly into photoshop, while retaining RAW file, and then importing altered image back into Lightroom folder, as well as being useful for sending as email, printing, producing a slide show or adding to web page.

Get it and one of the books, such as Scott Kelby, so you make the most of it and you wont regret it - at least I haven't! ;)
 
Another for Lightroom - if you shoot large numbers of images - it's great for any subtle changes. More drastic edits - like cloning out a lamp post can then be done through photoshop if required...
 
KayGraham said:
Great advice from you all thanks, been busy at work so not had time to get back on but my hard work has paid off as I got a bonus :clap: so I think I may have to treat myself to Lightroom!! :lol:
Click to expand...

As to converting your raw files do it in Nikon Capture its brill for retaining the shot as you took it in camera, unlike Photoshop which completely drains any colour or contrast you took in camera, so then you have to mess about trying to get your image looking like it was. Worth getting :thumbs:
 
1. Go to Adobe and download Adobe DNG Converter 5.5 update http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/thankyou.jsp?ftpID=4576&fileID=4244

2. Install by double clicking on the icon

3. Open CS3 and open a NEF file.

The RAW window will say on the top strap, Camera 4.6 and tell you the name of the camera.

It says D5000?

Click on the camera icon> name to give you a drop down list with ACR 4.4, 2.4, Adobe Standard, 3 camera DX modes, and camera landscape, neutral, portrait, standard, vivid.

But I still maintain that Capture NX2 is superior for NEF files, and then to CS3 should you need too.
 
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