Which PP Tool?

[Mile]

I've been using an old version of Photoshop CS2 on my Windows PC to edit my photos. However, I now have an MacBook Pro and I'd prefer to cast off Windows once and for all, which would mean getting a new PP tool.

I see things like Photoshop CS5, Aperture 3, Lightroom 3, and Elements 7, and I don't know which would be best for me. To this end, I'd be interested in others thoughts on all these, especially those who have used two or more of the tools.

 

[Denyerec]

I use LR3 and CS5. I've tried CaptureOne but came back to Lightroom for processing (No grad ND filter in CaptureOne).
Some people use PictureWindow for certain tasks, but really Photoshop is king of the hill.

Worth every penny IMO.

 

[Jim.R]

How much editing are you planning on doing? If it's only a bit of cropping/leveling and adjusting exposure, iPhoto will probably suffice.

 

[Chappers]

Stewart

First of all you may be able to get a Mac version of Photoshop from Adobe. I did it last year. I had to purchase the upgrade but I got CS4 for Mac from CS3. email Adobe customer services , not sure if CS2 is within the upgrade range, but don't ask don't get.

Secondly Lightroom is a dream to work on images. Even if you ignore the cataloguing function, web publishing and print module. Although the same engine is in Photoshop the interface with Lightroom is much nicer. With Lightroom, depending on what amount of pixel editing you do you may find Elements 8 all you need to compliment Lightroom.

Don't forget there are trial downloads available on the Adobe web site

 

[Strobe]

I use Lightroom 3 for 90% of my PP, the latest version is really top notch. For the extra 10% I use Photoshop Elements 8. That's a really good combo if you're not one to spend hours on post processing.