Time to buy Photoshop?

dunczilla

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14 Aug 2006 - 5:34 PM

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It's been a year now since I got my first digital camera - a Pentax Optio 750z compact. The results (though I say so myself!) have dramatically exceeded my expectations, and I'm now beginning to think seriously about investing and upgrading.

I guess my question is - do I need Photoshop? Up to now I've been using Paintshop Pro 8, which came free with my graphics tablet. I've learnt to do most of the basic stuff, and it seems to perform just as well. I understand that Photoshop is the "Industry Standard", but it seems to feature almost exclusively in camera magazines, with seldom a mention of PSP. This is partucularly frustrating when it comes to the tutorials and video lessons.

I feel like I'm going to have to buy it if I'm to stand any chance of improving my photographic skills, rather than persevere with Paintshop Pro. For £500 I want to be sure I'll need it! (And how come folk are selling it on eBay as part of a "DVD bundle" for £20? What's that about?)

Is now the time?

timwilson

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14 Aug 2006 - 5:46 PM

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The copies on Ebay will be one of 2 things:

1 - illegal copies.

2 - "1 persons worth" of a multi user licence. Sounds more legit, but I believe that it's still technically not allowed.

It's a truly awesome piece of software, but I'd guess that 99% of it's users only know how to squeeze 10% of it's potential. Photoshop elements is a cut down version which is much cheaper. Yes - it's not as powerful, but does a lot of the functions many people need. Might be worth dipping your toe in with that, and seeing how you get on? I've got few spare copies kicking about somewhere which I got free with some hardware - PM me if one would be any use to you!

Tim

miptog

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14 Aug 2006 - 6:34 PM

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If you use PSP8 in advanced way, then CS2 is the way to go, if in a basic manner than the elements version. It is worth getting to know how to use the Photoshop products. Mike

philwig

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14 Aug 2006 - 7:22 PM

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Unless you're really into it, in which case you wouldn't be posting here, then I'd probably not go for PS/CS2. You could try the demo version as someone said, or pick up a copy of "Photoshop Elements", which has some of the features and most of the user interface.

When you get to the point when you need CS2 you'll know about it.

I wouldn't touch bootleg software - that's what you're looking at on eBay. If you want that then there's no need to pay theives for it.


I think you're correct though: back in the bad old days dark-room skills were absolutely key to good photography, and these days the same's true of Photoshop [or PSP] skills.

Centurion

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14 Aug 2006 - 9:02 PM

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Get PS elements then If you do decide to go all out you will already know the interface.

Gav

timbo

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14 Aug 2006 - 9:09 PM

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I've said this before, to the amusement of my peers, Photoshop elements 2 is all i need despite being a full time tog. Have tried the full versions and just do the same stuff so why pay the extra? As long as you know the limitations it's fine.
As said before, get it right in camera first.

DaveU (e2 Member)

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14 Aug 2006 - 9:15 PM

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Totally agree .... spend cash on a quality camera and set of lenses, then consider the software angle. Photoshop can certainly add gloss to a good image, but it can't do much if the raw material is poor to begin with. I should know, I've tried

dunczilla

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14 Aug 2006 - 10:17 PM

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Thanks everyone, that's really helpful feedback. It sounds like Elements could be the way to go, then maybe rethink when I upgrade to DSLR. It'll make that next camera just a little bit closer!