Questions about Adobe Photoshop Elements

[LucyG]

I'm thinking of asking for this photo editing software for Christmas, and I just wondered what others think of it. I currently use a free program (Shutterfly Express) to edit, crop, red-eye reduce, etc. our digital pictures. It's basic, but has worked well for us. I know I don't need or want the full version of Photoshop. Does Elements offer a lot more than what I just described in my free software? Is it fairly easy to learn and use? If you've used this program, do you recommend it? Would you purchase at Staples, Office Depot, etc., or are there better places to buy it? And, did I hear that a new version is coming out soon? Thank you!


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19 months and counting!

[jstevens]

I have Elements 2.0 and love it. It can do a lot more than simple picture editing. I use the clone stamp a lot to fix any blemishes etc. It has many useful features and is not as overwhelming as Photoshop. I bought it bundled with Adobe Album (photo organization program) also a great program. It really depends on what you want to do with your photos. If all you want to do is do the simple editing you described maybe Elements is a bit too much for you. The new version 3.0 is now out and it lists the following new features:


Brush away flaws

Easily adjust shadows and highlights

View before and after

Get high quality with camera raw and 16-bit support

Enjoy flexible print options

Instantly improve photos

See the full color range

Click away red eye

Add decorative edges

Divide scanned photos

To answer your question, Elements offers a lot more than what you described, is relatively easy to learn and would recommend it highly. One thing that is neat about it is that it does have photo organization built in and you can do neat things like create slideshows, send creative picture e-mails etc. Check Amazon.com for best prices.

[papal]

Yep, Elements is more than enough.. i bought mine at Office Depot.

[LucyG]

I definitely want to do more than I can with my current editing program, so I think Elements would probably work for me. I am comfortable with the computer and with the digital camera, so is it likely that I will be able to learn Elements on my own? Is the info. that comes with the software sufficient for a beginner to use easily?

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif[/img][/url]
19 months and counting!

[jstevens]

I think it is likely you will learn Elements on your own. I didn't find the info that comes with the software as helpful as the book I purchased, "Photoshop Elements for Dummies".

[LD92599]

I can't recommend this book enough. It's loaded w/ full color pages w/ tons of "how to's!" Definitely helpful!
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/15363.jpg
Laura
mom to William
3.5.2003

http://homepage.mac.com/ld14m

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[ellies mom]

I think for the basic stuff, you can definately learn Elemants on your own. For some of the stuff floating around here the last few days, I think is not as easy to figure out, but there are a bunch of books out there.

I really like Elements, enough that I'm asking for the upgrade for Christmas.