I was just wondering what peoples knowledge about photoshop CS4 or earlier versions was on this forum. What is your favorite functions and could you live without it? I finally picked up a copy off ebay for $150 after several failed attempts at downloading it^^ I really like the smart sharpening and of course the incredible layer abilities. Its really great to be able to work out the problems in one specific spot without altering the rest of the photo which is the case with lightroom. Any thoughts on photoshop? :)
CS4 Usage
(37 posts) (6 voices)-
Posted 3 years ago #
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I just bought CS4 last month because I'm about to graduate and I wanted to get the student pricing before I do. I've been using paint shop pro X as a layer editor for the past 4 years or so, and if I wasn't getting student pricing on photoshop I wouldn't even consider it over PSP X. PSP does everything I would need PS to do, though it's a bit more work sometimes. Also, I prefer the vector graphics handling of PSP over PS--I don't like having each new shape on its own layer, so I still use PSP to generate figures for work.
There are two main reasons I bought photoshop:
1. There is such a huge support community. In PSP I was on my own with the help file when I started using it, which was pretty well written, but it's not the same as just asking someone who has done what you're trying to do. I feel like I know PSP well enough now not to worry about that, but there are also so many free photoshop actions out there that you can pick apart to find out how to get effects that you want, not to mention hundreds of books about photoshop techniques.2. The interface with Lightroom. LR2 is so powerful with its adjustment brush that I went from spending 85% of my editing time in LR1 to spending around 95% of my editing time in LR2. If you're still using LR1, I can say that I would have paid the upgrade price for that feature alone (I hope Adobe isn't reading this). But for those rare instances when I need to open a photo in a layer editor, it's nice to not have to worry about losing any info in the transfer. PSP X had very limited 16-bit editing functionality. In fact, I'm not even sure what you -can- do in 16-bit mode in PSP--practically everything brings up the "must convert to 8-bit" dialog. Maybe that was better implemented in later versions, though I doubt it because I think after acquiring jasc, Corel was trying to move PSP away from the market of its own layer editor, photo paint.
The bottom line is I could live without photoshop. Lightroom not so much (LR2 particularly). I'm sure different people would have different opinions, though. I'm interested in processing an entire photo shoot in the least amount of time possible.
Just as an aside, I also trialled Corel Photo Paint. I thought it would be easy since I spent about three years using it years ago, but after using programs with a photoshop-like interface for years (the GIMP and PSP), I got completely frustrated with it after a couple days using it.
Posted 3 years ago # -
I just bought LR 2, with my son's student pricing and at work I was given the NIK Complete Collection: Dffine 2.0, Viveza, Color Efex Pro 3.0, Silver Efex Pro and Sharpener Pro 3.0
I think this could be fun to work with
Maybe in the future CS4, If what I have now is not going to do what I want
Pete
Posted 3 years ago # -
Interesting..I definately agree there is a very large support community for photoshop thats for sure. I also like the fact that there is an overwelming amount of literature as well. I use Adobe Photoshop for Photographers and its great. It can be used with microsoft or a mac. I have not used lightroom 2.0, but I do use Lightroom 1.3 because it allows RAW conversions for my D300. I believe Lightroom 1.3 was the last Lightroom version that could be downloaded with an earlier edition? I was given version 1.1 free when I bought a D80 in South Korea. The shop manager had a copy in English that was sitting around collecting dust. So Jonnyapple you couldn't live without Lightroom then? It sorts your workflow beautifully doesn't it? bmxdad don't forget that ebay has great prices on CS4 thats the only reason I was able to pick up a copy. Otherwise you can expect to pay as much as $900 or a enough for a very nice lens...
Posted 3 years ago # -
kanuck: Adobe Camera RAW is free - you don't need to use Lightroom for that.
How many of you really REALLY think you're buying legit software on eBay?
Posted 3 years ago # -
Kanuck: LR1 was up to 1.4.1 when I switched.
http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=3891
(mac)
http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=3892
(windows)Posted 3 years ago # -
Thanks Jonnyapple you are right. I remember the reason why I stopped at 1.3 was it was enough for my D300 and its RAW files to transfer. Soap, I was under the impression that in order to be able to process RAW files efficiently you had to have the appropriate lightroom program for your computer. ie version 1.1 wouldn't process my d300 RAW files but was fine for my D80. Therefore, I upgraded to 1.3 which was still free to download. 1.4 is free but after that you have to pay for higher versions. I believe you are out of luck if you have a D700 no? I might be wrong completely here though. As far as buying legit software on Ebay, yes its dicey but my version seems alright with a key and no bugs yet so I can't complain. Are you a CS4 user Soap?
Posted 3 years ago # -
Completely wrong re:D700
kanuk - because Nikon encrypts WB info in their NEF files you Adobe is normally ~1 month behind on conversion software. (They used to be longer) the CameraRAW converter for the D300s came out a week or two ago. It's not the version of LightRoom you need to worry about (or the version of PhotoShop, etc) it's the version of CameraRAW - and while it comes with LR / PS it is also a free standalone / or upgrade.
I'm still on CS3. Likely won't upgrade as I use LightRoom for 90% of what I do and I don't feel compelled by PS CS4 yet. Rather spend the money elsewhere. (Like on my darkroom)
You can get "a key" which works on any torrent site - doesn't make it legit. TANSTAAFL. ;)
Posted 3 years ago # -
Soap: I just ordered LR 2 and should have it next week, sounds like its going to be well liked. Also they are stating that LR 2 purchased from now one will have a free upgrade to LR 3
Are you using the new Beta LR or still LR 2, I tried ACDSee's new Beta version and it crashed all the time, I am currently using their current version, but overall don't like it, it was fast at showing pictures. Is LR 2 fast also
Pete
Posted 3 years ago # -
What do you mean by showing pictures, Pete? Do you mean show like a slideshow, show like browse your own collection, or show like post to a website?
Whatever you mean, it's blazing fast. Being able to browse by metadata is a thin slice of heaven: remember which lens you shot the picture with but not the exact date? Filter by lens (or camera; or lens and camera; or camera, lens, and year). Need to throw up a quick website so a customer can proof images? Once you set up the ftp settings and save a preset that you like, it is seriously as easy as selecting the pictures and three mouse clicks. Slideshows are the same way. And, no, I don't work for Adobe.The keywording is also nice when you need to find specific pictures, though I hope LR3 includes face recognition the way Picasa 3.5 does--I have had so much fun with that over the past few weeks finding pictures I had forgotten about. If they (they, as usual, refers to google here) can implement it in a free software package, Adobe should be able to put it in a paid application.
Posted 3 years ago # -
ACDSee is crap IMHO. Forced upon my by work I reassign all my associations so it never launches its vile head.
Posted 3 years ago # -
JohnnyApple - I'm with you 100% on your comments about Paint Shop Pro... For most of my purposes, its a better layer editor than Photo Shop. It doesn't have all the features of photo-shop, but its much easier to use in my opinion. It's the only PC program I miss on my Mac. In particular, I love the batch processing capeabilities of PSP. One of these days, I'm going to have to figure out how to use Automator... maybe then I can replicate a lot of it on the mac. That said, it seems like it gets slower and more bloated with each release. I hope Corel spends some time on optimization.
The best reason to use Photoshop is the user community. There are so many guides out there on how to create various effects... its almost un-real.
As for the rest of CS4, I won't pirate it, and it costs to much for me to own it. I'll probably buy photoshop eventually, but not until I finish my quest for a full kit of quality glass (just two lenses and a tele-converter to go).
For strictly photo work, Apreture\Lightroom + the NIK family of plugins are all I need. Looks like we'll have updates of both Aperture & Lightroom within the next 6 months. I can't wait to see what they deliver.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Last version of CameraRaw for PS CS3 is 4.6 it is a about a year old, it does not support D300s and it will never be upgraded.
Newer versions of CameraRaw (5.*) do not work with CS3, so you will have to upgrade.
The features I valuate the most about PS is many great ways to select a part of an image and apply some transformation to it ... among other things ...
I stopped using CameraRaw some time ago and now I use CaptureNX instead.Posted 3 years ago # -
I was mistaken, the DNG converter stands alone, the CameraRaw is the plugin-only.
Also didn't notice they had stopped supporting CS3 - that's arrogantly cheap of Adobe.Posted 3 years ago # -
Soap from what I have heard I don't think you need to upgrade from CS3 to CS4 especially if you don't mind the slight improvement in processing and overall speed. Lightroom and CS3 should be enough for most people's needs. That is cheap of Adobe to stop supporting CS3 though...I also agree with you Willis I think its important to purchase all the nice glass that you want before dropping a bundle on expensive software like CS4. I'm close to finishing like you. Just one more lens (14-24mm) and a teleconverter (1.7 II) to go. Problem is I still need the FX body :(
Posted 3 years ago # -
Here is my priority list.
Paint Shop Pro for all your needs.
Accessories (remote, speedlight, basic filters, proper tripod)
LightRoom
Better glass
Body
Photoshop for when you want to either leverage the Adobe workflow to the hilt OR want a larger community base than PSP.Yes, if the choice was between a D5000 and no LightRoom and A D3000 and LightRoom I would take the D3000 every time.
I also would suggest Lightroom BEFORE replacing any kit lenses. I really think it is that important.Posted 3 years ago # -
soap, I do mostly portraits--families and children--with the occasional wedding or birthday or other event. My philosophy has always been to make all the pictures I give to clients acceptable. My workflow involved lots of time spent with Nikon Capture with some extra time spent on a few favorites in a layer editor (PSP). Switching to Lightroom made the first part (selecting keepers, selecting favorites, tweaking all of them) 3 or 4 times faster--no exaggeration. It also saves me time in putting up web proofs. I used to have to switch applications (to Picasa) to upload, but with Lightroom it's sooooo easy and looks more professional, besides.
My point to all of this is that I agree with you about putting LR so high on the list.And though this was implied in previous posts, I'll say it plainly for people who might have missed it:
It doesn't matter that ACR isn't being supported in anything but CS4 if you are planning on keeping lightroom current because ACR is integrated in LR (it's the develop module). But now that I say that, maybe I'm not completely right. Does anyone know if CS3 will have trouble with a DNG file that isn't supported if you choose edit in CS3 from lightroom?Posted 3 years ago # -
DNG is universal - it appears to be the NEF input which has been abandoned by Adobe with CS3.
I never noticed that as my workflow is DNG ASAP.Posted 3 years ago # -
hummm... interesting I might have a look at Paint Shop Pro then...
Posted 3 years ago # -
PSP is one of those remarkable items which is so inexpensive there is little reason NOT to get it, IMHO (Unless you already have a full install of photoshop).
Posted 3 years ago # -
Showing pictures: Alright what I mean how fast you can move from one picture to the next when doing the first keep/delete editing. I was hoping that LR 2 would be very fast. I usually get home from a BMX race with 1000 plus pictures
Pete
Posted 3 years ago # -
Depends on the format and your hardware and what you set the "Initial Preview" size to upon import and...
Like any Adobe product there are a ton of options which you need to tune to your workflow.Download the trial, its free.
Posted 3 years ago # -
I think I will wait for the LR 2 that is on its way to me, and if I find it to slow I might use ACDSee Pro for my first sorting as that program is very fast. I hope I can get LR to be showing at the same speed so that I can quit the otherwise annoying ACDSee program
Pete
Posted 3 years ago # -
Hey Soap, if I am currently using Lightroom 1.3 and CS4 do you think I could see any benefits to using PSP? Its sounds great and inexpensive, but software is hard to come by for me here in South Korea. Not many programs in English so I use Ebay a lot. Ebay can be a little dangerous for software though....
Posted 3 years ago # -
Here in Canada it is getting kind of scary to download large files, special movies (newer done that though). Friends of mine have received e-mails from their service provider to please stop down-loading movies or they will be reported (that was after they had just done so) Anyway I am kind of lucky to get deals at work or I use my Son's student status to get software (Adobe Creative Suite 4, incl CS4 is app $400.00 that way)that how I got LR 2 for app $130
Anyway, Kanuck why this Canadian name, are you from Canada, and if yes what area
Pete
Posted 3 years ago #
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