Photoshop versus Photoshop Elements

[JennyC]

Hello Forum.

I am learning this new hobby of photography, slowly but surely. At the same time, I am wanting to *master* an editing software program to coincide with this. I have decided to go with Photoshop, so I think, that is. Sometimes it seems all so overwhelming.

So...is there a difference between "Photoshop" and "Photoshop Elements"? I know it's kind of an odd question, but in doing research on how to use Photoshop Elements (I have downloaded the trial version of PSE 6), I keep coming across Photoshop tutorials. So I am wondering if there is something else out there. The more I try to research it on my own, the more confused I am making myself. And what's an opinion on which PS to purchase? I know there's PS CS, but that seems like a bigger gun than I need at this point in my hobby -- maybe one day when I can master the camera, which is Pentax K10D.

Ack. Help!!!!

Thanks,
Jenny

[Bigcity]

I believe they are on PhotoShop 7 now. I haven't used it since 4 so I don't know the difference. I use Elements 6 and it is easy to use for everyday editing and projects. Similar terminology and uses for the 2.

[Medley]

I think you'll find all you need in Elements. Photoshop Elements was designed on the 80/20 principle : that is, 80% of the general population will never use more than 20% of a full-featured application like Photoshop. Elements combines only the most useful tools from Photoshop, at a fraction of Photoshop's price.

If all you want to do is edit the digital photos you're taking, Elements is enough. If you're into graphic arts, digital painting and the like, then look into Photoshop.

- Joe U.

[readingr]

I replied to the differences between PS and PS Elementsthis in this link. The main difference is 16 bit editing mode. The main differences is that the UI is simpler and more tasks are automated. The 16 bit editing difference follows:

Most of the filters from memory - just opened it up to check and this is the list that does not work in 16bit mode

Transform
Convert to B&W
Auto Red Eye
Remove Colour Cast
Adjust for Skin Tones
Colour Variations
None of the Layers - so you can't create layers

Filters - are a hotch potch of what works or don't work
The following don't work at all
Artistic
Brush Strokes
Distort
Pixelate
Sketch
Texture

Some options under these work others don't
Adjustment
Blur Noise
Render
Stylise
Video
Other

Hope that helps.

In 8 bit they all work

Roger

[ciddog91]

I use CS3 and Elements 5.0. There are some things that I LOVE in Elements and like to use it more than CS3. I know Elements just released 6.0 and it is supposed to have some upgrades over 5.0. Elements is easy to learn and easy to use. If you are not a professional (like yours truly) and don't have the time to learn CS3 (again me), get Elements. You won't be disappointed...

Good Luck...

Phil

[mn shutterbug]

I use Elements 3 and it's all I need. When Photoshop had a half price special for Elements users, I still wasn't tempted. Basically, all I do with my photos is sharpen, sometimes despeckle, levels, shadows and highlights and saturation. Sometimes I do a bit of cloning. That covers about 90% of my photo editing. To save a bunch, you could probably check Ebay for older versions of Elements. Also, Elements does come with a raw converter or, in my case because of my older version, I was able to download the raw converter for my camera.

[rverne10]

Hello Forum.


So...is there a difference between "Photoshop" and "Photoshop Elements"?

Thanks,
Jenny

I'll relate my experience, see if it fits you.
Went on ebay and looked for a good deal on Photoshop 7-its the bomb
Found the local library just happened to have this cool book, "The Photo Shop 7 Wow! Book " by Jack Davis-bought it cheap at Amazon.com and whiled away the hours learning to edit photos.
True, the full version of Photo Shop is a bit much but you just leave certain features alone until you're ready. The Photoshop Elements leaves certain features out that I found useful early on like full fledged layering.
Without a good guide book to show the way, the program's features are not apparent.

[readingr]

They only bit of PS not in PSE that I regret not having is curves adjustment and channels mixer. Everything else like masks can still be achieved using PSE.

Roger