Best software to support actions

I am fixing to invest in editing software for my new nikon d-90. I want to eventually be able to do editing more on a pro level. I have not used any editing software yet and don't want to get way in over my skill level but the problem i am having is Photoshop Elements is somewhat limiting me from some of the things I want to eventually be able to do and it does not support actions that I can add on to Photo shop 6 through current earlier versions such as CS4.I am looking at being able to do actions such as photo collage which would come in handy if doing senior high school pictures and image "pop-outs" where photo looks like it is popping out from a textured mat or plain frame and actions such as puzzle maker and watermarks etc. I have looked at CS2 adn CS3 only because it is little cheaper, now that CS4 is out, but I don't want to get something that just completely blows my mind. I know that whatever i get, I am going to purchase a dvd or other tutorial to learn it. I know elements is more user firendly but should i waste my money on something that may limit me down the road, resulting in an upgrade anyway? Any suggestions?????

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Originally Posted by t_hyatt

I am fixing to invest in editing software for my new nikon d-90. I want to eventually be able to do editing more on a pro level. I have not used any editing software yet and don't want to get way in over my skill level but the problem i am having is Photoshop Elements is somewhat limiting me from some of the things I want to eventually be able to do and it does not support actions that I can add on to Photo shop 6 through current earlier versions such as CS4.I am looking at being able to do actions such as photo collage which would come in handy if doing senior high school pictures and image "pop-outs" where photo looks like it is popping out from a textured mat or plain frame and actions such as puzzle maker and watermarks etc. I have looked at CS2 adn CS3 only because it is little cheaper, now that CS4 is out, but I don't want to get something that just completely blows my mind. I know that whatever i get, I am going to purchase a dvd or other tutorial to learn it. I know elements is more user firendly but should i waste my money on something that may limit me down the road, resulting in an upgrade anyway? Any suggestions?????

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If you are talking about creating stop actions and the like while blending files I dont think CS 4 is really gonna blow you away as far as how hard it is to use. It will have way more in the drop down menus but U can learn as you go.

So, are you recommending splurging on CS4, knowing I want to be able to professionally edit in the future, or is CS4 going to be too advanced for someone who has only toyed with elements a couple of times???

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Originally Posted by t_hyatt

So, are you recommending splurging on CS4, knowing I want to be able to professionally edit in the future, or is CS4 going to be too advanced for someone who has only toyed with elements a couple of times???

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I have never used the more basic PS versions so I am not sure how you would be limited action wise. I know they cannot do as much as the higher end versions can.

Have you written the action to make the subject pop out of the image yet? Or do you have a basic idea on how you would do it? Look and see what limits there are on say elements and that may steer you in the right direction.

There are a few considerations here. If you're going to shoot Raw with your D-90, and look to Photoshop to convert your Raw files, then you need at least CS3 or Elements 6. Versions prior to those will not be able to do the conversion.

At any rate, I would put off getting CS4, at least for awhile. If you're serious about going pro, then sooner or later you'll want to look into taking some classes. When you do, you can look at the student edition of CS4 (or whatever the current version is at that time). This should knock a few hundred off the pricetag, but you need the student credentials to purchase it.

- Joe U.

Thanks everyone for the comments. I think I am going with CS3 which i have found one that I think will be within my budget. Then, I think I will take a class to help me learn it?? Anyone know of any good DVD's, books and tutorials that are excellent???