Should I switch to Elements 5.0

[Margules]

Hi Everyone

I was wondering how you like using Elements 5.0. I'm finally getting the hang of 3.0 and there are many things about it that I like, especially the use of layer masks (which I assume from the prior threads, I will lose in 5.0). I do a lot of cutting objects out of a photo, whether to create an embellishment or fix the color or light of a specific part of the photo, and I'd like to be more precise with my selections (which I heard is an advantage of 5.0). Can any of you who have been using 5.0 for awhile give me some feedback on the positives and negatives of switching? I'd really apprecite hearing about some of your experiences before I switch and pull my hair out re-learning everything. Thanks in advance. Rachel

[troush]

Well, really it is up to you. You can still use adjustment layers to get a layer mask. And then there are Grant's Tools - a set of actions that work in PSE 5.0 that will give you layer masks. One downside of 5.0 over 3.0, is that the red-eye fix works WAY better in 3.0. PSE 5.0 is better than 4.0, but 3.0 is still the best in the red-eye fix department. Don't know why they haven't fixed that. I think that 5.0 really does make scrapping easier.

You might want to wait a bit. PSE 6.0 may be released soon. (Several of us got a survey in PSE 5.0 to fill out that seemed to indicate 6.0 might be on it's way to being released within a couple of months.) Usually there are great Thanksgiving sales to get it for half price (that's what I always do).

You can always download the free trial from adobe and try it out.

-Trish

[Margules]

Thanks Trish

I didn't even think about the trial period, and now knowing 6.0 is coming out soon gives me even more to consider. Thanks again. Rachel

[meems]

I am going to wait for PSE6, knowing I'll probably never be able to afford PSCS3, boo hoo. I use PSE4 now. I'm assuming PSE6 will be Vista compatible?

[Wendy]

Hi Mimi ...

As vista is already around then PSE6 will be compatable :)

Wendy

[hunterscrap]

And I just bought PS5 GRRRRR!

[Wendy]

Oh No :(

Still it is great software and I am sure that you will enjoy using it :)

Wendy

[terriscrapper]

I too am like RachelN...have PSE 3 have thought about upgrading...I too do a lot of selections...someone just showed me how easy it was using Photoshop and she used the pen tool..ALOT different than using the Lasso tool with the mouse. I had thought about a Wacom tablet? Do you have more control than the mouse and lasso tool? The person who showed me (a graphic design artist) said you have to go to alot of expense to get a good tablet...that you might as well upgrade to Photoshop. I'm not sure if it's as user friendly, and of course the cost factor. I know that Adobe still has alot of bugs to work out for PSE. Please advise.

[troush]

I got my Wacom tablet for $70 (on sale) at Best Buy or CompUSA. Usually they run 99 - mine is the 4 x 5 size. It is great. I find it does give me more control. For me, it only took about 4 hours using it to get the feel of it. Some people hate it. There is no Pen tool in PSE 5.0. I also think your Graphics Artist was a little biased. There is a 4 x 5 size, and then a 6 x 8 size (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong).

Two things about selecting: zoom in and be patient.

-Trish

[cmarien]

I use PSE5.0 and I used to use PSE3.0. I love it, although I'm still learning. I downloaded the trial version of 5 first to see if I liked it. After I tried it out, my husband bought it for me at Christmas last year.

I'm kind of bummed that Adobe is coming out with PSE6.0, but I'll stick with 5.0. I'm really happy with it.

[Kaysmail]

I got my Wacom tablet for $70 (on sale) at Best Buy or CompUSA. Usually they run 99 - mine is the 4 x 5 size. It is great. I find it does give me more control. For me, it only took about 4 hours using it to get the feel of it. Some people hate it. There is no Pen tool in PSE 5.0. I also think your Graphics Artist was a little biased. There is a 4 x 5 size, and then a 6 x 8 size (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong).

Two things about selecting: zoom in and be patient.

-Trish

I just bought a tablet at CompUSA in CT, and I have played around with it but to be honest, I'm not really sure how to use it with PSE yet. I guess I'll just have to experiment. Do you use the buttons Trish? I "think" I'd have more trouble trying to remember what I'd programmed them to do rather than just to ignore them, not sure. I need an extended period of time where I can just experiment with it, but I hope it is worth the price - $99.

[troush]

I haven't programmed my buttons. I like using the tablet scroll wheel for zooming in when I'm using the pen. And mostly I use the pen for selecting and painting/dodging/burning/smudging. The pressure sensitivity takes some getting used to - especially on the smudging/dodging/burning - it's okay to press a lot harder. I found with Painting, though, the pressure sensitivity actually helped.

-Trish

[digidoit]

Hey, Trish
Did I understand you in a previous post? Did you say they might put PSE 6 on around Thanksgiving for half price or were you referring to older versions?
digidoit

[troush]

Digidoit,

I've been able to get PSE 4.0 and 5.0 for $50 around Thanksgiving after they have come out. Last year it was Best Buy that had 5.0 (I ordered on line Thanksgiving day). The year before, I got 4.0 at CompUSA for $50, but only in the store.

Last year it took a couple of weeks before the trial version came out. I downloaded it to my laptop to play with, and then when the 30 days ran out, I downloaded it to my Desktop. That bought me enough time until I could buy it from a retailer. People have also seen it for $50 at Staples on occasion.

-Trish

[Jan]

Hi Digidoit,
It isn't likely that Adobe will offer PSE 6.0 at half price anytime soon, especially since it hasn't hit the stores yet.

And, CMarien, no need to be bummed about the new release. It's pretty common knowledge that there's a new release of Elements each Fall. Sometimes there are a great many changes to the Editor and the Organizer, sometimes not. And sometimes most of the changes relate to the Organizer and only a few to the Editor. So each person will have to judge whether the new features are worth purchasing the newest version, based on how they use the program. But don't worry! At Scrapper's Guide, we still support older versions. Currently, we support versions 3 through 5. And there is enough continuity through those versions to make learning easy and fun.

And aren't we glad that our Mac friends will be able to have PSE 6 available to them early next year!

[Wags]

PSE 5.0 came out the begining of Oct last year and by Thanksgiving the upgrade price was $50 most places. If memory serves I got 5.0 for $55 a week before Thanksgiving at Staples.

[Jan]

Upgrades, yes, you might find some deals on upgrading, but new, full version, probably not.

[Jancy]

I have E4 and E5. I love 5. I love having all the extra stuff in it. I also have a tablet Intuos 3 4x5 which I LOVE! Couldn't imagine not using it for these type of programs. It makes selection so much easier. I also just purchased CS3 which to me right now is a little intimidating to use.:confused: I think it is going to take some time to get use to. E5 is just so much fun to use. I am sure 6 will be great also:)
Jancy

[dmrdm]

Jancy, you'll get over the intimidation in less than a month and you'll be fine. Think it took me two weeks and I was in love!

About tablets, I've been dinking with the art history brush the last week...and boy does the table come in handy for that! I had wanted the Intuos at the time, but Best Buy had a sale on the Graphire 4, so took the cheap way out since I didn't know if I would even use it. All has been going well with it....hopefully it will die someday and I'll get that Intuos! :-)