Photoshop Elements?

[5IVE]

Anyone used this? What types of tools does this version offer? What am I losing by not getting the full photoshop program?

[BlueZero]

I have had a few versions of elements and a few versions of full photoshop. What do you want to do with the program? Elements will give you all the basic features. There are only a few tools that I find handy that elements doesn't have, at least the older versions I had. For my day to day cropping, color/contrast adjustments elements is more than I need. When I do photo restoration I am happy to have the full photoshop. There must be a comparison matrix online somewhere. Wish I could tell you the exact tools that are different but I gave my copy of elements away a few years ago so I don't remember.

Edit: If you want to try a open source free version download GIMPshop. Announcing GIMPshop at Plastic Bugs

[Nitrox]

I also recommend trying gimp (or gimpshop, they are very similar). At a price of $0 it is a great deal and will save you a few hundred dollars over a full version of photoshop.

[The_Terminator]

I use both versions regularly: PS Elements 4.0 & PS CS3.
Elements 4 is missing curves and has limited layer styles options. Those are my biggest gripes. Maybe some of this is different in Elements 5.0.

There are numerous doo-dads that are missing that i take for granted since I've been using the full blown photoshop for so many years, and that is the biggest frustration to me.
However, as stated above, it's fine for day to day cropping, straightening, photo fix-ups, etc.

Photoshop is much better for being super creative, i.e. drawing from scratch. Elements is fine for general photography though.

[tom p.]

The simple versions of PS permit the casual user plenty of options. I've got a stripped down version that came with a camera bundle. I've had tremendous use from it.

[BlackElantraGT]

I'm not very good with either and couldn't really tell you the main difference between the 2 program (besides Elements being easier to use). I'm a VERY casual user, mainly for general photography and eBay photos. I find that it's easier using Elements to fix and auto-fix pics, while I mainly use PS for eBay photos when I use actions. I embed my info into all the pics so they aren't stolen on eBay and by storing an action, I can easily put a watermark on all my pics with the press of a button.

You can almost do the same thing on Elements, but IIRC you're not able to store it as an action. There's a way around it though but it seemed like too much work and confusing.

Again this is from a casual user's opinion, so please take that lightly.

[SHICKS]

Elements is great for photo editing.

Scott Kelby's Book Elements for Digital Photographers is a must.

Steve

[The_Terminator]

Agree about Scott Kelby's books. They are a must! I have several of them myself, and would own all of them if I had the money!