difference.

[CJ4000]

What is the difference between photshop CS2, 7, and Elements 3.0? I am going to get one of them but, I was just wondering what the differences are between the three.

Thanks CA.

[jasonarthur]

Elements is a watered down Photoshop with not nearly as many options. If you can get it for cheap cheap cheap then go for it, but it's not worth more than $20.00 in my eyes.

Photoshop 7 and CS2 are pretty close in terms of what you can do. CS2 has a few more options than 7, but if you can find 7 on the cheap then go that route, especially since CS3 will be out soon.

-- J

[CJ4000]

i may wait for CS3 and compare 7, CS2, & CS3. :jawdrop: do you know the more exact time period when CS3 comes out? and/or the price range?

thanks.

[Datameister]

CS2 prices will go down when CS3 comes out, but I don't have exact numbers for you. Use academic pricing if you're a student; it helps a lot.

Elements is okay if you're going to do very rudimentary painting and/or photo touchup. But if you want to get serious about either of these, you should go either for true Photoshop or a cheaper program such as Paint Shop or Painter. (I'd suggest Photoshop...but that's just me.)

There aren't too many huge differences between CS2 and version 7--the bulk of the features are exactly the same. However, there are advantages to CS2. While I'm not a Smudge tool junkie, the fact that it can't use Scattering in version 7 is a HUGE turn-off for me. The Smudge tool only becomes truly useful when custom brushes are implemented, and most of the good blenders use Scattering. That's impossible in version 7. CS2 also offers the ability to select multiple layers at once, Smart Objects, and a slew of other relatively minor features.

Bottom line, you won't hate version 7. But if you can get your hands on CS2, do it. :)