Which version of Photoshop do you use?

[matt]

For those who have this program, which version is it?

I ask this since I have Photoshop 7 and am looking to upgrade.

Don't get me wrong; PS7 is great. It's just that I've discovered when carrying out RGB imaging that I can only work in 8-bit when combining/merging the colour channels.

It has a few other limitations which I'm sure are overcome in successive versions of PS.

I'll eventually upgrade...but don't know at this stage to which version; CS, CS2...CS3????

I'll probably need to if I move up to a SkyNyx or something like that which has extra bit depth and want to get the most from my images:shrug:

I'm wondering, though, whether there's anything to be gained in going beyond an early version of CS?

I don't need the fancy 3D graphics and other capabilities of the 'latest' version.

Would be very grateful to receive advice/feedback in this regard.

[Dennis]

Hi Matt

I jumped in at the deep end and Photoshop 10 (CS3) was my introduction to this industry standard application.

Leaving aside the image processing functionality, I have found the supporting functions equally important. Examples of these are “Adobe Bridge” which is a powerful file/image browser where you can do a lot of preparation before bringing images into CS3.

When comparing say, 5 or 6 photos to see which is the best, in Adobe Bridge you can have all 6 open in the image window and use a software magnifying glass to inspect a portion of each photo to see which is the sharpest, then you can “grade” or “score” photos that you might want to come back to, and discard the rest.

Then there is the ability to open raw files from our Pentax and Canon DSLR’s as well as open FITs files by use of a (free) plug in.

So, quite accidentally and inadvertently, but certainly adventitiously, the “workflow” side of CS3 has become as important to me as the actual image processing side.

Cheers

Dennis

[Lee]

I use PS9 (CS2) - the only reason I upgraded was I could get it through someone who could get an education price, and it can process in 16 bit....

[sheeny]

CS3. I have used PS7 and CS2 as well. CS3 just does a lot things much more easily and a better job with less mucking about.

Al.

[Omaroo]

Another CS3 user here. I use it professionally and consider it the be-all and end-all of digital photo manipulation programs. My expertise is in print and press-related Photoshop issues, so I'm still learning how to best use it in the pursuit of a knock-out screen astro image.

Be aware that CS4 is around the corner. It will be Vista-ONLY and Macintosh. Under Vista it will run in true 64-bit mode if the OS is also installed as such on a 64-bit processor, so it should barrel along. Mac users won't get a 64-bit version apparently. Not sure why.

[Ric]

Hi Matty, I'd like to own a copy but the cost is a bit out of my reach at the moment. I currently use Paint Shop Pro 10 which was free with my DSLR.

Once get the hang of this one I may have to do the ebay rounds.

Cheers

[renormalised]

Luckily, I can get CS3 and any subsequent update at academic pricing, so I intend to pick CS3 (or CS4) up fairly soon. Right now I use PS6.

[FarmerBen]

CS3 on Mac here. There will be a 64 bit version available on Mac, but it won't be released when the Vista version is released. This is because Apple have switched from Carbon-64 to Cocoa as the development platform. Apparently Adobe were working on the 64 bit version of CS4 until Apple made the announcement about Cocoa. It's coming, just delayed.

And here endeth my very first post :)
Cheers,
Ben.

[jase]

Welcome Ben.

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I use CS2. Probably only 60% of its functionality I should add. I've heard of some nice features in CS3 such as advance layer mask filters that maybe beneficial in the quest for the ultimate astrophoto. Will probably upgrade in due time, no rush.