Christian Photographers Community

hey guys

Just looking for suggestions here.

I have been hit hard by the economy like many.  I am trying to get back into photography and need to update my images.  I have an older version of photoshop but would really love to use all the new features of cs5.  I cannot afford or justify the $200 at this time.  I see websites out there that offer copies at 60 to 100 dollars but they do not seem legit at all.  I also know I can have a pirated version on my computer in a hour but I do not want to do that.  I want to purchase one legally.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to get a cheaper copy or any thoughts at all on the subject.

Thanks
Doug

I have no real big suggestion.  Perhaps try a computer store and check if someone has upgraded and are willing to sell the older copy?  Other than that I really don't know.

Quote from: Elmer on September 19, 2010, 10:56:52 PM
hey guys

Just looking for suggestions here.

I have been hit hard by the economy like many.  I am trying to get back into photography and need to update my images.  I have an older version of photoshop but would really love to use all the new features of cs5.  I cannot afford or justify the $200 at this time.  I see websites out there that offer copies at 60 to 100 dollars but they do not seem legit at all.  I also know I can have a pirated version on my computer in a hour but I do not want to do that.  I want to purchase one legally.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to get a cheaper copy or any thoughts at all on the subject.

Thanks
Doug

The stuff you see at $60-100 is almost a guarantee pirate copy.  Aside from being illegal, it also stands a VERY good chance of carrying a virus/trojan/worm with it.  Your alternative is a student version.  Most schools offer a scaled-down version of major software at substantial discounts.  The trick there is: you have to be a student.  Have you thought of Gimp?  It accepts many PS plugins and is VERY comprehensive on it's own and... it's free.

 Have you looked at PhotoShop Elements 8? Depending on what you want to do with the program it could be the answer. You can download a full trial version and try it for 30 days. The program is quite powerful and is
a scaled down version of the full program. For editing it would be very hard to beat. You can purchase it for about $70 at times. The premere version allows video editing but costs a little more.
I have PSE8 and it has many more editing tools than I will ever use. I would highly reccomend it.
Gary has a good idea as well. GIMP is freeware and is pretty powerful in it's own right, though for me it has a longer learning curve due mostly to a lack of documentation I think. Still a good choice but not as powerful as PSE8. For basic editing and resizing PICASA is very easy to use and is also freeware, but not near as powerful as either of the other two.

Doug, have you considered Paint Shop Pro? 

Doug, I agree with the previous comments regarding PSE8.  I used to have the full blown Photoshop, a pre-"CS" version that couldn't be upgraded when I got back into photography.  As shooting pictures is only a hobby, I couldn't justify the price tag for the new version and I ended up buying Elements 8...thinking I was not going to be happy. Fortunately I was wrong!  PSE8 is pretty powerful and many of the plugins for Photoshop are compatible with Elements.  I'd suggest giving the free trial download a try and make your decision after having a little hands-on experience with it.  If you still feel you need CS5, make friends with a college student and get his discounted price.

Doug make sure whatever you do that it is God honouring and totally legal.

Oh yes

I will not pirate a copy.  I want it to be completely legal.  I figured PE8 did not have enough options but maybe so. I will check it out.

Thanks

$200 is about as good as it will get, I think CS5 retails for around $600 and the student pricing is $200 and I don't believe you can upgrade from a non-CS version to the latest CS5 version.

Have you considered Lightroom 3?  If you don't need everything Photoshop is, Lightroom is a powerful application and half the price.  You can get the student price for around $80 I believe - again assuming you're a student.  Maybe sign up at the local community college, take a photography class and qualify for the discount.  I wonder if adult ed qualifies?  Now that I think about it I have a friend who teaches a Digital Photography course at an adult-ed center, maybe I'll take it and upgrade my version - going to have to check into that. 

I find that for my use, Paint Shop Pro is a great program and the upgrades once you buy it are not that bad a price.