Which Photoshop for "Amateur"

[amcarrig]

Hi folks. I'm not too keen on software or photography (yet) but I definitely need to get a newer version of Photoshop (I have version 1 which doesn't even "recognize" RAW format). Can somebody suggest a user friendly version of Photoshop that somebody like me can buy and use? Thanks in advance!

 

[FishtankAndy]

I personally prefer a program called GIMP, which you can download for free.

It's just as good as Photoshop but a million times easier to use.

 

[Ebn]

You need at least Photoshop 7.0 to be able to use Adobe camera RAW. Start with that if you're on a budget.

Photoshop CS2 is better and isn't too hard to use as long as you can give it plenty of overhead with RAM (2 GB). Lastly, there's CS3. Faster to use than CS2, but you might want to get your feet wet w/CS2 instead.

 

[BlueCorn]

Photoshop Elements. You can get the latest version for under $100.

 

[golfschosen1]

What beerguy said is the way i would go with the newest v of photoshop i have elements 5 and it works just fine i do want to upgrade to CS2 or CS3 soon though

Steven

 

[Absolute Reef]

You might wanna try Adobe Lightroom, very very easy to use.
I'm a big fan of Aperture(mac) but after I got myself a copy of Lightroom..., I don't think I'll go back for Aperture again.

Who cares about you (and me) being an amateur?!?
As long as you know how to use the tools, no one can tell how far you can go.

Overall adjustment I'll go for Adobe Lighroom, and I'll leave the rest for PS CS3 extended.

 

[Absolute Reef]

Here is an example of the actual program...just a simple clicks and a little adjustments, and it works with over 100 types of RAW files...

I just love this feature that you can compare 2 pictures (original/editted) side by side.

 

[amcarrig]

Thanks so much everyone for all that info! Time for me to start shopping!