Although I've seen lots of sites that show the new features of Photoshop CS4, there are not too many that seem to address the question that I was asked many times over the last few days: should I upgrade or not......
So here's my personal opinion (not in any way affiliated with anyone - just me)
If you're a photographer and/or use Camera Raw, RUN to order the upgrade! The new features in Camera Raw (that comes with Photoshop CS4) bring it on par with the Develop options in Lightroom 2. Selective adjustments, gradient filter adjustments and much more. You'll love it in no time flat. (Does muddy the waters even more in the "should I use Lightroom or Camera Raw" debate, I must say)
If you use Photoshop Extended for 3D work, you should also run to the Adobe store and order your upgrade. The many many additions and improvements to the 3D functions make it a "no brainer".
So how about the designers, artists, web designers, non-photographers, etc? On the surface, this is a little harder to call, since there really is no one "killer" feature made for you. Having said that, there are a TON of "small but important" additions and changes that will probably make you very very happy. Enough to make the upgrade worth it? I would say yes. After using CS4 for some time now, there are quite a few things that I find it hard to live without when I return to CS3. Such as.... Smooth view at any zoom level, spring-loaded keys for tools, the adjustment panel, the ability to link a Smart Object and its Mask, rotating the canvas, non-destructive feathering on layer masks, on-canvas adjustments for Curves, Hue/Saturation, and Black & White and of course the Stroke layer style no longer defaults to red! (Mind you it still defaults to Outside instead of Inside, do I'm 50% please about that one)
To be frank, when I first looked at CS4 I was slightly under-whelmed. But over time I kept discovering more and more things that will quickly become a key part of my daily work. I really think that most users will like it at first and come to love the many improvements in CS4.
Lastly, before you ask, I know nothing about prices, discounts, and the "what if I just bought CS3" situation. Who you gonna call? Adobe. Seriously. Call and ask them - don't rely only on their web site.
Okay, I'm done. Off to Pittsburgh and Covington/Cinci.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
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4 comments:
Dave- if the biggest reason to upgrade to CS4 is to get the functionality of LR2 in ACR 5, I'll pass. Far from muddying the waters, I think Adobe shot themselves in the foot by releasing LR2 just a couple of months before CS4 (& just a couple of weeks before announcing it).
I think many people who shelled out their money for LR2 are going to be very reluctant to throw more money at Adobe for CS4. The people who do upgrade will most likely be those with expense accounts to pay for it or professionals who can recoup their costs by passing them on to the client. Unless you are just one of those that has to have the "latest, greatest", a lot of the casual consumers are going to pass on this one.
Thanks for the insight into a question I've been struggling with. I'm still a little undecided since I just bought LR2, but at some point I'll probably bite the bullet and upgrade.
Have a good trip and tell DZ I said "Hi."
Just a quick clarifying question... If someone has Lightroom 2, as a photographer is it still worth it to upgrade to CS4? I'm really not asking for myself. Personally I've found pretty much every upgrade worth it in the long run, so I will definitely be getting CS4, but I thought some people might be wondering.
Thanks for giving the "quick answer" though. I know many people deeply appreciate hearing your opinions.
I just watched the video from Bryan O'Neil Hughes 10-minute quick tour of the meat & potatoes features at Adobe TV. I like some of the improvements to Bridge.
What caught my eye was the "non-modal" approach to adjustment layers. You no longer have to create the adjustment layer first. Saving you the time and simplifying the teaching and learning of PS.
I do most of my work in LR and haven't upgraded since CS2. Some of the features I saw in the video made me think CS4 is taking on some of the characteristics of LR.
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