Which program?

[1girl1boy]

So after getting frustrated with SFD b/c it freezes on pages where I'm using a lot of different elements, I'm returning it (still in the 90 day money back guarantee) and looking for a new program. I have MS Picture It on my 'puter already but want something I won't want to immediately upgrade. I'm a newbie at all of this and still find myself wishing I could afford to immediately jump in and buy PSCS. I could get it for under $300 but I think my hubby might bristle at that. :lol:

That being said should I just get PS5 or fork over the extra money and get the combo PS5/PE3? TIA for any input.

[Samara]

Go for PS5! It's the latest version! Good luck!

[Vallie]

Photoshop Elements 5 has just come out. A lot of people here are very happy with that. Photoshop CS3 is the best but very pricey. I use Paint Shop Pro 9 (the newer version is out now too, XI) and love that program. Download some trial versions and play around with them. These programs are very hungry for memory and you may find you need to get more ram. I have 2gbs of ram. :)

[jessica31876]

I have the same problem with the program. I find that if I let it set for a few seconds it unfreezes itself. Other then that I just save every few minutes so I dont lose everything if it does freeze itself up completely. I cant afford any of the other programs right now so Im kinda stuck with this one. I like the elements which are available on it and the choice of backgrounds and pre-made layouts also. Id love to get one of the more expensive programs like PSP or PSE

[Minniewannabe]

Personally, I'd stick to your Picture It or upgrade to Microsoft Digital Image for $50. So far, I've been able to do just about everything the big PS can do with very few exceptions that I can't live with. To me, it's much easier to use and more intuitive, although I realize a ton of differences of opinion are out there. Even the professional photographer here in town have switched to it because of ease and quickness of use. And what many people don't realize is that personalized brushes, filters, frames, plug ins etc. can be added, just like in PS. (But not in Picture It, just DIP) The big difference that I've found so far is one can't add tools. At least I haven't figured out how yet. But for a $300 difference, who cares? I find other ways to make things look like a tool was used.

[carlalee]

Another vote for PSE 5. You can buy it for around $50 if you look around. Plus once you own that, you qualify for the upgrade price for CS2 or 3. You by no means NEED CS2 but if you decide later you would like it the option to upgrade is there. I know when bought PSE 5, I never thought we could afford CS2. I was happy to learn and use it. Then the $299 upgrade came around at just the right time and dh said go for it! I would definitely recommend downloading the trial version first and giving it a whirl. Or for that matter download a trial version of anything you're thinking about and try it all. Ask any questions you have here and someone will help. Bottom line is get what you like, because you'll use it. Two things to keep in mind: 1. If you are going to download the trial versions of things, do them one at a time to be fair to yourself. The clock starts ticking when you install them and you can't use everything at once. 2. If you like to use or would like to use the QuickClicks in the DSP Store, consider a program that has a "magic wand" tool. HTH -c-

[Muma]

I've always used Paint Shop Pro ... just upgraded to XI from 8 and getting used to the new features, buttons and wotnots. I love the program. I would advise the same as carlalee and download trials to see which one you get on best with.