Choosing software when a newbie

[Dawn]

Hi All!
I'm so glad I have found this site! I just got my digital camera today, and I have to choose a scrapbooking program. I'm so excited, but confused :confused:

I have checked out the thread in the software forum, but I can't decide where to start. I recognize that people usually like what they are comfortable with, so I am hoping you all can help me get started.

I am computer literate, sort of :)
I just got digital with a new camera, so I have a learning curve there.
I don't have a ton of time to learn a complicated program.
I just am not convinced of learning one program and then having to start all over learning another because that is where you get more ability.
I have only a smaller laptop. 40gig, 256 ram, 700mhz. I don't want a program that I'll be waiting for to churn.

So, if price of a program was not the issue.... but time was, and desire for a really good program where I don't have to reinvest later, what would you choose? Photoshop E, and then upgrade when getting better? Start with Photoshop cs? (Is it really that hard?)
I read a wish list for PSP that it wasn't so slow, otherwise, I can see that is surely a favorite around here. Is it only because the PS is mighty costly?
HELP!
Thanks, Dawn

[Margie]

i'd recommend checking out the info in digital scrapping 101. there's a link under university, main campus. there's an overview of each of the main programs. from all i hear dip is the easiest to learn, psp and ps are harder. i've only used ps and it's very hard to start, but fortunately for scrappers now, there are plenty of tutorials for scrapping to help you get going. i'd check out that link though, it talks about every area of digital scrapping and is a great resource. oh, guess i could post the link here (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/Scrapping101/basics.shtml). but for advice, i'll leave that to someone with experience in more than one program! Ü

[Jill]

Hi Dawn!

Welsome to the site and the world of digital scrapping! I am not too familiar with the any other prgrams except for PS Cs...I started with PSP7 but only used it for about 2 months before switching to PS....and I never looked back...I had NO graphic design experience at all when I started with PS....and am completely self taught....so if you are not afraid to jump in and tame the beast i would say go for the PS...if you are serious about scrapping digitally itll be your best friend!!!! And there are PLENTY of tutorials already in the University section to get you started no matter what program you decide to get....

[Cris]

Welcome, Dawn!

I am not altogether familiar with other programs either but when I did my research last year around this time when *I* was brand new to digital scrapping, I found that PS 7.0 was the top of the line so that's where I needed to be (luckily for me, I got it on an educational discount). I have seen some absolutely amazing things created with many different programs but for the most possible options, I have never been unhappy with Photoshop. The retail cost is quite pricey and the learning curve may seem like it takes forever but that's exactly what I love. I am still learning new things every day (and I upgraded last month to CS so all the more to learn!)

I agree with you that learning one and then changing to another is a waste of both time and money. If you do go with PS, just try not to be intimidated by the power of it all and, as Margie said, just make a plan of visiting our university tutorials one at a time until you have confidence enough to start playing around the program tools yourself. Or try and attend a chat or two about a particular topic of interest. That's what's so great about the DSP - inspiration, support, AND education all in one fun place. And for more individualized attention, you can also check out our classes, which will be open for registration on May 1st. From what I've heard, Elements is a very basic version of Photoshop and I think it runs under $100. If money is an issue at present, maybe you can start there since they are similar in format so it would be an easier transition should you want to upgrade later.

Good luck to you and can't wait until you start posting. The scrap addiction runs deep!

[BettyE]

I think both PSE & PS CS have the same learning curve if it is the first time you are using the program. I started with PSE because it came with my camera and 2 months later upgraded to PS CS because it had features that were not available in PSE. Since it was basically the same format, it was an easy transition.

BTW, my Canon scanner came with PSE 2. My friend's Canon printer came with PSE 2 as well. So, if you are in the market for either of those items, you can get PSE for free. :)

Good Luck.
Betty

[Dawn]

OK Ladies!
I will take your advice (sort of :-) . I did some investigation and found my neighbor, a photographer, uses PS CS, and has an older version PS 6 laying around that he said I could use and try it out. He figured that it would give me enough of a taste of PS, and if I upgraded, I would just like it better. Sound right to you?

My real concern is that I really just want to get some pages made! I would hate to invest in such a costly program, then find that I don't get the pages done because they take so much time.

Thanks for your help. I look forward to taking some of the classes, tutorials, and getting all the scoop!
It's all so new! But, I can't wait to give away all those colored papers and box loads of scrapbooking stuff that clutters shelves! YEAH!

[Amanda]

Oh, that sounds like a great idea Dawn! If you are concerned about getting pages made, I would suggest using some digital products to help you learn your program better. In our store we have Photoshop Templates which are fully layered files and are a great way to help you get to know your program. They help you see how scrapbook pages are put together. You can also try kits and ploppers too.
Don't forget our Quickclasses. They will really help you get to know the program.

[Emma]

I've used a few of the available programs. If you have a huge RAM (which you don't) you can't beat PSP for the price. My friend just bought a used PSP 8.1 for $30!
Lots of options and decent support from the web with tutorials, groups, etc. People say PSP can do everything PS can, but it's cheaper and easier to learn, but that's not true! It's a great program, but PS does a lot of stuff PSP can't do. Final results may look the same, but the versatility is not at the same level.

DIP is really easy to learn, but not nearly as powerful as PSP or PS. The support of other users and web tutorials is not as great; it costs the same as PSP so for the price, I'd stick with PSP.

I still prefer PS CS, but it's expensive. Even though the learning curve is steep, I don't find that to be a problem because the support system is so well saturated with online tutorials, groups, and downloadables. PS will take you wherever you want to go.

For those who really want it but can't afford it, I recommend buying an older version from ebay or similar (like what you did with PS 6), then paying the $150 to upgrade to the current version. What a deal!

I'd stick with those two choices, definitely. And this can be a time-consuming hobby. Using products and copying exisiting layouts is a real time saver. Check out the store and galleries and quick classes. Have fun! And welcome! This is the friendliest group of scrappers around!