I skipped every other Photoshop upgrade after about version 5. But I've been using CS2 up until now. Yesterday I opened my wallet and upgraded to CS5 (the simple version, I use Lightwave for 3D). Yow, software shock!

The interface isn't as radically changed as some of the pre CS-series revisions, I hit the ground running, but the new stuff is just overflowing. Tab-indexed workspaces? Oh yeah, I like that. Even more non-destructive layer edits, like mask feathering? Hell yes! Natural media brushes? OMG! I thought they were giving up on producing a credible alternative to Painter but this has some chops. I'm so excited I ordered an Intuous 4 tablet to replace my ancient (and low-end) Graphire.

I haven't had a chance yet to compare the new RAW converter to past results but all the reviews claim the improvement is real. Huh, more learning curve for me. This is actually the section of the application that pressured me to upgrade. They used to update the RAW converter for the older editions (like CS2) but stopped doing that a year or two ago. New camera body? Sorry Charlie. Smart of them.

Anyone here do a comparison of the new RAW sharpening algorithm versus PK Sharpener or others? Or the RAW noise reduction versus Noise Ninja, etc.? Those were two of my must-have plug-ins over the years but I'm not sure if I need to update those into CS5 yet.

Yeah, I know, welcome to old news for most of you ballers, lol.

 

thats why they release trail versions so you can try it out before you buy them... I'm still using CS4

 

Yes, it is quite the change! I use CS5 for my raw conversions "new camera bodys" than revert back to my installed copy of CS3 for the plug ins and actions I have loaded into that. I am comfortable with my workflow from using it for so long. Besides that I don't think all of my plug ins etc are compatible with CS5 so I have not bothered to set it up yet eventually though I will, in the meantime i like using my old friend CS3 custom tailored to me.

 

If you are looking for the best RAW converter, use CaptureONE. By far the best, and I have them all (Aperture, Lightroom, CaptureONE, CS3, CS4)

 

^ thanks Dave, I will have to look into it.

 

Opinions vary -- http://www.twin-pixels.com/lightroom-dxo-c...re-one-bibble-5 but CaptureOne traditionally gets high marks. In the past I mostly used Nikon's own CaptureNX. It has some really solid features, such as the most refined (no banding) shadow lifting I've ever seen.

Dave, I thought the RAW converter was completely new for CS5? Did Adobe update the CS4 converter? I know Adobe left CS2 in the dust.

 

It is different for CS5, I dont know if it is completely new but it does have added features.

 

"It should come as no surprise that there’s no “perfect” program – each one has its strengths and weaknesses, and your decision on which one is better should be based on the type of photography you do."

 

Cool stuff. I really really want a Cintiq. Maybe for Christmas

 

Welcome to my world.. When I was testing the Mark IV there wasnt even software out yet. I ended up going with CS5 after returning the camera, but found it radically different, and in some ways not as fast as CS2. ie: correcting CA.. The sliders are SO much slower than in CS2