CS6 or LR4?

[Laker38]

I am new to photography (6 months), and I have yet to learn any photoshop type processing. As a result, I have tons of pics stacking up that I would like to work on but don't have a clue what to do. My local camera shop is offering a couple different classes for beginners (CS6 and LR4). I don't know how to determine which is best for me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Majeed Badizadegan]

LR 4: organizing, RAW processing, workflow. Used for 90% of my work without ever using Photoshop
CS6: pixel level adjustments, advanced layering, masking: used for advanced editing that is only required for some of my shots

 

[KrisztinaK]

LR 4: organizing, RAW processing, workflow. Used for 90% of my work without ever using Photoshop

This is exactly why I just downloaded Lightroom myself. I had been doing all of ny editing in ACR/PS and it was extremely time consuming. I hope Lightroom will remedy this for me.

 

[TruckerDave]

CS6...about $700
LR4.....about $150

 

[skieur]

CS6 or PaintShop Pro X5 Ultimate but I spend more time using commercial plug-ins.

skieur

 

[kathyt]

Don't decide between the two, get both. There you go. Easy.

 

[Mully]

If you must choose .....get LR as it will make photo life easier

 

[NickStevens]

LR 4: organizing, RAW processing, workflow. Used for 90% of my work without ever using Photoshop

This is exactly why I just downloaded Lightroom myself. I had been doing all of ny editing in ACR/PS and it was extremely time consuming. I hope Lightroom will remedy this for me.

I'm sure it will, I find 90% of my photos are PPed in Lightroom, much faster than PS in my oppinion :cheer:

 

[Laker38]

Thank you everyone for your comments. Very helpful. (Except for Kathy) hahahaha. Jk Kathy.

 

[NickStevens]

Thank you everyone for your comments. Very helpful. (Except for Kathy) hahahaha. Jk Kathy.

Kathy kinda has a point... If you want the full flexibility of tools you need both.
They are very different programmes and both have a purpose.
For photographic processing LR is the kiddie, for anything arty or in graphic design then PS is the weapon of choice.

its a lot of money to pay out though and if you can only budget for one and your a photographer then LR all the way.

 

[NickStevens]

Oh and my golden tip...

If you ever want to achieve an effect or use a tool in either programme then You tube is you best friend.

Search for the exact thing your trying to do "create circular text" for example and 9/10 times somebody has done an instructional video.

That's how I have learned a lot of my skills and the rest by a lot of trial and error.

 

[KmH]

Moved to Graphics Programs and Photo Gallery

CS6...about $700
LR4.....about $150

CS 6 has $550 worth of editing tools, features, and functions that Lightroom doesn't have.

CS6 or LR4?

Both. LR 4 is designed to compliment CS 6

CS 6 includes Photoshop, Bridge 5 and Adobe Camera Raw 7.

Lightroom 4 has 7 modules. The only editing module is the Develop module and it is also Adobe Camera Raw 7.

An alternative to CS 6 is Elements 11 ($80). Elements has truncated version (about 1/2) of Adobe Camera Raw 7, but it has a lot of editing tools. features, functions that Lightroom doesn't have.

K-12 and higher ed students usually qualify for Student discount pricing. CS 6 Extended Student Edition is ($999 retail) $249, or less.

 

[pab]

If you or an immediate family member are in school CS6 is the best you can do for $200 with a university email address on amazon and most university websites. I had lightroom for a while, and while it was quick I really am used to CS6 after being in 4 and 5..


I vote CS6

 

[CA_]

This really truly depends on what kind of imagery you're aiming for. If you're looking for organic / simple / classic approach to the images, LR4 is great. If you're wanting to do anything commercial, editorial, fashion, etc.. LR4 is simply a compliment to the real deal: CS6.

 

[RufioPow]

Definitely LR4 for the majority of PP. I use PS for the more indepth editing, for brushing and major adjustments.

If you can get both eventually and learn the workflow between the two.