[skipper954]

I have been reading a lot, and probably will upgrade my cs2.

But Lightroom is a player, and I wonder if anyone is using them and what you think.

If the choice is between the two, for someone who shoots 150 images in a session, but is not a professional, and will not present to a client or put them up on the web, WHAT IS THE BETTER OPTION?

Thanks

skip

[stepheno]

For me the better option is both. I use LR for the Library and RAW conversion and then CS2 for further editing if needed.

[Dabhand16]

I think Lightroom is aimed more at the person who will be handling many images, and for most, CS2/CS3 would be adequate.

I was really miffed to see that it is availabe to download from the adobe USA site for $199 - about £100 at the good exchange rate (for Brits!), but when you click on the buy link oyu are diverted to the Adobe UK site ehere you are charged £125 + VAT!

I find CS2 more than suits my needs, but my copy of Lightroom ought to be dropping through my letterbox any time now!

[danpen]

Skip,

They really are different products with different functions, obviously there's some overlap but they aren't designed to do the same thing and are expected to work together.

If you want something for image editing, masks, layers, perspective control, full control over cloning and healing, modifications to small elements of an image etc. then you need photoshop.

If you need a cataloguer, photo management solution with a nice raw converter that gives you simple cloning and healing, cropping and excellent control over tone and colour then Lightroom is for you.

I find that for 95% of my images Lightroom is enough until it comes to final output sharpening where it's weak. It could also do with better noise control. For the other 5% I might use photoshop to tweak something that can't be done in LR, they are probably shots I should have taken more care over in the first place .

There are rumours that better noise control and sharpening are coming in a (possibly free) upgrade in the not too distant future.

I'd try the trial to help you make up your mind, just be aware that this is a totally different way of working and it can take a little while of use to get your head round it and understand the advantages. I really didn't like it at first but it's grown on me and I'm now finding I can streamline and improve the way I work and catalogue images becuase of it's features.

cheers

Dan