Behind up grading

[Robert Brummitt]

Hi all.
I'm a little behind in up grading my versions of Photoshop and now lightroom.
I currently use PS cs3 and LR3. I really enjoy what I have but wonder if I should up grade?
From what I see the new version of photoshop is for 64bit processing, HDR and Lightroom 4 is all about publishing Blurb.
Do you think I should upgrade or just work what I enjoy?
R

 

[pschwart]

You can download a free trial of each. With new versions come new bugs and workflow adjustments. Personally, I don't bother unless I need the new features. I expect to continue with CS3 for quite a while.

http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?product=photoshop&promoid=EBYEU

https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?product=photoshop_lightroom&promoid&promoid=DTEML

 

[artobest]

@Robert, your summary of the new features is simplistic to say the least. I suggest you follow Philip's advice and check the latest versions out yourself, if you're interested.

FWIW, the latest version of Lightroom is essential if you print from LR. The 64-bit versions of PS are good if you tend to work with large files (and have lots of RAM).

Besides that, some new tools, such as the content-aware spot healing tool, are just very useful.

 

[Robert Brummitt]

Thanks for your info! I don't print from LR but from photoshop. I will have to give it a shot. My files tend to be in the 70-130 mgz size. Is that large? I don't know?
I also print from a Epson r2400 currently but hope to have a Epson 3800 soon. Will that work with 64-bit?
I'm also thinking of adding more memory to my Mac mini as well.
Thanks again.
R

 

[gmikol]

Robert...while I don't use a Mac, I've successfully printed some large TIFF panoramas from LR3 (Win7 x64, 8GB RAM) without any problems from both LR and PS. You also shouldn't have any problems printing with a 3800 (or do you mean 3880?) I've heard there can be some issues with auto-updates and the Epson drivers on Mac OS, but as long as the printer is supported by your host OS, there shouldn't be any problems printing from PS or LR, 32 or 64 bit.

BTW--as I write this there's a used 3800 on PDX Craigslist with a bunch of extra cartridges for $500. That's a tough deal to beat.

--Greg

 

[gmikol]

Also, with regards to Photoshop, there's some question as to what the upgrade policy will be in the future (it used to be 3 releases back, i.e. CS2 could upgrade to CS5, but CS couldn't). That changes with CS6, but Adobe have been a little vague as to what exactly the new policy would be. Keep an eye out for an announcement soon, and then decide whether it makes more sense to just go up to CS5 or all the way to CS6.

--Greg

 

[Robert Brummitt]

What I do in printing, I have an action that sharpens the image before It prints. I have noticed that it really helps. I have done some printing using Lightroom and it's sharp but not as sharp as when I use the action. Maybe the upgrade of LR has this now?
I'm trading some prints for a 3800 with extra inks. I am traveling thru Santa Rosa California to bring the printer home. I'm probably love it once I get profiles for it.
I think it's rude that Adobe has to force people to up grade. I know they are not but it feels like they are. I like ps3! It's been my go to program since I installed it. I have some wonderful friends who have given me actions and tips that works really wel in CS3 and I don't know if it transfers to later versions?

 

[artobest]

Lightroom has output (print) sharpening. If you have LR, I suggest you forget about printing in PS and try LR instead - it is far more advanced and user-friendly. And the new version has soft-proofing! If you insist on printing through PS, can I suggest you try Photokit Sharpener? Its print sharpening routines are the best in the business.