Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0
Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0
Sound Buys review By Don Lindich
Though most digital cameras come with a basic digital photograph editing program, I usually recommend that readers interested inadjusting their photographs on a computer invest in a copy of Photoshop Elements and pass up the included software or competing products. The reason is simple- Adobe’s Photoshop products are the industry standard, and the gold standard at that, offering performance and flexibility that is unmatched. Starting with a basic version of Photoshop makes sense for other reasons, for example a clear upgrade path. A Photoshop Elements user looking to upgrade wil be familiar with the basic controls when they move up to the full version of Photoshop.
Photoshop Elements was original called Photoshop LE, which was basically a stripped-down version of Photoshop for those who wanted to edit but were daunted by the full version’s price. Since being renamed Photoshop Elements and over its evolution to version 5.0, it has come into its own right as a product of its own, with features and functionality designed to enhance the experience of amateur and beginning digital photographers.
One of these features caught my eye soon after I installed the software and put a memory card in the card reader. Photoshop Elements 5.0’s import feature automatically launched to assist me in downloading the pictures. Usually these features annoy me as they activate without asking if I want them to be active, effectively hijacking the computer and forcing me to close the window so I can use the Windows Camera and Scanner Wizard to import the photographs. But Photoshop Elements 5.0 has a feature that makes it worth using: it can automatically fix red eyes as it imports the pictures. Red eyes have long been the bane of every family photographer with a compact digital camera,. Now they need never see the demon red eyes staring at them from the screen again, to be fixed one at a time with a redeye removal tool.
Adjusting curves is easy with Photoshop Elements 5.0
The most anxiously awaited feature to make its debut in a Photoshop Elements project is the Color Curves adjustment, formerly only included in the expensive full version of Photoshop. Curves adjustment helps bring out the best in highlights, midtones and shadoes and this feature alone was enough reason for photographers to ante up for the full version of the Photoshop. Not only does Photoshop Elements 5.0 include curves adjustment, it goes a step further by providing six pre-set samples displayed simultaneously so the user can simply click on the one that looks the best to them. It was impressive not only that Adobe provided the adjustment at long last, but it made it easy for customers to use it.
As an editor, Photoshop Elements 5.0 is powerful yet easy-to-use. Cropping, modifying and enhancing is quickly and easily done, and a wide range of filters and creative effects are provided, as well as tools for organizing and displaying photographs, as well as using them to produce slideshows and other creations. Excellent documentation is provided, as well as an online help center and tutorials that are easily accessed when using the program. It’s so full-featured that it has almost outgrown its mission as an entry-level photo editor and mant photographers won’t have much reason to get the full version now that the Curves adjustment is included. Adobe could probably come out with a less comprehensive, simpler version and have three Photoshop product lines if they wanted.
Photoshop Elements 5.0 lists for $99.99 and is available for less at both online retailers and retail stores. It is available for Windows only- Mac users will have to make do with Photoshop Elements 4.0. All in all, a great buy and the way to go for those interested in getting started with photo editing. Digital video users should look for the bundle including Premiere Elements 3.0, which will give them both programs at a very attractive price.
