Photoshop CS2 vs. 7.0

[Shelbell82]

I currently use Photoshop 7.0, is it worth the upgrade to CS2?

Please tell me advantages and disadvantages that you have had using CS2.

Thanks,
Shel

[ohenry]

I think it's much better. Why not just download the 30 day free trial and experience the differences for yourself?

[Shortie]

YES

Sorry for shouting but I have found it so much better and quicker

[dc2]

Much improved .

[JDArt]

If you're using a recent-vintage camera, you need the latest version for the additonal RAW support, I believe.

[Paul Shields]

Immeasurably better. Well I'm sure it is measurable, but would take a while. I use it on a PC currently, and on a Mac before that. Probably even more of a memory hog than on V7.0 though.

[Nikonfreak]

Big time!

As was indicated before, after installing the program, go online to download the latest RAW file support. I recall having to replace a file somewhere for the updates when the D200 came out.

Julio..

[Blinky]

Add me to the list. That's the path I took, used PS7 for years, skipped CS and upgraded to CS2. With your D1x, the Bridge/Adobe Camera RAW combo alone make the upgrade worth it.

Chip

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by Paul

Immeasurably better. Well I'm sure it is measurable, but would take a while. I use it on a PC currently, and on a Mac before that. Probably even more of a memory hog than on V7.0 though.

It is a huge memory hog. In fact, I'm running it on a machine with 2 GB of RAM, and after a while, I simply must restart the thing. On a machine with 1 GB, it's darn near intolerable. Of course, I typically work with multiple images open.

[Shelbell82]

Originally Posted by JDArt

It is a huge memory hog. In fact, I'm running it on a machine with 2 GB of RAM, and after a while, I simply must restart the thing. On a machine with 1 GB, it's darn near intolerable. Of course, I typically work with multiple images open.

Hmm, I may have to wait until I rebbuild my computer before I get it if it is a huge memory hog. I am running slow as is!!

[dc2]

Its interesting I am hearing people say its very memory draining and others saying there not having a problem , I am not myself and I am using full size raws only on the 1ds2
2gig of ram and mine dose not seem to struggle at all .

[Blinky]

Originally Posted by dc2

Its interesting I am hearing people say its very memory draining and others saying there not having a problem , I am not myself and I am using full size raws only on the 1ds2
2gig of ram and mine dose not seem to struggle at all .

I've only got 512MB of RAM and, while I'd rather have more, it works pretty well. If I open a RAW image as a 16bit, 17.1MP file instead of 10.5MP, and the color mode is ProPhoto... I risk a session with loooong waits between mouseclicks. But if I scale any one of those variables back to say 8bit, 10.5 MP or AdobeRGB, It behaves normally. A high pass sharpen on a 16bit, 10.5MP file takes maybe 5 or so seconds.

Another GB of RAM would really make me happy though.

Chip

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by dc2

2gig of ram and mine dose not seem to struggle at all .

DC2,

Take 1 of your2gb out and then open your full size image in 16-bit mode, duplicate the background layer, add a couple of adjustment layers, and then run some artsy filter like watercolor or something. Let us know how she slows down.

If you have 512mb, you'll have some issues sometimes. 1gb will handle quite a bit of stuff. 2gb, is a lot better. Of course, having a scratch disk on another drive is nice, but doesn't help a whole lot with speed.

[dc2]

I can believe that with out taking one out , its just that I have heard of people with 2 gig saying they struggle* . My fault for not making it clear though .
:-[

[Blinky]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

DC2,

Take 1 of your2gb out and then open your full size image in 16-bit mode, duplicate the background layer, add a couple of adjustment layers, and then run some artsy filter like watercolor or something. Let us know how she slows down.

Long as you've got that 1GB out, just send it to:
Chip
chip hildreth Photographic
214 Webb Avenue... :

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by dc2

My fault for not making it clear though :-[

No problemo. But since it is your fault, you're buying when we meet

One would think that with 2gb, and they are struggling, they got a 10-plus mp camera, and are really taking some crappy photos that need a lot of work

Either that, or they are really into painting or artsy stuff, or something. When I switched to a different scratch disk, it helped a little, but not a measurable amount, so I wouldn't think that was it.

[dc2]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

No problemo. But since it is your fault, you're buying when we meet
Quote
No probs
One would think that with 2gb, and they are struggling, they got a 10-plus mp camera, and are really taking some crappy photos that need a lot of work

I don't think JD stuff is that bad at all But I think you may have to buy if you meet him
I have an external hard drive that seem to do very little when I added it to the scratch disc

[Mark McCall]

I run 7 on two machines and CS2 on another in a pretty busy studio inviornment.
CS and CS are slower than expected, even on a Dual Core Pentium with 2 GB ram and GForce graphics card.

7 flies in comparison.
It also works more seemlessly with our album design software that is a PS plugin.
7 leaves more memory available for the plugin. (CS hogs all the memory).

I'd advise not using PS for Raw image conversion, though.

Every camera manufacturer has a "secret sauce" built into it's firmware that is not shared with Adobe or C1.
Your OEM camera's Raw converter is better choice, even if it's the free variety.
Make any necessary color correction, white balancing (if you missed it in camera) or sharpening while your image is still Raw,
then use PS for your editing.
This will produce the most optimum file possible.

[dvdowns]

Just my 2c worth , I tested a "friends" copy of PS7 for quite a while before deciding to buy PS Elements 4.0 which some might think is a backward step . I am very happy with it and it processes my Nikon's RAW files with no problem . It also slows the computer down a bit [ 2gig cpu with 512 meg ram ] and when I am finished with it I usually restart my computer . For my needs I see no reason to pay so much extra for CS .