I'd like to start using photoshop. Do i have to buy the most current version or can I start with a cheaper older version?

 

I don't see why you would need to get the newest version- I've been using it at work for several years and we still have v.6 or something. We still don't use nearly all the features...

 

You'll be fine with Photoshop 6 on up. There are minor changes in each version, but most things stay in tact. If you are in school, teach, or know anyone that is/does, then you can get it for really cheap. www.journeyed.com

 

There are some of the 6.0 version on Ebay. Is it safe to buy it off of Ebay?

 

...never bought software from ebay- I don't see why not as long as it's new and sealed up.

 

It just for personal use right. I got a cracked copy of 7 I've tried it on 10 computer now and they all run it fine and I use damn near daily course you can't get the updates, they were minor bugs I haven't run across.
or else you can get 7 relativley cheap now for 100 bucks PM me if your interested

photo 7
photo 7 again
here it for 49

 

Or if you don't wanna pay and don't want illegal stuff, try out Gimp...

http://www.gimp.org/windows/

It was originally written as Linux's answer to Photoshop, but now it's available for Windows.... completely free, and supposedly very powerful.

 

ok whats photoshop CS now?

Yes this will only be for personal use. I have tons of editing software that one can do this but not this, etc. I'd like to get rid of um all and have just one program.

 

CS is the version after 7 I think....its the newest one out as far as I know

 

I'v used the windows version a little & the linux version a ton, it is really powerful. I've never used PS so I can't compare directly, but as I understand it the main things that are missing are the stuff you need to send you work off to a print shop for 4-color printing, like Pantone color references & color separations. stuff that I'll probably never need. It's worth a shot, since it's free.

 

ok I'll try gimp first. I've seen that before on download.com I think. I downloaded something called paint.net from there and that worked pretty good too.

 

fyi cs has all of 7's features, plus handles much larger images (no 30k pixel width limit any more), but for most "normal" uses, cs isn't a huge step up. if you're new to ps, don't bother with cs. they *still* didn't fix the "feature" present in all versions, where ps can't use more than 2 gig of ram, which is abysmal. but anyway, just get 7 or 6 (7 is a decent step up from 6, and anything below 6 is so old that you just don't want to use it). if you don't want to pay for "full photoshop" you can easily find various devices like digital cameras or scanners that are packaged with photoshop elements (used to be LE), which is actually a pretty decent standalone program, with a few hobbled features.

 

"CS" stands for Creative Suite. Adobe has made all their new versions of their programs in the "CS" version and they are all supposed to work together better. A file from one program (like Illustrator) will now integrate better with Photoshop. If you ever plan to use other Adobe applications then you might consider getting "CS" standard (not premium), but otherwise, I would suggest Photoshop 7 for now.

I am a graphic designer and require the Adobe Creative Suites (premium package) on a daily basis, but I would see no need to spend the money on any of the CS applications for casual use.

 

I'm leaning toward getting a used 7.0 from Amazon.com right now. Thank you for the help everyone. Also if anyone had a specially good (easy) site with PShop tutorials I would appreciate it. Thanks!

 

how much is a used copy?....I downloaded my copy, I know its illegal but since I only use it once a month I couldnt justisfy that price....

Your definately be happy with PS 7....

 

a used one in "good" condition is about $100.

 

Demo
here is a start

 

Be very careful about pirating adobe software... they pay big bucks to people that rat out other people... just a word to the wise. Yeah, people do it all the time, but I wouldn't go around telling people you do it. Especially on a public forum. Its this reason that I'm sticking with the elements program I got with my 20D until I get the whole production suite. If your a student you get $1,200 worth of software for $200.

 

Yeah, as a graphic design professional i had to buy the whole "Creative Suite" and it cost about $1200-$1300 I remember and that is a lot to take at one time. Plus, I bought the Expert Support for another $200 for a year. I'll tell you though, calling Adobe is awesome. They answer your call almost immediatly and are very good at resolving issues or even if you just have a "how do you do that" type of question. Not to mention. . . They speak clear English unlike some other tech support people. Its been nothing but a pleasure to work with Adobe products.

Adobe has cracked down on software pirates pretty good. Also, with the new Photoshop CS you have to actually call to register it and it will only work on ONE computer. If something happens to that computer and you need to legitimatly reload it on another computer you have to call them so they can walk you through getting it "legally" loaded on another computer.

 

ohhh i'm sooo scared heheh j/k...but I'm not really scared....in all seriousness any prog that cost as much as adobe I'll download before I buy to make sure it gonna do what I need it too....