photoshop $$$

[AntZ]

I use lightroom almost exclusively. I use the Gimp for about 1 in 20 photos that I process. There are heaps of free add-ons for both.

[landon9720]

another option not mentioned is ebay.. they tend to go for less than $200. here's one from a reputable seller:

http://cgi.ebay.com/PHOTOSHOP-CS4-EX...d=p4999.c0.m14

[Bambi]

Photoshop is indeed great. But look into Lightroom 2 (or 3 if it's out) as well. At a recent seminar my wife went to on Adobe products they admitted that they are going to develop Lightroom as the premium software from Adobe for photographers. It already does some things better than PS.

However, for photo manipulation of any kind (over and above the usual colour, level type adjustments) then PS is still king.

Far as I know the education copy doesn't limit you in any way for future upgrades.

yikes, how to decide: PS, PSE, lightroom?

[Greg_Nuspel]

And if you shoot Nikon there is Capture NX, I saw a seminar on it and wow, now I wish I would have spent my money there instead of Lightroom.

[Mad Aussie]

yikes, how to decide: PS, PSE, lightroom?

Right now for me it's a combination of both PS and LR.

[JAS_Photo]

I attended the seminar on the Wacom tablet with Craig's actions for Photoshop and that was cool as well.

But I am using LR and PSE with the topaz plug-ins. I have been trying out the Nik Silver Efex and Color Efex as well and they integrate very well with LR. They are quite expensive as well so I do not know if I will keep them or not.

[Greg_Nuspel]

I was told if you buy Capture NX the plugins for photoshop come with it and Capture NX is less than the plugins alone.

[Marko]

I use Pshop and bridge for now. I've been wanting to play with lightroom but haven't gotten around to it yet...