For ALL your photo editing needs (Adobe Photoshop CS4)

Member Name: lula71

Product:	Adobe Photoshop CS4
Date:	09/04/09 (84 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An incredible assortment of tools and features!

Disadvantages: price, complicated at first

Adobe have again managed to surprise by cramming yet more amazing features into a programme that already seemed to have it all. This will NOT leave you disappointed!

I am not going to list all the system requirements etc. as that's all available on the adobe website, where you can also download a free 30 day trial version of their software, which in my opinion will be hugely useful in a decision to purchase such an expensive tool (photoshop cs4 extended is 699 dollars on the website I believe - a little out of my price range, I have the trial version which is about to expire *sad face*).

***So what's so good about this version***
Firstly, the inclusion of the 'merge to HDR' feature which isn't found in some of the older versions. This enables you to create fantastic HDR images (which involves layering overexposed and underexposed shots) quickly and easily. However, I discovered that you need a fair bit of memory free for this to work properly, my first few attempts crashed the computer as I had too little free space.

The 3D features of this version are also incredible, enabling you to paint directly onto a 3D object and then rotate the whole object, paint included, to a different angle or view. Healing brushes and history brushes are fantastic for touching up photos, and the number of extra downloads of pattern tools, custom shapes and different brushes that are available on the internet make this software second to none in my opinion.

This is a huge programme tool-wise and I could write thousands of words on the different tools that it offers and bore you all silly, but my recommendation is to watch the tutorials and download the free trial from adobe and try it for yourself. It is a complex programme, but there are billions of tutorials out there and it's easy to get the hang of... but you will be discovering new things you can do all the time. A real learning curve is involved but it is totally worth it. I LOVE photoshop!

***Any downsides?***
Well, for some of the tools to work you must have specific system requirements but this is all detailed on the website. Also I find that the selection tools, although better than any other programme I have tried, could still do with work. However if you use a graphics tab and pen this is never such a problem. Other than the complexity of the programme, and the price, I can't name any real faults with this programme and I will definitely be buying the full version as soon as I can afford it! However, seeking extra tool downloads on the internet to suit your individual requirements will make your experience of this product even more spectacular

Try it!

Summary: Fantastic fantastic fantastic - try the free 30 day trial available from the adobe site!

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