Hi

I'm having a big problem deciding which software to work with and need to come to a conclusion fast to avoid a big backlog of work! My main requirement is top level RAW edits and conversion with the ability to manage my collection, make standard edits (non RAW) and write IPTC core info.

I've been using trials of PSE6, CS3 and LR2 for a short while. My conclusions are:
PSE6 - too crippled in terms of ACR. Cheap though!

CS3 - fantastic. Bridge is great for viewing RAWs with xmp edits, management and writing IPTC info. ACR is also great. Far too expensive to buy in UK (around £600)

LR2 - quite slow and less 'confident' in comparison (even with dual core and 4GbRAM). Has web and print functions that I don't really use. Affordable but still a lot (£200). Annoying catalog makes constant folder syncs necessary. Always have to edit in ProPhotoRGB which makes previous CS3 aRGB edits not reach edges of histogram.
The features that I'm after are:

1. Basic image editing for text and design etc etc (I have Elements 3 that does this perfectly well)

2. Image browser and organiser that DOESN'T use a catalog feature. I want to simply use the classic windows folder tree to navigate. Ability to fully edit IPTC info in xmp files.

3. Top quality RAW image edits with edits saved 'in-file' or in xmps (preferred). Used to superb ACR4.5 so high expectations in terms of vibrance, highlight recovery etc.

Is there a product that suits that anyone has used? There is always the temptation to go with Adobe (crazy UK prices) as they are the industry standard with an assured future/updates.
Has anyone found that ACDSee Pro is a workable option for pro use?

Thanks all

Alex.

Well, I bought CS2 a few years ago and the upgrade to CS3 just made Photoshop better. Yes the UK prices are quite crazy, though you should be able to find CS3 nearer to £500 than £600.

CS3 suits my workflow perfectly. Minor exposure and white balance tweaks are done in ACR, I crop as required, everything else is done via Photoshop Actions which to me is where the real power of the CS3 product is and Actions save me hours after each shoot. If you are working with hundreds of thousands of images, in my opinion, it is the only way to go.

I would be inclined to just bite the bullet and get CS3.

Even as an amateur I feel I could not live without Photoshop As a pro.....

I agree with Alistair.

I have to say I agree with your feelings about the LR catalogue. I know it is just because I have not got to grips with it - but I do like the simplicity of an image being in a folder - not in a folder and (or not) in a catalogue.

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One comment on LR catalog. It is a database, not a browser. What this means is that it remains in the database, even if you don't have the drive attached. Not so with Bridge or any other image browser. The advantage here is that you can use it on a laptop with external drives and have your entire catalog in LR when you travel, even if you don't have all of the drives available.

I'm not sure why you're finding LR so slow. I don't experience the same issues and my computer isn't as powerful as yours. With the new features in LR2, the need to take the image to PS isn't as necessary as it was with v1.x. LR2 is capable of doing just about everything in metadata and only those images that require some pixel editing need to make the trip to PS. The new adjustment brush in LR2 has made it possible to do localized edits that were not available in prior versions. Pretty cool.

I use both LR and CS3 in my workflow. With the new LR2, I'm finding my workflow can be simplified even further. I also like the new collections feature improvements. I can see where they will make a difference.

From the sounds of your needs/desires, I'd opt to go with Photoshop CS3. Expensive, yes, but very powerful. I'm thinking CS4 isn't too far off.