Which is the better investment?

[Vick77]

I'm getting into photo editing, more as a hobby than anything, and I'm saving up for a couple of things, but which would be the better use of my available cash?

1) photoshop cs3
2) photoshop elements 6 and intuos graphics tablet

any insight would be appreciated, thanks

(btw, the editing is nothing major, no 3d work or anything, only standard images)

 

[SwiftLives]

Photoshop CS3.

A tablet is more useful for drawing rather than editing.

That's not to say you shouldn't save up and get a tablet somewhere down the line. But to start off, I'd recommend full-fledged Photoshop CS3.

 

[chaosbunny]

Photoshop CS3.

A tablet is more useful for drawing rather than editing.

That's not to say you shouldn't save up and get a tablet somewhere down the line. But to start off, I'd recommend full-fledged Photoshop CS3.

Seconded. Also, not everyone likes tablets, if cash is tight I'd suggest you try one out if you have any possibility to do so before you buy.

 

[snickelfritz]

Photoshop CS3

 

[jammedpearl]

I would suggest that if you are just getting started you may want to save on both ends- wait on the tablet and get a slightly older version of photoshop. CS or CS2 come at much thriftier tags these days and if you really get into it you can purchase the CS3 upgrade and still often save a few $. but if you are even half way serious about getting into your nwe hobby, i would not waste money on elements.

alibi- if you do get a tablet, i wouldn't skimp there, definitely stick with the Intuos line from wacom.

 

[ruskiwi]

but if you are even half way serious about getting into your nwe hobby, i would not waste money on elements.

Unless you're strapped for cash - Elements 6 is only $80 compared to $600 for CS3 (or even $200 for the upgrade). I switched to Elements after using CS3 and for a hobbiest, even a half way serious one, Elements has all you need and is not a waste of money. You can edit RAW files and make use of practically all the tools and filters that CS3 has. You can even add plugins to cover the functions that aren't there by default, like adding layer masks.

You can always download the trial and see if it suits you.

 

[CMD is me]

Agreed. CS3.