The Reviews: Photoshop Elements 5

As Adobe Photoshop CS2 makes the rounds around the world of photography Elements 5 is gearing up for its premiere. Reviews are already starting to come in, and as always with Adobe's new offerings, everyone has something to say.

Thoughts from ThinkCamera:

“As someone who has used a photo editing package before I found Photoshop Elements 5.0 quite easy to use. The help files are good although it takes a bit of flitting from one help page to another to find exactly how to do something. Someone new to using an editing package should find it useful straight away using the Quick Edit system. For those who want to make more subtle or different changes to their photographs the full edit mode is also quite easy to find their way around..."

CNET had a crack too.

“...the imaging tools don’t seem to be keeping up. All four of the new additions–black-and-white conversion, curve-based correction, distortion correction, and a different take on sharpening–try new interfaces for old problems. But, at least to me, the approaches don’t make the operations much easier or better. Just different.”

PC Magazine raves.

“Adobe has taken a good thing and made it even better. Version 5 of Photoshop Elements is packed with exciting features in both its Organizer and Editor components, making this an essential upgrade for existing users and the best choice for novices looking for a complete digital-imaging solution.”

So does About.com.

“Photoshop Elements incorporates many of Photoshop’s powerful features without being too overwhelming to the novice user. How-Tos help users get started, and automated features simplify many tasks, such as posting online photo galleries and stitching multiple photos to create panoramas. The user interface is friendly to beginners, but not “dumbed-down” to the point that it frustrates experienced users. Photoshop Elements also includes a powerful, integrated photo organizer, making it a perfect all-in-one solution for the majority of digital photographers.”