1.for an accurate extraction use the "extract" utility (image>extract ; or alt + ctrl + x). Experiment. 2.The magic wand has a tolerance that you can adjust, which is quite useful. 3. the magnetic lasso also has a tolerance. try that. after you have the proper region selected, use select>feather to soften the edges before to clear/cutout. These are the methods I use a dozen times a day, daily, and the reslts are flawless. One suggestion, photoshop is a powerful editing tool with unlimited strength, as long as you're willing to learn it; shortcuts save time but don't often yield results as accurate or attractive as doing it the right way, which usually means the hard way. But at least by not using shortcuts you gain more creative control.