I don't think that Elements has vector drawing tools, paths, and channels like full blown Photoshop does. I understands paths are a more precise way of making selections and I have used the alpha channels for masks and compositing elements from Poser scenes into other pictures. I don't think it has the color calibration tools of photoshop either, which is more geared towards professional print work than an amatuer like me would ever need. However, Elements does have some special effects and correction tools that aren't found in Photoshop, like the red eye removal brush and (I think) Impressionist Brush. I don't know if the Adobe website has a more consise list or comparison of features. After giving it further thought, perhaps regular Photoshop does have more things that I will be able to grow into, but Elements is no slouch either. You might get some other view points if you post your question on the Photoshop forum, give it a whirl. I hate Photoshop LE because it was really apparent that it was missing major features, I think Adobe tried to make elements a more complete program so that consumers could have a good image editor without the hefty price tag.