Hello, I'm thinking of purchasing Photoshop, but don't know if I should get Elements or the new version 7. How advanced is elements over Micrografx Picture Publisher 8 and PSP7, if at all? And is Elements worth the 100 dollars, as opposed to Photoshop's $600 price range. Usually, the most I'll pay for a program is $300. Thanks in advance, B.R. Burton MessianicArt.com

Elements is merely a really cut down version of photoshop, which used to be called Photoshop LE (Limited Edition). Elements is a big step up from LE, more functions avaiable and whatnot. Personally, if you have the choice, Get PSP any day over Elements. For the price PSP is, its a phenomenal program. Elements is good if you get ti free with a Wacom Tablet of something, but really not worth your money. Elements is NOT advanced at all over PSP, and I have no clue about Micrografx. PSP is the program to et when PHotoshop is too expensive, and considering their prices in comparison, PSP is a much better buy considering features. ry

Thanks much for your opinion! It will be very influential!

my personal opinion is that nothing beats photoshop,fair enough it is a hefty price,but there is a reason for that,its better! (and before anyone starts giving me hell,this is my opinion).i will definatley be upgrading to 7.i hear so many people complaining about the price of photoshop,but try thinking about it as only being a few weeks to a months work to buy it (for your average job i mean). if you can afford it,get the best.

Elements is for newbies all auto pilot. PS7 is for true doodlers. I have only had the pleasure of testing PS7 Beta,I can tell you its a great program. Only problem I see with it is all of PS shapes,brushes aren't compatable. CRY!! I have to remake all of them over again for PS7. I'm hopeing its only a beta quirk. Time will tell. Worth 600.00??? If your makeing money with the program I can see spending that kind cash.

im not making money with the programme,it is a hobby that will hopefully make money someday,but unlike other hobbies it only requires the initial outlay ,and then your set,where as ,a comic collector for instance,will spend a couple thousand plus building up a decent collection.if it is too much money for someone who can afford it,then they arent all that interested and should stick to paper and pen.