Adobe Photoshop Extended CS5 Upsell from Photoshop CS2/CS3/CS4 (vf)

Adobe Photoshop Extended CS5 Review

Adobe Photoshop Extended CS5 is an advanced version of Adobe's well-known image editing software, offering a robust set of features for professionals and enthusiasts alike. With the release of Photoshop CS5, Adobe has integrated numerous tools and enhancements that improve the workflow, making it crucial for users who are looking to upgrade from previous versions like CS2, CS3, or CS4.

Key Features

• Content-Aware Fill: One of the most praised features in Photoshop Extended CS5 is the Content-Aware Fill tool. This allows users to easily remove unwanted elements from photos while intelligently filling in the space left behind, making it look seamless.
• Enhanced Painting Tools: The new painting engine provides more realistic brush strokes, enabling artists to express their creativity with an array of customizable brushes and textures.
• 3D Functionality: Extended CS5 supports 3D modeling and compositing, allowing users to create and manipulate 3D objects within their projects. This feature is essential for designers looking to integrate dimensionality into their layouts.
• Improved Lens Correction: The lens correction capabilities have been improved, helping photographers fix distortions and vignetting caused by camera lenses with unprecedented precision.
• Camera Raw 6: With Camera Raw 6 integrated into Photoshop Extended CS5, users can process raw images more efficiently, benefiting from enhanced removal of noise and other quality improvements.

User Interface and Performance

The user interface in Photoshop Extended CS5 has seen some refinements for better usability. The workspace is customizable, allowing users to tailor the layout according to their preferences. The introduction of a new mini Bridge panel makes it easier to browse images without leaving the workspace. This feature significantly enhances productivity by streamlining processes that require switching between files.

Performance is also markedly improved in this version. The software takes advantage of 64-bit support on Windows and Mac OS X, allowing for enhanced memory handling and faster load times. Advanced graphics card support means that users will notice smoother performance when dealing with complex images or applying detailed effects.

Expanded Toolset

Adobe has packed Photoshop Extended CS5 with a wide array of tools suitable for all types of design work. Notably:

• Refine Edge Tool: This tool allows for more precise selections by adjusting edges accurately, which is especially useful when isolating subjects in photographs.
• Video Editing Features: A significant addition for the burgeoning multimedia design sector is the ability to edit video clips directly within Photoshop. Users can apply effects just as they would on images.
• Puppet Warp: This innovative feature enables users to manipulate images as if they are made from a puppet with joints, providing an easy way to adjust positions without redrawing parts manually.

Collaboration and Integration

The extended capabilities of Adobe Photoshop CS5 go hand in hand with Adobe's commitment to collaboration and cloud services. Users can easily share their work or collaborate with others via Adobe Creative Cloud or through shared network files. Integration with other Adobe applications such as Illustrator, After Effects, and Flash also helps streamline workflows across platforms.

Learning Curve

While Adobe Photoshop Extended CS5 is powerful and packed with features, new users may find the learning curve steep compared to simpler image editing tools. However, Adobe offers comprehensive tutorials and documentation that facilitate learning. Additionally, the vibrant community of users provides many resources such as forums, video tutorials, and user-generated content that can aid in mastering this sophisticated software.

System Requirements

For optimal performance, the following system requirements are advisable:

• Windows:
• • A multicore processor with 64-bit support
  • Microsoft Windows XP (SP3), Vista (SP1), or Windows 7
  • A minimum of 1GB RAM (2GB recommended)
  • A minimum of 2GB of available hard-disk space for installation
  • A monitor with 1024x768 resolution (1280x800 recommended)
• Mac OS:
• • A multicore Intel processor
  • Mac OS X v10.5–v10.7
  • A minimum of 1GB RAM (2GB recommended)
  • A minimum of 2GB of available hard-disk space for installation
  • A monitor with 1024x768 resolution (1280x800 recommended)

Touted as a powerful upgrade from earlier versions like CS2, CS3, or CS4, Adobe Photoshop Extended CS5 provides professional photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists with an extensive toolkit that encompasses advanced photo retouching, digital painting capabilities, and integrated video editing functionalities.

The robust feature set combined with enhanced performance makes it a recommended choice for any serious creative professional looking to elevate their digital artistry without compromising on functionality or versatility.