General Photographic Chat

Ah, yes! I see. Didn't realize that LR2 could do it too. Sorry, didn't mean to mislead people.

Here is an overview of new features in LR2 as you can see a lot of it is very powerful just like CS4. I have read several reviews that say LR2 is more intuitive for raw and the adjustment tools. But you pay your money and make your choice. I do 90% in LR2 as per your raw workshop it never went near CS3.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 * What’s new

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Dennyboy "You Cannot Depend on Your Eyes if Your Imagination is Out of Focus"

DP-J Photography My Own Website

My Flickr Site

must say i am 80% in lightroom it makes simple adjustments a breeze!

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85mm.co.uk
Did you konw that if the frsit and last letrtes in a word are kpet in the same oredr, the rset can be meixd up, yet you wlil stlil be able to raed it pferclety

as i dont just do the photography and i work with large amount of layers im going to have to get cs4 not sure how as their site seems to not let you download the trial to upgrade it.. cash isnt a issue as its tax deductable... it just really annoyed me that i couldnt download it ... having a good look at X2 with a view to buying that too and writting some tutorials for those that cant afford CS4..
will mail adobe and rip strips of them i think lol... make me feel better i was looking forward to my shiney new program

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http://www.genesephotography.com

Can I finally put this issue of costs to bed? CS is not all that expensive. Let us assume a 5 year budget plan including camera equipment.

Basic cost of CS4 is £550 (first purchase)...see here CS4 from Amazon Then assume 2 upgrades (CS5 and CS6) at about £160 each like here... Amazon.co.uk: Adobe Photoshop CS4 - Upgrade Edition (PC): Software Then you want a decent camera, let's say a 5d (full frame) Mk II with a 24-105L lens at £2,900, like here with a 24-105L lens... Canon 5D Mark II with EF 24-105mm f4.0L IS USM Lens + FREE Lexar 8GB Pro UDMA CF Card + Gadget Bag (2764B020AA) - Warehouse Express Then you need a wider angle lens, so you go for the Sigma DG 10-24 (high quality) lens, here... Sigma 12-24mm f4.5-5.6 EX DG Lens - Canon Fit (200927) - Warehouse Express That make a total of £4,200. Let us add £800 for accessories, let's say a total £5,000 over 5 years. I know you might need a lot of other gear such as lighting if you do portrait work, but an average of £1,000 a year over five years does not seem excessive to me if you are making money from photography, or even if you are a serious amateur. Am I wrong? I know several professional local togs who have the above kit list and make a reasonable living from it. I know there are other overheads - lots of them, but you have to accept that digital costs are pretty reasonable despite all of the moans about Canon and Adobe?

With a kit list such as the one I quoted above you could take world-class pictures. What else do you want?

A Sony DSLR350 £399, 70-300 £90, 2nd hand f2.8 28-70 £140, 18-200mm £350. Tripod £200

Total £1180 + bits and pieces

Love my photography but its a hobby and i have to balance things off and think can i afford it? and do i need it?

Different angle but i know where you are coming from and i have only been a serious DSLR user since feb so early days

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Dennyboy "You Cannot Depend on Your Eyes if Your Imagination is Out of Focus"

DP-J Photography My Own Website

My Flickr Site

You had better leave that credit card at home when you come to Focus on Imaging at the NEC .

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Nikon User
Beacon Images

Join our Nikon social group here: The Nikon Appreciation Society.

Just being controversial Barry, i might buy the odd thing! It can be an expensive hobby if you let it get carried away. e.g Mello has about 14 tripods and 8 different bags (yes i know this is normal)

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Dennyboy "You Cannot Depend on Your Eyes if Your Imagination is Out of Focus"

DP-J Photography My Own Website

My Flickr Site

Hi All: I have to agree with Dennis; I too have to balance the finances against more impotant items. Photography to me is a hobby not a necessity. I never intend/intended to make money at it.

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http://www.lengouldingphotos.com
www.flickr.com/photos/len_goulding

"I never have taken a picture I've intended. There're always better or worse" Diane Arbus

We all have to do that. We might do it at different levels, but the principle is the same - nobody can afford everything. So, a professional photographer might view it more as what they need, whereas an amateur might view it more as what they need and want. But everyone has to bear in mind costs. I think that in general, photographic equipment and software is getting very good, and in most cases represents good value. Don't forget that on the equipment side you can always trade in. I just bought a 50D and 24-105L lens for £1,500, but I got £350 trade in for my two-year old 30D and 17-85mm EFS lens, which I no longer needed. If you look after kit, a trade-in is always a good option. Keep the original boxes, it seems to make the kit worth more second-hand.

Sorry for going off-topic, Genese.