Photoshop Elements 8 vs 9

[T_J_G]

Having looked into image editing software I've decided to go for PS Elements.

Now I've found this : Canon Bag and Elements 8 for £49.99

Or Elements 9 for £60 delivered on Amazon.

At the moment I'm leaning towards the Elements 9 as it's more recent and in theory should offer more functions.

What software does everyone else use? And any more recommendations?

Thanks

 

[Ridg]

If you've still got your student card

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003DZ0E5U/ref=s9_simh_gw_p65_d1_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0JEEEZ4VRSK7DDGRY21Y&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294

or

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adobe-Lightroom-Student-Teacher-Version/dp/B003L2KBMQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=software&ie=UTF8&qid=1289747122&sr=1-3

I use a mix, if I've got a batch of photos taken in similar conditions then I'll use camera raw to make any adjustments, then run them through custom PS actions (like a macro in VBA); if I've got a load of images that need to be touched up then CS5.

I use photomatrix 4 for HDR images then adjusted in CS5, I use ACDSee Pro 3 for quick viewing and cropping as the cropping options are better than CS5, I've also got DxO Optics Pro 6 installed as it has some superior lens correction plugins.

The only time I use Lightroom is to create a web gallery if I need to display a custom set of images.

I don't really know the difference between the elements versions, I do know that CS4 was only 64bit on the PC and you had to wait for CS5 on the Mac so it could be the same with elements 8 and 9.

If I was able to get CS5 on the student license then I'd be going for that as for the money you really can't go wrong.

[Sam]

http://thepiratebay.org/ 

[T_J_G]

No longer a student looks like I'll plump for elements 9.

[The Mighty Elvi]

I have a "copy"  of Photoshop CS3 available.

[the_stink]

Im using CS4 would love to get CS5 some very cool features