{"id":1189,"date":"2010-08-15T18:00:51","date_gmt":"2010-08-15T17:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.hani-ibrahim.de\/?p=1189"},"modified":"2020-10-07T18:32:24","modified_gmt":"2020-10-07T17:32:24","slug":"photoshop-elements-8-editor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.hani-ibrahim.de\/en\/photoshop-elements-8-editor.html","title":{"rendered":"Field Report Photoshop Elements 8 (2\/2) \u2013 Editor"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n

The Editor<\/a>\n
- User interface<\/a><\/li>\n
- Limitations of Photoshop Elements 8 in comparison to Photoshop CS 4<\/a><\/li>\n
- RAW photo developing<\/a><\/li>\n
- Stitching panoramas<\/a><\/li>\n
- Correcting lens distortions and aberrant lines<\/a><\/li>\n
- High Dynamic Range images (HDR)<\/a><\/li>\n
- Intermediate conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Final conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n\n\r\n
  <\/p>\n
  $\"PSE_logo\"$ In the first part<\/a> of this field report I reviewed the Organizer of Photoshop Elements 8. In this part I review the Editor of PSE 8. It is based on Photoshop CS4.<\/p>\n
  Adobe cropped some functions and tools of CS 4 in PSE\u2019s Editor but added some new ones which were designed for beginners.<\/p>\n
  Whether these crops constrains my work flow or not shows the following report.<\/p>\n
  <\/p>\n
  The Editor<\/h3>\n
  The organizer fulfills the biggest part of my workflow, that I described in the first part<\/a>. only #5 is left:<\/p>\n
  Photo processing<\/p>\n
  - Retouching, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    These tasks can be done in PSE\u2019s Editor.<\/p>\n
    User interface<\/h4>\n
    In fact PSE\u2019s Organizer is able to do some basic photo processing tasks but they can not be controlled well. Moreover Organizer\u2019s features can not handle RAW photo files non-destructively.<\/p>\n
    $\"Screenshot$ <\/a>
    Photoshop Elements 8 \u2013 Editor (Full Edit) \u2013 German version<\/p><\/div>\n
    The Editor\u2019s user interface (UI) looks a little bit different to normal Windows programs. The color of the UI is dark grey as many other applications in this field. It has a menu bar at the top, a toolbar at the left and a tool\u00a0dependent\u00a0option bar below the menu. At the right side there is a multi function sidebar located. It contains different palettes, as histogram, layer, etc. At the bottom you find a project bar where all your opened files are displayed as\u00a0thumbnails.<\/p>\n
    If you click on the maximize button of a photo window the whole screen and all UI components will be covered by it. This could be handy if you use two screens, where you have the photo on one and the UI on the other screen. But in my opinion it is less useful on one screen computers. However to maximize the photo window inside the Editor window, move the photo window to the top of the working area (orange line below the option tool bar). A blue frame will appear and then release the window. As the consequence the photo window is maximized inside the Editor window only (see screenshot above). If you get used to it you may work well with this special\u00a0behavior.<\/p>\n
    If you have more than one file opened it is easy to arrange them with the arrange button (right to the blueish PSE icon at the top).\u00a0The sidebar on the right is shrinkable to offer more space for the photos.<\/p>\n
    Tip: <\/strong>On almost all filter dialogs you can change the CANCEL to a BACK button by pressing the ALT key. Than it is easy to undo filter actions when the dialog is still opened. This function is very handy and I use it a lot.<\/p>\n
    Now I would like to direct the attention to the sidebar on the right. On the yellow tab you can change the editor mode:<\/p>\n
    \n
    Full Edit:<\/strong> Maximum control over the editing process<\/li>\n
    Quick Edit:<\/strong> Sliders for a quick and easy fix<\/li>\n
    Guided Edit:<\/strong> Wizards for the most common edits. Very useful for unexperienced users.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    $\"Editor$ <\/a>
    Editor (Quick Edit) \u2013 German version<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n
    \n
    $\"Editor$ <\/a>
    Editor (Guided Edit) \u2013 German version<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
    The tabs \u201cCreate\u201d and \u201cShare\u201d of the sidebar are exactly the same as on the Organizer and have been described in the first part<\/a> of this field report.<\/p>\n
    Limitations of Photoshop Elements 8 in comparison to Photoshop CS 4<\/h4>\n
    There are a lot of functions missing in PSE 8 if you know CS 4:<\/p>\n
    \n
    Adjustments: Color Balance, Match Color<\/li>\n
    Layer Masks, Layer Comps, and Quick Mask mode<\/li>\n
    Some adjustment layers (curves, color balance, selective color, channel mixer)<\/li>\n
    CMYK and LAB color modes<\/li>\n
    Combine multiple exposures to create high dynamic range (HDR) images<\/li>\n
    Channels Palette<\/li>\n
    Recording custom Actions (for batch processing)<\/li>\n
    Smart Objects, Smart Guides<\/li>\n
    Lens Blur Filter<\/li>\n
    Vanishing Point Tool<\/li>\n
    Pen tool and paths palette<\/li>\n
    Editing History Log<\/li>\n
    Text on a path, advanced text formatting<\/li>\n
    Advanced Layer Style manipulation<\/li>\n
    Advanced Color Management<\/li>\n
    Advanced web features such as rollovers and slicing<\/li>\n
    Customizable tool presets, keyboard shortcuts, menus and workspace<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    (Source:\u00a0 Digicamhelp<\/a>)<\/p>\n
    The experienced user has to decide if he or she can live with this limitations.<\/p>\n
    However PSE8\u2019s Editor is based on CS 4 and contains most of its functions but many are deactivated internally. Some Plugins \u201cactivate\u201d resp. add some missing features. Visit the webpages\u00a0of\u00a0 Elements+<\/a> and SmartCurve<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n
    RAW photo developing<\/h4>\n
    To edit a RAW\u00a0file\u00a0non-destructively you have to load it into a RAW converter. PSE 8 contains ACR 5.5 (Adobe Camera Raw). In comparison to ACR of Photoshop CS Adobe crops some features in ACR for PSE 8.<\/p>\n
    But ACR is able to load and process multiple files at the same time. This is useful if you would like to process photos of a panorama session similarly before stiching.<\/p>\n
    $\"Adobe$ <\/a>
    Adobe Camera Raw \u2013 German version<\/p><\/div>\n
    Stitching panoramas<\/h4>\n
    $\"Photomerge\u00ae-Panorama$ <\/a>
    Photomerge\u00ae-Panorama \u2013 German version<\/p><\/div>\n
    One of the Photomerge\u00ae functions of PSE 8 is panorama stiching. You have very less control over the stitching process but the results are always pretty fine. Even my hand-taken photos were stitched properly.<\/p>\n
    For me the main advantage of the built-in stitcher is the\u00a0possibility\u00a0to create panoramas from RAW files directly without converting them into JPEGs or other formats. This is stitching the easy way.<\/p>\n
    Correcting lens distortions and aberrant lines<\/h4>\n
    I often take photos with short focal length. To correct lens\u00a0distortions\u00a0and aberrant lines PSE 8 offers a comfortable filter. You find it in the filters menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    $\"Correct$ <\/a>
    Correct lens distortion (before) \u2013 German version<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n
    \n
    $\"Correct$ <\/a>
    Correct lens distortion (after) \u2013 German version<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
    A really nice filter. I have used it quite often.<\/p>\n
    High Dynamic Range images (HDR)<\/h4>\n
    Many photo scenes have a higher dynamic range as the sensors of digital cameras \u2013 even of DSLRs \u2013 are able to handle. If you took exposure bracketings the \u00a0Photomerge function \u201cExposure\u201d create a HDR image almost automatically. Till now I have not tested this function.<\/p>\n
    More Photomerge\u00ae\u00a0functions<\/strong><\/p>\n
    The Photomerge family offers a lot more functions than the already described ones.<\/p>\n
    Photomerge Faces<\/strong> combines multiple facial features to create one composite face.<\/p>\n
    Photomerge Scene Cleaner<\/strong> creates the perfect scenic photo from multiple photos. You can eliminate unwanted elements like tourists that inadvertently wandered into the scenery. For best results, the multiple images used with Photomerge Scene Cleaner should be of the same scene taken from the same angle.<\/p>\n
    Photomerge Group Shot <\/strong>creates the perfect group photo from multiple photos. For best results, the multiple images should be from the same photo session.<\/p>\n
    I have not used one of this functions till now except scene cleaner. It worked pretty well on one of my photos.<\/p>\n
    Not a Photomerge function but also interesting\u00a0is the \u201cRecompose Tool<\/strong>\u201c. It facilitates intelligent resizing of photos without changing important visual content such as people, buildings, animals, and so on. Normal scaling affects all pixels uniformly when resizing an image. Recompose affects pixels in areas that don\u2019t have important visual content. Recompose enables you to upscale or downscale images to improve a composition, fit a layout, or change the orientation.<\/p>\n
    Intermediate conclusion<\/h4>\n
    The Editor of Photoshop Elements 8\u00a0fulfills all my\u00a0\u00a0requirements of photo\u00a0editing. Even for ambitious users Plugins extend the Editor with a lot of functions from Photoshop CS 4. Some functions of PSE 8 are unique, e.g. the Photomerge\u00ae Scene Cleaner. Even for Correcting lens distortions and aberrant lines PSE supports you doing the job. If you want to stitch panoramas or create HDR images PSE 8 has all tools built-in. The integrated RAW converter ACR completes the positive image of the PSE 8 Editor.<\/p>\n
    On my Windows Vista box (Core-2-Duo 2,4 GHz, 4 GB RAM) the Editor runs pretty fast and the usage was straight forward \u2013 even though I had to get used to the unusual window management \u00a0first. Sometimes it takes a while from jumping from the Organizer to the Editor and vice versa even if both applications are already started.<\/p>\n
    In my opinion you are not able to buy a better photo editing tool for this price which is applicable for beginners and advanced users as well. Nevertheless professional photographers may prefer Photoshop CS.<\/p>\n
    I rate the Editor of PSE 8 with 4 from 5 stars.<\/p>\n
    Final conclusion<\/h3>\n
    First of all Photoshop Elements 8 (Organizer and Editor) fulfills all my requirements of my work flow. The offered functions in the Organizer and Editor are thought-out and straight forward. The beginner was also considered as the advanced. PSE 8 handles RAW files as easy as JPEGs. Focused on hobby photographers I rate PSE 8\u2019s functional range and ease of use with full 5 stars.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
    But the consumption of resources are not low and in some less situations you have to wait where you do not expected. Storing photos on network drives is not recommended because PSE 8 becomes\u00a0noticeably\u00a0slower. Especially if you organize and edit RAW files. Sharing of catalogs<\/span> in a network is almost impossible. Every client has to manage their own catalog. On systems where<\/span><\/strong> catalogs and photos stored on a network share PSE 8 becomes incredibly slow in many functions.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
    Processing many photos is not recommended. It takes to much time to load every single photo in the RAW converter and then in the Editor. A work flow tool as e.g. \u201cAdobe Lightroom\u201d is a more productive alternative. But if you have to process less then 50 photos per session your work flow is not bad.<\/p>\n
    Adobe provides a good online documentation<\/a> on the Adobe-Website. You can also download a PDF file for offline reading there. Furthermore a lot of videos<\/a> are available to get started easily. All help files and documentation are accessible from the help menu.<\/p>\n
    My final rating of PSE 8 is 4 from 5 stars. If you are a hobby photographer and if\u00a0you work completely local and if you do not use old or weak hardware or to many photos per session I recommend PSE 8 for organizing and editing photos. But I also recommend to download the demo version on Adobe\u2019s website before purchasing.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
    <\/p><\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
    <\/span> <\/a><\/li>
    In the first part of this field report I reviewed the Organizer of Photoshop Elements 8. In this part I review the Editor of PSE […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3126,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,25,47,40],"tags":[42,177],"class_list":["post-1189","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-german","category-english","category-field-reports","category-photo","tag-photoshop-elements","tag-foto"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.hani-ibrahim.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1189","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.hani-ibrahim.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.hani-ibrahim.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hani-ibrahim.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hani-ibrahim.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1189"}],"version-history":[{"count":88,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hani-ibrahim.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1189\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1253,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hani-ibrahim.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1189\/revisions\/1253"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hani-ibrahim.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3126"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.hani-ibrahim.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1189"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hani-ibrahim.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1189"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hani-ibrahim.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}