Adobe Photoshop CS

We’ve probably all used Photoshop, the professional’s standard. But if you think you really know it, take a closer look at CS. At first glance I was disappointed because the interface is deceptive, hiding new tools. In truth, CS is a major overhaul with tons of rich new features, especially for digital photographers; and better yet, with an improved workflow. CS signifies that this version of Photoshop is also available as part of the powerhouse software bundle Adobe Creative Suite.

The improved browser is a handy application for easily managing and maintaining thousands of image files. I particularly like its new metadata tool that helps you imbed useful information, especially your copyright directly into the image file. This normally hidden data could come in handy if someone steals your image. I also like the sophisticated batch renaming system to quickly get rid of those cryptic names your digital camera inflicts.

Then there are the new tools. No tool has improved my image editing more than the Image -> Adjustments -> Shadow/Highlight correction tool. It’s a sophisticated contrast/color correction detail enhancement tool giving remarkable control in shadows, mid-tones and highlights. Next I tried the new Image -> Adjustments -> Color Match tool. Say you want to match the color balance of two images, instead of fiddling for half a day with several other tools, this one will instantly match one shot to the other-very useful. Another tool I like is the new Image-> Adjustments -> Photo Filter. My camera got set to "warm" and really messed up one batch of images. I simply used the Cooling Filter and with a click brought the images back to where they should have been.

For pros and prosumers, CS can work directly with most flavors of the RAW format, giving unprecedented control of your finished image. ( Adobe is attempting to standardize the RAW format with its new Digital Negative Specification.) I particularly like the ability to adjust white balance after the fact, and you can easily dilute noise using the Detail tab in RAW mode. With RAW comes full service 16-bit manipulation. Resource intensive (big files and lots of processing), this mode gives you vastly more latitude when you need exceedingly fine color gradations or huge contrast adjustments without creating artifacts.

If you’re a serious pixel jockey, you’ll love the new floating real-time histogram that updates as you make changes, allowing you to track scene color and luminance balance. Get used to it and you’ll be able to intuitively spot when your image balance is getting off track.

My back was aching from hunching over my keyboard to dig into the deep well of CS features, but then I discovered the new Layer Comp feature. It allows you to save multiple-layer compositions for any given shot, right in the.psd image file. What a great way to set up previz comparisons for clients. You just click on the different composite schemes you want to show and they materialize.

Overall, I’d have to say Photoshop CS forges ahead, maintaining its lead with innovative new tools and smoother workflows. Digital photographers get the lion’s share of goodies in this version. There are many other fine image manipulation tools out there, but Photoshop has kept me more than happy for nearly a decade and a half. CS is the company’s best Photoshop offering yet.