Photoshop CS3: Should You Upgrade?

First, let me start off by saying that I am not endorsed by Adobe (at least not yet). I am an avid Adobe fan but I’m analyzing this from a third-party perspective. Adobe Photoshop CS3 is set to be released in the spring of 2007 and very much anticipated by people around the world. But is this new upgrade really worth the price? In this article, we’ll examine the new features of Photoshop CS3 and whether or not you should spend the money to upgrade. First, the new features:

Non-destructive Smart Filters

This is a beautiful thing because it allows you to apply filters non-destructively while still remaining live and re-editable. Smart Filters contain parameters under the layer to which they have been applied. Smart Filters can only be applied to smart objects.

Quick Selection Tool

This is a handy tool because it allows you to make selections by painting a general area of interest. Then Photoshop CS3 analyzes the image to finish the selection for you. This new feature is found under the Magic Wand tool in the Tools palette.

Refine Edge

Now you have a simple and flexible way to modify the edge of any selection using the new Refine Edge tool. You can feather, smooth, contract, or expand the current selection by using simple slider controls.

Automatic layer alignment and blending

Easily combine the best portions of several images into one spectacular scene using automatic layer alignment and blending. Let CS3 analyze the contents and precisely line-up the layers so they overlap and then use masks to select the best parts of each layer. “Auto-Alight Layers” and "Auto-Blend Layers" can be found under the Edit menu and used if multiple layers are selected in the Layers palette.

Vanishing Point with multiple, adjustable angle perspective planes

Photoshop CS3 expands the power of Vanishing Point by allowing planes at any angle and connecting planes at any angle. Artwork can be wrapped multiple planes all at once.

Black and White conversion

Advanced black-and-white conversions are now simpler and faster. With one button, Photoshop CS3 will analyze the image and offer conversion settings. You can fine-tune your image with simple sliders.

Enhanced Adobe Camera Raw

Camera Raw 4.0 now features Fill Light, Recovery and Vibrance controls; a parametric tone curve; sophisticated black & white and split toning controls; and more.

The above contents of this article are based on information from Adobe Labs.

So, is it worth the price? If you’re a photographer taking RAW photos or a designer frequently working in 3D space trying to maximize vanishing point or someone looking to make the most out of what Photoshop has to offer, then definitely! Photoshop CS3 is also supposed to run faster on Intel-based Macs, which is another great reason to upgrade if you’re on a newer Mac using an Intel processor. For me, I can’t wait to upgrade to Photoshop CS3!