Which photoshop program do I need?

Question

I know nothing about photography but just bought a Canon A200 because I want to start learning everything I need to know. First, which Photoshop program lets you do everything...the one the pros use. Also, I like to use the automatic setting on the camera because I know nothing about the other settings yet. I did try the landscape setting (the one with the little picture of a mountain on the dial) when I was at the beach. When I viewed the pics larger on my computer, the ones taken with the auto setting were crisp and clear. The ones taken at the beach with the landscape setting were choppy...you could see the pixels along the outline of the person and objects. Why does this happen?

Answer 1

there's only one (Adobe) Photoshop program, but different versions. the latest is Photoshop CS3, you can import your photos and adjust them using filters and other settings.

Answer 2

The Photoshop version that the pros use is Photoshop CS3 or CS3 extended. These are very expensive programs though. CS3 cost $650 and CS3 Extended costs $999. The extended version also does video editing.

These programs are designed for professional use and are overkill for most people. I recommend that you look at Photoshop Elements 6.0 for about $100. It has many of the features of the full versions and is all most people will ever need.

I can't tell you why the ones on the landscape setting were not good. I would have to see them. The landscape setting will generally have slower shutter speeds and smaller apertures. It is meant for scenic shots while mounted on a tripod. If you were shooting your friends running around at the beach this could explain it.

Answer 3

Unless you plan to go Professional

start out with a later version of Photoshop

you can always upgrade to Cs3 later on & save money that way

As for your settings

Try shooting in Manual mode - Experiment