Actual editing differences between Elements 7 and 2020

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
June 12, 2020
4 replies
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I shoot landscapes and nature pretty much exclusively and have used Photoshop Elements 7 for many years. In looking at Photoshop 2020 editing features and Lightroom editing features, is there really much difference, either in final quality or functions. The tutorials look like Lightroom Classic and 2020 have pretty much the same editing functions as Elements 7. No fancy filters, special effects, etc. If I took a RAW photo and used the editing tools of each, would there be a difference in final product?

Performance

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Greg_S.

Community Expert

There are many new and better features in the Editor since Elements 7, particularly in the area of selection tools as well as some functions in Adobe Camera Raw. Elements 2020 uses the latest Artificial Intelligence algorithms in a number of areas too.

For some of the latest differences, check out this version comparison.

hatstead

Inspiring

Suggest that you download the free 30-day trial of the current verion of PSE. You will have the option to purchase after evaluation.

99jon

Legend

The PSE 2020 interface is different although many of the tools are the same in the Expert workspace – Full Edit in PSE7. In recent versions Adobe has been building up the guided edits which provide a step by step workflow for enthusiasts. The developers have also built templates for instant slideshow which can easily be uploaded to YouTube, social media etc. I find the new feature for automatic collage creation is quite cool. But if you are happy going from camera raw to full edit you probably have all you need. For filters I use DxO Nik Collection 3 which pairs nicely with the Elements Editor and which is available as a lifelong licence, for a one off price, without subscription. You mentioned Lightroom Classic but that has the full camera raw engine unlike PSE. Lightroom Classic is available bundled with full Photoshop as part of a Photography Plan for $9.99 pm or local currency price.