New in v7.0.x: Enhanced photo search capabilities, Adobe Smart Brush (apply numerous effects with one stroke), Adobe Photomerge Scene Cleaner, Photoshop.com PLUS membership (for online photo sharing, backup, etc.), enhanced photo album sharing features, improved photo tagging abilities; Release Notes - Last Updated: 12.23.08 (v7.0)
Upgrade Meter:5
New in v5.0.x:
One-click adjustments for common photo tweaks, greater control over color and lighting adjustments, tools for creating and sharing photo galleries, tool to easily create photo composites, brush tool for cleaning up / removing unwanted objects, convert to black-and-white tool, layout creation and customization tools, animated Flipbook tool; Release Notes - Last Updated: 01.26.07 (v5.0.2)
Upgrade Meter:5
New in v3.0.1: Address several issues discovered after Photoshop Elements 3.0 was released, including: now easier to download new creation templates for PhotoBooks, Calendars, and other creations; and users can now change the format of dates in the Photo Well from U.S. to European; Release Notes - Last Updated: 01.03.05 Upgrade Meter:2
New in v3.0:
Advanced editing options, Spot Healing Brush for brushing away wrinkles and unwanted objects, digital camera raw data file and 16-bit image support, dynamic slide show creation tool, enhanced image organization and access options,
Release Notes - Last Updated: 12.08.04 Upgrade Meter:5
New in 2.0: Quick Fix tool (for automatic brightness, color, focus, and rotation adjustments); Graphics File Association Manager; new glossary, dialog tips, and Smart Messages for enhanced user experience; Extract Frame from Video command; attach to e-mail command; Selection Brush; ability to create PDF slideshows; enhanced file browser; Release Notes (in PDF format)
Upgrade Meter:5
Pros: Offers nearly all of Photoshop's features as well as enhancements not available in Photoshop, easier to use for novices than Photoshop, price tag (just under $100) compared to $650 Photoshop
Cons: Doesn't include some of Photoshop's most advanced features, some users may find comparably priced Paint Shop Pro to be easier to use
