Elements can do almost everything "real" PS can, it's just got a MUCH different interface. The issue being most of us can't help you with where to find things when you're stuck... At the very least download the trial versions of both (30 days free, completely working I believe) and see how you like both and what elements is missing.

Elements lacks automation tools IIRC. Things like actions and batch processing. For simple stuff like color adjustments, contrast, etc it works fine. For casual use it works great. It you find yourself working though larger volumes of images you'll want the full version eventually.

The RAW editor in CS3 is far superior to Elements.

Elements works fine for all your basic photo editing needs. Simple interface to use and much less intimidating than the CS series if you are new to the program. Its a nice place to start, but try the trials and see what you prefer.

I had elements 4 for awhile. I like the cataloging system alot. Its even better than LR for a non-pro user. The thing I didn't like is the editing system sort of treats you like an idiot. IE Its a photo editing interface designed for your mom. I ended up importing most of my photos into my old version of photoshop 4 at the time to do editing.

How are you liking PS Elements? I'm looking for something to download until I can get my Photoshop 6 CD back from my girlfriend.

Yeah I never liked it either

here's the story from someone who has used Elements 5, Lightroom and CS3: myself.

i started with Elements 5 as the $649 price tag for CS3 plus $299 for Lightroom was just too much to swallow (both prices obtained from Adobe's site). picked up Scott Kelby's Elements book and it was a phenomenal help. then, after a while and listening to everyone's opinion about Lightroom, i thought i'd give it a try.

comparing Lightroom to Elements 5's organizer program equals total suckage for Lightroom. absolutely did NOT like the manner in which Lightroom organized the pics, didn't like the picture tweeking features that came with it as they weren't adequate to do the job fully (i always ended having to open Elements 5's editor to do the job anyways) and finally, all those other options just plain cluttered up Lightroom when all I wanted was a database program for organization. Lightroom didn't have the features i was hoping for the basic editing i normally do so it was just wasted space.

now for the Elements 5's editor vs. CS3. the only reason why i purchased CS3 is because Adobe offered a deal where to upgrade Elements 5, CS3 was only $299. decided i couldn't pass on that deal so i bought it. from what i've seen, everything from Elements 5 is in CS3, however, as others have posted, Elements can't do automatic actions which is a major drawback to it. if it could do actions, it would be a total winner in my book as it has all of the photo editing tools the average user needs without all the clutter that makes CS3 what it is and what the average photo user doesn't need.

of course, this is just my opinion and i am in no way a power user. if all you ever want to do is photo editing then Elements 5 (or 6 as i think that is the current release) is the perfect thing and for $99 you can't beat it. i think it has a great database program that really organizes everything really, really well (very intuitive) and the editor is adequate for many photo editing jobs. if only they'd add on a couple options to Elements and it would be a great program.

hope this helps...