Use the free, stand alone, DNG converter for Elements 4:-.

Http://www.adobeforums.com/...i-bin/webx?14@613.7KEGf2iCSdt.5823910@.3bb5f0ec..

I'd certainly upgrade. The new raw converter is worth it..

If Elements is slow on your machine, chances there is something else wrong. You might wish to save everything and reformat and load Windows again, unless you're good with processes and registry editing..

Adobe ugrades a lot and normally I skip one or two versions in Photoshop, but the new raw converter is so good, I upgraded from CS2 to CS3 for it..

I also use Capture NX because I sometimes like it's RAW converter too, but I like the Photoshop interface better most times...

The upgrade to CS3 will be expensive..

Upgrading to PSE 6 does not enable the full use of Adobe ACR. Although would you miss the extra functions ACR in CS3 gives?.

Remember, in your case, DNG and PSE4 is free!..

Cature NX recognize all the parameters you set in the camera (saturation, sharpness, etc.). Camera Raw does not. It only recognize withe balance..

Like you said, I would do the most important retouches in Capture NX, then finish up in Element 4 when needed..

As for Photoshop, don't expect Capture NX to support the new .NEF files when a new version of Capture NX appears..

I use Nikon Capture 4.4 and it doesn't support the latest camera from nikon..

But in that matter, Adobe is not better. When a new version of photoshop or photoshop element appears, the new cameras are only supported in these new versions..

Have a good day!.

Claude Carrier..

"But in that matter, Adobe is not better. When a new version of photoshop or photoshop element appears, the new cameras are only supported in these new versions.".

Not true. ACR (or DNG) is the the free software that recognizes the RAW from your camera. ACR/DNG is updated about 4 times a year to take into account all the latest cameras..

I have an old versions of Photoshop, CS and Elements 3, but using DNG I can take RAW images from the very latest cameras, in either piece of software...

I just downloaded Nikon ViewNX, Nikons free raw converter. Why not use this and PSE6..

Http://forums.dpreview.com/...forums/read.asp?forum=1034&message=26870388..

The only problem with Adobe's free DNG converter is, for me, it's a pain to use with a lot of images, also slow. If I've got 300 NEFs from a weekend shoot, I want to look at them in Adobe Bridge or Lightroom then convert the ones I want from there. Just easier for me..

I think most serious photographers own the latest or at least near the latest version of Photoshop as well as NX and a few others in the bargain, but wouldn't be without Photoshop..

As for NX remembering the camera's parameters, if I needed that, why bother with raw? I know, I know, you start from there, but I'd rather start with the raw image with no parameters.. Also, it could be that I'm so darned used to Photoshop after all these years..

I mean, many of us have spent a thousand or much more on one lens and several thousand on a camera body. Why scrimp on the post processing software? In the film days, we'd spend money on a good enlarger and a darn good enlarging lens. Same thing today. Your computer and post software is your digital dark room..

Just my 2 cents...

Thank you to all those who contributed.I have a number of options which I can now persue over the weekend..

Thanks again!..

The OP said he has a D40X and Photoshop Elements 4..

I assume he has not got thousands of dollars worth of gear and so maybe looking for a less expensive option..

You obviously have the gear and are shooting professionally and should therefore spend the money for software that will aid your business..

Horses for courses?..

Athegn wrote:.

The OP said he has a D40X and Photoshop Elements 4..

I assume he has not got thousands of dollars worth of gear and somaybe looking for a less expensive option..

You obviously have the gear and are shooting professionally andshould therefore spend the money for software that will aid yourbusiness..

Horses for courses?.

You're right, of course. Sometimes we forget about budgets when thinking about our hobby or business. BTW, I'm not a pro. I've just been an enthusiastic amateur for almost 50 years. I'm also not a great photographer. I just love the hobby so much that I've learned to become a fair photographer and have collected a fair amount of equipment over the years..

Fortunately, my girlfriend of 15 years delights in the same hobby, mostly bird and wildlife...

Antony John wrote:.

Hi all,.

A possibility is to use NX for image processing like correctingbarrel distortion, and convert to JPEG for any other 're-touching' Imay need using using PS Elements 4..

Thats what I do, except I use TIFF exporting into photoshop elements 2. NX is kinda slow and clunky for me so I prefer to do what I can in PSE..

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