Performance Photoshop CS3 Extended performs like its predecessors: smoothly and concisely. Additionally, the program behaves faster than the previous version of Photoshop if you have at least a Gig of RAM, which is a nice improvement, especially with the additional abilities it now has. (This is a subtle way to say that Photoshop CS3 Extended needs at least 1GB of RAM to run, which is nothing earth-shattering these days. However, I would still suggest an extra Gig on top of that, because this utilizes more video options that entail lots of layers, thus eating up your memory. As such, the more you have, the better - especially if you are using this in conjunction with other Adobe products (which you most likely will) and need to run them simultaneously.
Now, with all the great improvements in CS3 Extended, there are a few improvements I would really like to see implemented in CS4. I would really like to see some additional refinement of the 3D object control, beyond the ability to do at least basic 3D animation within Photoshop CS3 Extended. Currently you can import a few different types of 3D models directly into PCS3 Extended, which bring both the model and the mattes directly into Photoshop. However, when it comes to exporting, you can only export the mattes out. I would like to see a way to save out a .U3D or other 3D model with all the new mattes incorporated into that file, as that would make it easier to import back into your 3D program without having to replace the mattes on your original 3D model. Another nice feature would be a 3D Paint feature, which would actually let you paint "on" the 3D object, rather than painting one of the skins separately and saving it to see it refreshed on the model. Obviously, you would select one of the "matte" layers before painting, but this would allow matte painters to have a more "physical" way to paint and touch things up. Finally, I would like to see the ability to have touched-up 3D models exported directly out of Photoshop into After Effects. As it currently stands, you can export out only a still image of the 3D model from Photoshop CS3 Extended into After Effects CS3. This is especially strange because the new Vanishing Point Exchange feature allows you to export out other 3D information from Photoshop CS3 Extended and have it treated as 3D model information in After Effects CS3.
Value Photoshop CS3 Extended retails for $999, $350 more than CS3 Standard. For most of us, that's a decision-making price difference, but never before has there been a program in this price range with the ability to manipulate video and 3D as effectively as CS3 Extended. Yes, I'll agree it is pricey, but if you are a high-end user and want the best options for special effects and image manipulation, then CS3 Extended is a must. If you already have PhotoshopCS2 and want to know if it is worth the cost to upgrade, then I would say it really is for video work. Of course, for most of our readers, the fact that this is included with the new Adobe CS3 Production Premium package (along with all the other upgrades in that package) is going to mean that either upgrading or purchasing that package outright will be the best way to get the new Photoshop CS3 Extended. (Especially since so many of the new Production Premium packages support intense cross-integration, such as the Vanishing Point Exchange highway from Photoshop CS3 Extended to After Effects CS3 or Flash CS3's ability to import Photoshop CS3 and Illustrator CS3 layers directly.) Whichever road you choose, Photoshop CS3 Extended is an excellent value that deserves to be looked into by any filmmaker reading this review.
Final Comments
I believe that the release of Photoshop CS3 Extended is a mile marker for this amazing line of software. It has now expanded into being more than just a photo editing and imaging program by giving options that cater to professionals in different lines of visual work. The cross platforms features are not made to replace all other video programs, but instead provide discreet, powerful solutions that make video and 3D work easier and more efficient in Photoshop. While it can be used powerfully on its own, Photoshop CS3 Extended's integration with other CS3: Production Premium software makes it an excellent advertisement for investing in the total solution.
Ease
of Use
8.0
Depth
of Options
9.0
Performance
9.0
Value
10.0
Overall
Score
9.0
Justin Pugh is a freelance editor and documentary filmmaker who lives in Orlando, Florida. A graduate of Full Sail's Film Production program, his credits range from involvement in the Florida Film Festival to editing feature length documentaries. Outside of moving pictures, he engages his passion for still photography.
