ToeTolle wrote:
Is it better to save your files in photoshop cs5 (save for the web and other devices) or Lightroom 4.3. through the export function? Which method would result in better optimized images.
I think one is as good as the other regarding quality if the quality settings are identical.
Exporting an image as JPG in Lr is more convenient because you can check the box <Add to catalog> in the Export Dialog. Thus you always have your JPGs visible in Lr.
ToeTolle wrote:
Is it possible to initially edit images in Lightroom 4.3; them export them to photoshop cs5 to use the save for the web and other devices feature and them retreive the files thus saved in Lightroom 4.3?
Yes, it is possible but it's not as convenient. When you send an image to CS5 for editing, the direct way (right-click and select <Edit in Photoshop CS5) works only with PSDs or TIFFs, depending on your settings in Preferences. You can save the image in CS5 as JPG for web but it will not be automatically imported and visible in Lr. You would have to import it manually either via the Import Dialog or via <Synchronize Folder>.
On top of that you are left with the PSD (that is automatically re-imported in Lr) that you don't need and it would have to be deleted manually.
Therefore it's far more convenient to create the JPG via export from Lr.
You can select the quality in the Export Dialog and you can sharpen for screen in three different amounts.
