the difference is minimal in these pics but that is because you bought photoshop elements which I believe is a 50 dollar program?
there are free programs out there that will do as good if not better of a job than elements.

I use Photoshop cs5 on a daily basis ( I know its an edition or 2 old)
HOWEVER real Photoshop is a 700 dollar program and gimp is free.
If you are using Photoshop you probably have a photo studio and need the big difference because you are making money on the photos you take and sell.

for my money and non professionalism I would much rather use gimp because its free and does a great job for a free program.

my mom is a photographer of 25 years and I purchased and learned Photoshop cs5 with her, there is a huge difference when you get in to a program like that.
not to mention macros and everything else you do within it, really is a phenomenal program.