Purchasing an iMac for photo editing

I have been an avid amateur photographer for 35 years and moved into digital about 10 years ago. I have been using Aperture for organizing and editing and have found it to be limiting in some aspects so am moving to Elements 12 - finding that my Macbook Pro 13 inch screen poses screen size issues for editing. Therefore I am hoping to move up to an iMac 27 inch for my forward photo-computer editing and viewing of "keepers". I am more of a photographer than I am a computer user so my understanding of components extras in the purchase of my iMac is basic. I shoot approximately 1000 shots per year and edit about half of those as potential keepers and end up saving about 50 to 100 shots as real keepers. Can someone shed light, in clear terms what value if any I would get in my photo editing / storage of final keepers, by purchasing the "add-ons" offered in the "build your own" section of the Apple Store purchase site?
Thank you very much
DouglasAndersonACI
Calgary AB

I had some similar thoughts before buying my new iMac 27" that I received at the beginning of January.
I would say the Fusion drive is nice...bootup time is VERY fast on this Mac...much faster than any previous model I'd owned. I would say spend the money on the Fusion drive and add RAM later on. You can add the RAM yourself at a fraction of the price Apple charges....check prices at crucial.com or macsales.com.

Similar Messages

MBP vs. iMac Display: Better for Photo Editing?

Would anyone care to give their opinion of the display pros/cons of using a MBP vs. iMac for photo editing?
I have been considering getting a new iMac, and I would like to do photo editing (somewhere in the middle between professional and iPhoto). First I thought 20", but then I learned about the relatively poorer display quality. Then I thought 24", but still had concerns about gradients. Then I waited for the new (Penryn) iMacs, but it sounds like there hasn't been an obvious improvement in iMac display quality. Perhaps a MBP would be a better bet.
Thanks in advance.

The quick answer depends upon the quality of work you intend to do:
1) Are you a general amateur photographer? As long as you perform your own color calibration of the display, and NOT use the dull color profiles Apple provide, you're fine.
2) If you are a PROFESSIONAL performing color management on your images then the answer for BOTH the MacBook and MacBook Pro are NO. You are kidding yourself if you think you will ever get full accurate colors on their LCD displays.
All of Apple's LCD laptop displays have, up to this point, been only 6 bit color capable. A professional requires full 24 bit color, which is what the human eye is capable of seeing, which requires an 8 bit color capable display.
Note: 6 bit color = 262,144 colors. (It was incorrectly listed above). 8 bit color = 16,777,216 colors. This is a drastic difference. Apple use an FRC dithering method to fake the other colors, but this by no means equals real 'millions of colors' depth.
Do not use an iMac as the same 6-bit color depth remains the case. You must use either a VERIFIED 8-bit LCD display (note- one of the Apple Cinema Displays is ONLY 6-bit, so buyer beware), or use a CRT. The CRT still provides more colors than any LCD display, AND you don't have to worry about the viewing angle problem that plagues most LCD displays. (Shift your head up or down, right or left and you will see the contrast and color quality of lower quality LCD displays change. This ruins them for professional use).
:-Derek Currie
Message was edited by: Host

IMac config for Photo Editing

I currently use a Win7 i5/8g ram desktop and Windows Photo Gallery as my program. Editing is limited to auto correction and crops, file sizes are 3-10M per pic. I also occasionally use Netflix. MS Outlook is always running minimized and I browse the Internet 6-8 tabs open. Am not a gamer.
Bearing in mind that I am completely new to the Mac ecosystem, have the following questions re: iMac 27
1) How much RAM would you recommend?
2) Which graphics card
3) ATA, Fusion Drive or Flash?
4) i5 or i7?
5) Magic mouse or Trackpad ?
Home use only i.e. I won't be a making a living off it. Nevertheless seeking a pleasant experience without unecessary costs.
Look forward to your comments.

1. The 27-inch iMac comes with 8 GB of RAM, which should be enough for most users. I recommend you to get the Mac with 8 GB of RAM, and if you need more, buy it at OWC or Crucial.
2. Any GPU included with a 27-inch iMac will work, so the basic GPU should work correctly. If you want more performance, go for the high-end iMac.
3. If read and write speed is important, consider Fusion Drive or flash storage. If not, save money and go for the HDD, and store your data onto an external disk. Fusion Drive and flash storage will improve read and write speed a lot.
4. Any of them will work, but the i7 processor will provide you better performance with heavy apps.
5. If you want the iMac for photo editing, get the Magic Mouse. The Magic Trackpad is designed for Mac OS X gestures, and you may not like it

To buy or not to buy an entry level 13in MBP? Have a 30in display I would like to connect it to for photo editing and a little video. Any advice?

In the last year the logic board in both my 17in MBP (5yrs old) and Mac Pro (4yrs old) have died. The local techies have advised due to cost and age that replacing them would not be worth it in the long run.
I am thinking to buy the most basic MBP and connecting it to my 30in cinema display would give me the best of both worlds - a desktop option when at home and a laptop for travelling. Is this a viable option? I would be using it for photo editing (photoshop) mainly and a little video editing with Final Cut Pro when connected to the cinema display and a little light internet usage, emails and such when on the go.
My other question is, do all MBP come with airport/wireless capabilities as standard? (I had to purchase airport separately when I bought the other computers.
Thanks in advance

The 13" MBP is c**p, it's a consumer MacBook quality in a silver case with a "Pro" sticker, comes with poor integrated graphics that overheat when it even looks at a web video, all shiny screens poor for video. Scores a mere 11 on Cinebench.
Like Sig said, 15" 2.0 (scores 18) or better, 2.2 (scores a decent 30) or better preferred, it has the hefty video card you need to power the external monitor.
also you get a anti-glare option, excellent for avoiding glare and reflections in portable uses.
also you may need the quad core i7 for processing video faster, dual cores are toast.
17" high res has true 1920 x 1080 (1080i) with it's 1920 x 1200 pixel screen, I've got one. Sweet.
Sad to hear you have been having such a bad run with Mac's, it used to be they lasted 5-7 years or longer easy.

Best Mac Pro (2013) configuration for photo editing/processing?

Hi all,
I couldn't find a reliable answer to this in my searching here or on google, hence I'm posting it here.
I'm going to buy and upgrade to the new mac pro when it's announced this month (Dec 2013). My primary use will be photo processing in photoshop.
Configuring it with 64gb RAM is the no-brainer part. And probably a 512gb or 1TB flash drive too.
The bit I'm unsure about is whether to opt for the 6 core processor option over the quad core? For photo editing (adding layers, filters, brushing in, multiple files open at times, running batch edits etc), does anyone have an opinion on whether the performance increase (if there is in fact any increase for photo work?) of the 6 core 3.5ghz would justify paying the extra AU$1300 difference over the quad core 3.7ghz option?
And from my earlier research paying the huge prices for 8 or 12 cores would simply be a waste for photo processing.
Thanks for the advice...

Mozzzaaa
I have the exact same requirements, here are my findings based on some observations from Activity Monitor and research based on how the hardware works.
Photoshop does not utilize multiple cores well for many standard editing ativities - therefore one core will be busy while the rest remain idle, however I have noticed over time that upgrades to Photoshop seem to take more advantage of multiple cores as Adobe updates the code. For example, appling filters utilize all of the cores while the filters are computing changes (smart sharpen for example). Try running CPU monitoring in Activity Monitor (double click the CPU graph to display all cores).
Lightroom utilizes all of the cores for Import, export and other activities that process multiple files. Being more modern code, it beter utilizes muti cores.
Keep in mind that each core handles two code threads, therefore a four core system is capable of processing 8 "streams" of code, the 6 core can manage 12 threads, etc.
Here is a screen shot of Mac Book Pro running PS CC Smart Sharpen:
All the new Mac Pro run at 3.9Hz Turbo Boost - they are all the same in that respect. This means that when the processers are not hot, at least one core will run at 3.9Hz - therefore on a relativly idle machine (just editing in PS for example) you would likley be running at 3.9Hz on all the Mac Pro 2013.
There are also the GPUs to consider. Apple as usual has not made enough information available to easly determine the cost benefits of the more powerful GPUs and I don't know if PS would utiliize the AMD GPUs well now, or perhaps better utilize them for the future. Perhaps someone could comment on that. Here is an interesting article: http://architosh.com/2013/10/the-mac-pro-so-whats-a-d300-d500-and-d700-anyway-we -have-answers/
Clearly the D500 that is standard with the 6 core seems a major bump over the 4 core D300 (therefore the costs of the 6 core reflect that). I don't know how much the D700 would cost - it would be helpful if this were published so I could consider my order.
There are two GPU in the new Mac Pros - but the purpose of the second one is not toally clear (thanks again to Apples's communication). It likley will be utilized for all sorts of things that don't really exist now and FCP X is scheduled for a new release better utilize the GPU for video (as nwaphoto mentioned video processing will be a major use of this equipment).
I was interested in your comment regarding 64 Meg ram. Yes that would be a hudge boost to PS performance, but would it be better to purchase from Apple or wait for OWC who offer RAM at major discounts over Apple. Once again, no info yet that I am aware of.
I believe the flash drive is upgradable but rumor has it that it uses a proprietary connecter. Makes me want to go with the largest size but once again OWC might be the way to go for an upgrade in a year or two.
In the past, the 6 core 2012 Mac Pro's were somewhat of a sweat spot in terms of horsepower vs cost. I will be considering that in my decession to upgrade. So I am considering a 6 core, will check out the Ram and Flash diIsk based on price - which is the infor I don't have. If you have anything please post
Thanks

HELp! Best laptop for photo editing.. or would a PC be better?

I'm looking to buy a new computer. Would love for it to be a laptop but a PC would be ok too.. Any information on which is best for photo editing.. hopefully a large volume of photo editing.. which ones already have photo programs installed on them? help!

Well.... the biggest limiter will be how much you can spend...
But, you need to look for a higher end processor and a fairly decent graphics card.
No new computers come with any decent graphics program.
If you like my post, or solution to your issue/question, go ahead and click on the little star by my name and/or accept the post as the Solution. It makes me happy.
I'm NOT an employee of Best Buy, or Geek Squad, though I did work as an Agent for a year 5 years ago. None of my posts are to be taken as the official stance that Best Buy will take on your situation. My advice is just that, advice.
Unfortunately, that's the bad luck of any electronic, there's going to be bad Apples... wait that's a horrible pun.

Good Monitor for Photo Editing in Photoshop?

I hope this question isn't too OT for this forum, but I would think that it's an important concern for Photoshop users.
I'm looking for a good monitor for photo editing in Photoshop -- photos that will be printed to 16"x20" and above. I have a limited budget, having invested most of my money in an Epson 7900 printer -- so I'm looking for the best monitor available for under $1000 US. I already have a 19" Samsung flat panel that I will use as my palette monitor in a two-monitor setup.
I have heard of a few good models by Dell in this price range. Any other suggestions on size and brand? Thanks.

I haven't seen it myself, but I've read good test reports about the Dell Ultrasharp 2209WA. An IPS display which apparently pretty good colour stabiliy over the whole panel. No hardware calibration, though, but you can't expect this for less than 1000 bucks.

I have just purchased an iMac for home - am I able to network an iMac with a windows laptop?

I have just purchased an iMac for home - am I able to network an iMac with a windows laptop?

It sounds really unlikely though... You have to type in your password twice when setting up so you either:
made the same typo twice
the caps lock was on
You held down SHIFT during one of the letters
the keys have relocated because of different language keyboard layout
you simply forgot exactly what you typed.
Are you aware that passwords are case-sensetive? also, when using punctuation in passwords be aware that language localization of the keyboard can cause relocation of certain symbols like $ and € and * and ' which may make it impossible to retype the password correctly, if you are unaware of the correct way to type a certain puntuation symbol.

Using and rec on external monitor for photo editing

ON another forum someone said that the MBP has only a 6 bit output for color on it's laptop screen.
Now what about running an external monitor, 6 or 8 bit for the MBP?
I have to admit even though I use a monitor calibration for editing my pictures on the MBP I find I always get varying results. I sometimes use my old external crt a 20" mitsubishi for photo editing.
What is a good external monitor to use with the MBP for Pro photos and will I get 8 bit color?

I hate to shuffle you around but this forum area:
http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=1150
The MacBook Pro Display
might be the best place to post.

Whats the best software for photo editing and creating product catalogues that can be saved as PDF's

Whats the best software for photo editing and creating product catalogues that can be saved as PDF's

You are asking two different questiions:
1. What's a good photo editor? Answer to that here is probably obvious.
2. What's a good desktop publishing/page layout program for creating PDF files for production? Answer, not PSE. It's a photo editor, not a page layout program.

I need help to decide which macbook pro is best for photo editing, editing movies and doing all the rest too like excel, word etc. 13"

I need help to decide which macbook pro is best for photo editing, editing movies and doing all the rest too like microsoft office products ...excel, word etc. I am new to the apple world and have liked the idea of the MAC Book Pro 13" but really dont know if this is good enough or if the computer will soon crash?
13-inch: 2.6GHz
with Retina display
Specifications
2.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
8GB 1600MHz memory
512GB PCIe-based flash storage1
Intel Iris Graphics
Built-in battery (9 hours)2

That's a fine machine and, with 8GB of RAM and 512GB flash storage should serve you well for light video/photo editing as well as for 'normal' usage. And it should last you for years to come.
Good luck in making your decision!!
Clinton

I am looking to upgrade my white iBook to a mac book pro, it will be used for photo editing up of som 50k photos or more for the family. iPhoto stoked on external HD

What type of mac book pro should I look at with 8 or 16gb ram?.

8 GB RAM will be sufficient for photo editing. The 15" display would be superior in both size and resolution when compared to the 13". The best approach is to test both in an Apple store.
Ciao.

I don't know what to order. I want PS for photo editing and some composting. I don't do any website work or sharing yet. I have been using elements for a few years and also have Lightroom 5 on my desktop. I don't want to spend $1000s for a bunch of stuff

I don't know what to order. I want PS for photo editing and some composting. I don't do any website work or sharing yet. I have been using elements for a few years and also have Lightroom 5 on my desktop. I don't want to spend $1000s for a bunch of stuff I don't use. Any advice on what to buy?

Well, there is a whole world of free or affordable software out there like GIMP, PDPaint and similar. Otherwise if you want to stick with Adobe stuff signing up for the CC photography program would be the most cost-efficient way...
Mylenium

Laptop monitor choice for photo editing with lightroom and photoshop

Hi,
i'm going to buy a laptop, mostly for photo editing with lightroom and photoshop use.
I'm in trouble with the display choice.
One laptop has LG LP156WF4 or AUO B156HAN01 display, that should be very similar matte ips display with 55%-60% coverage of AdobeRGB. You can find a review in the "Display" section of these link : http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Clevo-W650SJ-Schenker-M504-Barebones-Notebook.114329.0 .html
The other laptop hasAU Optronics B156HW01 V.4 Matte 95%, that is a TN matte display with 95% coverage of AdobeRGB. You can find a review in these link (the display should be the green bar): http://www.anandtech.com/show/4649/mythlogic-pollux-1400-clevos-w150hr-tested/6
My question is: which one is better for photo editing with photoshop and lightroom?
Someone says that ips is better because of the fidelity of color reproduction, view angles and contrast.
Someone, on the other side, says that the TN 95% is better because of the gamut%.
Can you help me?
Thanks,
Marco Grechi

Macbook pro is out of budget
Hp assistance said that in italy they don't sell laptop with dreamcolor (i'll call again tomorrow to be sure ) but i think that it would be out of budget (max 2000 euro).
They said that the best solution for me is the zbook 15 g2 (2300 euro), but they DON'T know brand and model of the display and if i can have SSD + HD inside the zbook 15 g2.
The laptop with the lg panel costs 1500 euro. the question is; "i know that the lg display is not the best, but is it almost sufficient for my use?". In this way i may save 500/800 to buy a separated display later.
I have read that dell xps 15 and dell precision m3800 have great display, but they are glossy and very reflective. Is it a big handicap?
Do you know the 3k 15,6" display Panasonic VVX16T020G00 ? It should be a 8-bit display with 72%NTSC gamut ( http://www.panelook.com/VVX16T020G00_Panasonic_15.5_LCM_parameter_22014.html )
Do you sugget me a 3k display for photo editing?
Thanks

I'm looking for photo editing software

I am looking for photo editing software that is fairly easy to learn and I also want the feature of adding a splash of color to a black & white photo. I've seen there is Photoshope Elements and there is Lightroom. What is recommended?

For editing an Image, as you describe, Photoshop Elements would be my choice.
There is also a very helpful, and active Ps Elements Forum, where you will find easy instructions on doing what you describe, plus much more. Should you go with Ps Elements, that forum is: http://forums.adobe.com/community/photoshop_elements
In general, if you have a Grayscale Image (B/W), just change the Color Mode to RGB, create a New Layer, and paint in the color that you want. However, since I do not use Ps Elements, there might be some extra things, that will help you get the desired results, and that Ps Elements Forum will be great at helping you.
Good luck,
Hunt

Purchasing an iMac for photo editing

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for