Taking the big leap: buying new computer, camera, color software (X-Rite), printers...would love some feedback from those who may know about fine art reproduction. I'm opting for Canon camera options, Mac Pro vs iMac, and in printers, the Epson 7600.

Question

Friends of Digital Workflow, especially photographers,
I'm just about to buy all new studio equipment.
I have two threads to my question:
1. Want some input about iMac vs Mac Pro (with a 27' monitor), which monitor system do you prefer?
2. I am Guru level in the Creative Suite but have little knowledge base for working with Aperature. Want some feed back about pros and cons of the workflow.
I'm also investing in X-Rite Color Suite for Print so that cameras, monitors, printers and projectors may be calibrated. I've used Gretag equipment for years and know profiling quite well. This is an important issue for knowledge about how profiles interface with Aperature.
I appreciate any and all comments.
Merci,
Frederick Park
North Carolina
PS You are welcome to request my personal email or phone number if you feel a lengthy discussion is an option.

Answer 1

Hi Frederick,
You're spending a lot of money.  I will add my 2¢ -- -- but you must, as I assume you know, fully research your options.
Environment:
Start with your workspace (inc. lighting) and your clothes.
Screen:
The iMac screens are lovely, but not, from what I hear, monitor-grade accurate.  For critical color work, use NEC or Eizo monitors.  I use NEC, with their SpectraView II software and an X-Rite ColorMunki photospectrometer.  At the time, this was the least expensive color-calibrated workflow.
Printer:
Epson's are great, imho.  I use a 3880 in my studio and rent a 9900 by the hour when needed.  I have read of problems (iirc) with one of the printers in the 7000 line, however.  The take-home lesson that I filed in my brain was, "If you're going to spend the money on the 7000 line, just get the 9000 line."
Aperture workflow:
Aperture is a fantastic workflow tool.  Since you are adept with PS, you should set PS as your external editor.  Use Apertures formidable tools for storing and organizing your Images, and its robust editing tools for either all your proofing, or all but your most demanding editing needs.  That said, allow a good bit of time to get the feel of Aperture.  It is not at all like Bridge.  But your important choice is which RAW converter you want to use.  There is, imho, no reason to use Aperture if you are going to use Adobe's (or anyone else's) RAW converter.
Good luck!
--Kirby.