Recommendation for a computer for photo use
Jan 11, 2017 08:25:38 #
Cdouthitt wrote:
15" mbp with ssd hd, 16gb ram, lg 34" ultra wide display, and a couple of external drives. This has been my typical setup for the last several years. As a graphic designer by day, it's more than enough. I haven't had a tower machine for more than 12 years now.
For the OP, MBP = Mac Book Pro. I agree enthusiastically. You can always hook up to a desk top monitor as Cdouthitt has done.
Jan 11, 2017 08:27:51 #
Got rid of my PCs at least 10 yrs ago. Switched to Mac. No regrets at all. But Microsoft is making a serious comeback.
The Mac v PC debate is getting to sound a lot like the Nikon v. Canon debate.
But in my book, it's still Mac.
I agree though that if you're going for a Mac the previous models are probably better than the current one with the touch screen feature.
Enjoy!
The Mac v PC debate is getting to sound a lot like the Nikon v. Canon debate.
But in my book, it's still Mac.
I agree though that if you're going for a Mac the previous models are probably better than the current one with the touch screen feature.
Enjoy!
Jan 11, 2017 08:38:56 #
"Once you try a Mac, you'll never go back."
It didn't take long for this quote to surface.
It didn't take long for this quote to surface.
Jan 11, 2017 08:39:47 #
Rjbara wrote:
Can someone recommend a computer or laptop for photo editing and storage.
There are as many computers/laptops out there as there are grains of sand. I just replaced my aging HP with a Lenovo laptop that has a 500gb SSD AND a 1tb mechanical drive. You really need two drives to run Photoshop properly: one to host the executable and one to use as a "scratch" disc. The Lenovo does that. Hard to find a laptop with the two drives.
Jan 11, 2017 08:42:46 #
Try a portable external that plugs into the USB port. Cheap, good and big capacity. (1-3 Tb)
Western Digital or Seagate.
Western Digital or Seagate.
Jan 11, 2017 08:45:16 #
Rjbara wrote:
Can someone recommend a computer or laptop for photo editing and storage.
I agree with Gene51 - a PC offers more versatility in terms of what options you can have in it. For instance, two internal hard drives helps because you can put your operating programs on one, and your images and documents on the other. If it fits into your budget, those HDs should be fairly high capacity to accommodate large quantities of data. Amazing how fast it can fill up! And, of course, several external hard drives for backups.
One other thing that has not yet been mentioned is the monitor. A laptop is restricted to how large the monitor can be, and that makes editing that much more difficult if you like to be fairly precise. Or if your eyesight makes it difficult to see such small details. With a PC your monitor can be as large as the space you have allows. Mine is 27", IPS type, factory calibrated. Works well for me. Of course, a bigger one or a second monitor would be nice, but I don't have enough space for that. And this is a great size to work on.
Jan 11, 2017 08:51:35 #
BJW wrote:
Got rid of my PCs at least 10 yrs ago. Switched to Mac. No regrets at all. But Microsoft is making a serious comeback.
The Mac v PC debate is getting to sound a lot like the Nikon v. Canon debate.
But in my book, it's still Mac.
I agree though that if you're going for a Mac the previous models are probably better than the current one with the touch screen feature.
Enjoy!
The Mac v PC debate is getting to sound a lot like the Nikon v. Canon debate.
But in my book, it's still Mac.
I agree though that if you're going for a Mac the previous models are probably better than the current one with the touch screen feature.
Enjoy!
I agree. A friend has one of the new ones and the previous generation has a lot of things about it that were better like an SD card slot, USB ports, other stuff. Get the previous generation if you can find one. If you can't, be prepared for needing dongles.
Jan 11, 2017 08:52:50 #
NoSocks wrote:
I agree. A friend has one of the new ones and the previous generation has a lot of things about it that were better like an SD card slot, USB ports, other stuff. Get the previous generation if you can find one. If you can't, be prepared for needing dongles.
And the lighted Apple on the lid is still cool.
Jan 11, 2017 09:11:55 #
Here's the monitor I use:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1040788&gclid=CLPD_ueiutECFYNKXgodXc4F_A&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C92051678882%2C&Q=&A=details
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1040788&gclid=CLPD_ueiutECFYNKXgodXc4F_A&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C92051678882%2C&Q=&A=details
Jan 11, 2017 09:26:48 #
[quote=MikeMcK]
I used to sell Apple (back during the Apple II, Apple III, Lisa days and into Mac. I also used to be a computer engineer (My degree is Electrical Engineering / Computer Design) and I have my IEEE membership, CNE certifications, Unix Certs, Sun, and Cisco certs. In the early days of computing up until Windows 7 (really), Apple Mac was the mainstay of advertising/photography/video production. Between Apple, Adobe, and many of the other software developers, there was no equal. When Windows 7 got it's foothold, windows started really supporting 64bit systems, larger memory, larger hard drives and faster processors. In addition, Windows had something that Apple quit doing when it entered the Mac world from the Apple II. Windows had broad support from non-Microsoft developers. You could get Intel processors or AMD processors. You could get graphics accelerators from various makers, multiple types of cases, power supplies etc. You could get pre built computers or custom build your own. Apple couldn't do any of that. With Apple you bought a specific Mac and that's what you had. So, most of the software developers that were writing for Apple decided that since 80% of the non-Unix market was Microsoft, they MIGHT want to start developing for them. Now, from Adobe and most of the other software dealers you can get (essentially) the same version of software that you could get for Apple. So why would you want to buy a a machine that you have to go back to Apple for parts if you want to do anything to it? With a Non-Apple machine, you can get parts and accessories almost anywhere. Now all you have to do is decide if it is the right part for you. Yes I have a Mac, I also have an Apple II with an old Corvas 10 mb hard drive and six 5.25 floppy drives and an Atari 400 and an Atari 800. I also have 4 Unix machines (running webservers etc), 2 Windows 10 desktops and a Windows 10 Laptop. I have 4 older Windows machines in the garage. So don't give me the Apple can do what Windows can't. Its the capability of the user on both devices ONLY that is the difference.
BJW wrote:
Once you try a Mac, you'll never go back.
I disagree. I had an Apple laptop for about 3 months, didn't like it, sold it. Not everyone likes Apples or the price they charge
I disagree. I had an Apple laptop for about 3 months, didn't like it, sold it. Not everyone likes Apples or the price they charge
I used to sell Apple (back during the Apple II, Apple III, Lisa days and into Mac. I also used to be a computer engineer (My degree is Electrical Engineering / Computer Design) and I have my IEEE membership, CNE certifications, Unix Certs, Sun, and Cisco certs. In the early days of computing up until Windows 7 (really), Apple Mac was the mainstay of advertising/photography/video production. Between Apple, Adobe, and many of the other software developers, there was no equal. When Windows 7 got it's foothold, windows started really supporting 64bit systems, larger memory, larger hard drives and faster processors. In addition, Windows had something that Apple quit doing when it entered the Mac world from the Apple II. Windows had broad support from non-Microsoft developers. You could get Intel processors or AMD processors. You could get graphics accelerators from various makers, multiple types of cases, power supplies etc. You could get pre built computers or custom build your own. Apple couldn't do any of that. With Apple you bought a specific Mac and that's what you had. So, most of the software developers that were writing for Apple decided that since 80% of the non-Unix market was Microsoft, they MIGHT want to start developing for them. Now, from Adobe and most of the other software dealers you can get (essentially) the same version of software that you could get for Apple. So why would you want to buy a a machine that you have to go back to Apple for parts if you want to do anything to it? With a Non-Apple machine, you can get parts and accessories almost anywhere. Now all you have to do is decide if it is the right part for you. Yes I have a Mac, I also have an Apple II with an old Corvas 10 mb hard drive and six 5.25 floppy drives and an Atari 400 and an Atari 800. I also have 4 Unix machines (running webservers etc), 2 Windows 10 desktops and a Windows 10 Laptop. I have 4 older Windows machines in the garage. So don't give me the Apple can do what Windows can't. Its the capability of the user on both devices ONLY that is the difference.
Jan 11, 2017 09:33:05 #
OK, good advice for the "2%" I suppose. For the rest of us, however, digital photo editing (as opposed to video editing), is not a resource heavy application. Just about any off-the-shelf PC with 8gig RAM and 1 TB hard drive will the the job nicely. Regardless of how fast any PC or MAC is, the limiting factor is the controlling human brain, and photo editing requires more human brain power than computer power. Even a comparative light weight PC will spend most of it's time waiting for you. If you have the money to spend follow the advice above, but if your budget is limited do not be afraid to buy something more average.
Most photo editing is done with a mouse, not a keyboard, so a laptop with an external mouse (not a pad), and a larger monitor will work well enough. I prefer a desktop, however.
I do recommend an on-line backup service and perhaps an external hard drive. Some sites offer unlimited photo storage free or very cheap, but I'll be damned if I can firgure out how they work.
Most photo editing is done with a mouse, not a keyboard, so a laptop with an external mouse (not a pad), and a larger monitor will work well enough. I prefer a desktop, however.
I do recommend an on-line backup service and perhaps an external hard drive. Some sites offer unlimited photo storage free or very cheap, but I'll be damned if I can firgure out how they work.
Jan 11, 2017 10:04:47 #
I have always used Mac and have watched my friends have PCs crash so much that they usually have 3-4 models while I am using the same Mac. I can still use my MacBook Pro that is really really really old even though I have a new Mac Book Pro. I like the MacBook Air for travel to save my photos daily while I am traveling.
Jan 11, 2017 10:18:19 #
Well I have used a PC for ages and they are a great platform. You can modify them easily, and with reasonable costs.
My biggest problem with the Microsoft OS is that they keep changing it and it becomes a real pain to keep up with the changes.
My suggestion would be to build a great Unix system.
With all that said I have converted to Apple. I have the 27" retina iMac, love the screen. I also have a 15" mbp with dual boot so I can run some Microsoft software that I like. Sure that is expensive, but I am retired now an the systems were in my retirement plan.
Basically a Unix platform and good large monitor should do the job.
But it is personal choice.
My biggest problem with the Microsoft OS is that they keep changing it and it becomes a real pain to keep up with the changes.
My suggestion would be to build a great Unix system.
With all that said I have converted to Apple. I have the 27" retina iMac, love the screen. I also have a 15" mbp with dual boot so I can run some Microsoft software that I like. Sure that is expensive, but I am retired now an the systems were in my retirement plan.
Basically a Unix platform and good large monitor should do the job.
But it is personal choice.
Jan 11, 2017 10:43:44 #
I have a good deal of experience with computers which I will briefly recount before providing my recommendation.
In addition to be a computer user myself for many years, I have sold computers (Macs and PCs) in a specialized retail environment, provided training, education and end user support as well consulting and IT support for Macs and PCs in such companies as Time Out New York and Consumer Reports as well as several publishing companies in NYC as well as professional photographers in NYC. I worked for 6 years at Teklserve as an Apple certified hardware and software technician, until recently the largest Apple Authorized Service provider apart from Apple. I continue to work with computers in TV/Film production as well as web design and image editing. What follows is my opinion based upon my experience and your being in the photographic arts and seeking a computer and knowing no more about your needs than that.
If it needs to be portable you are looking at a MacBook Pro and I would urge looking at an external monitor with that.
If it does not need to be portable I would recommend a 27" 5k iMac.
Now matter what you get max out the RAM. If it is a matter of cost and you have to choose between more RAM or a faster processor, choose the RAM.
In my opinion I do not recommend a PC unless you are someone who likes to 'tinker.' While there are some VERY capable pieces of kit available in the PC market, and given that Windows is HIGHLY usable, I still find there are concrete advantages to choosing a Macintosh.
Please feel free to PM me if you want more info. I know there are a allot of folks who are passionate about their platform whether it be Mac, PC, Linux, etc and those are all valid and wonderful, useful platforms. The last thing I want is to have a thread hijacked into a platform war when you are just looking for recommendations. :-)
In addition to be a computer user myself for many years, I have sold computers (Macs and PCs) in a specialized retail environment, provided training, education and end user support as well consulting and IT support for Macs and PCs in such companies as Time Out New York and Consumer Reports as well as several publishing companies in NYC as well as professional photographers in NYC. I worked for 6 years at Teklserve as an Apple certified hardware and software technician, until recently the largest Apple Authorized Service provider apart from Apple. I continue to work with computers in TV/Film production as well as web design and image editing. What follows is my opinion based upon my experience and your being in the photographic arts and seeking a computer and knowing no more about your needs than that.
If it needs to be portable you are looking at a MacBook Pro and I would urge looking at an external monitor with that.
If it does not need to be portable I would recommend a 27" 5k iMac.
Now matter what you get max out the RAM. If it is a matter of cost and you have to choose between more RAM or a faster processor, choose the RAM.
In my opinion I do not recommend a PC unless you are someone who likes to 'tinker.' While there are some VERY capable pieces of kit available in the PC market, and given that Windows is HIGHLY usable, I still find there are concrete advantages to choosing a Macintosh.
Please feel free to PM me if you want more info. I know there are a allot of folks who are passionate about their platform whether it be Mac, PC, Linux, etc and those are all valid and wonderful, useful platforms. The last thing I want is to have a thread hijacked into a platform war when you are just looking for recommendations. :-)
Jan 11, 2017 10:49:38 #
About two years ago I switched ALL my photo work to Mac and to Lr CC. I am happy as a clam and wouldn't consider going back. Just my opinion. I continue to have a couple of Windows based machines as well, but I do as much work as I can on the Mac platform, including 100% of my photo work. For PP, I prefer to use my iMac which has 32GB of memory and is an I5, although I would recommend an I7 if you do a lot of photo work. ALL my photo storage is external starting with an external WD Thunderbolt drive system and extending to several Synology NAS systems. Everything that stores photos is also configured in RAID1. I also use a MacBook Pro as my only laptop on which I can process photos but normally do not because I chose portability over screen size and weight. I do use the MBP for client viewing and selection of things like headshots and portraits and also use it to shoot tethered. If you desire more specifics, please feel free to PM me. Best of luck.
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