Recommendation for a computer for photo use
Jan 11, 2017 10:58:22 #
Jan 11, 2017 11:12:44 #
Most editing software gives you minimum computer specs for the software. Start from there and remember it is listing MINIMUM specs.
Jan 11, 2017 11:27:09 #
Whatever basic computer you like (Mac, PC, laptop, desktop) you should
1. get as much RAM as you can install and/or afford.
2. make sure you have a large monitor (21" or greater).
3. at least one large external Hard disk (1, 2, 3? terabytes?) to store your images, both original and exported.
The recommendations of others above about the basic computer are all things to consider - but basically it will come down to what you are comfortable using.
1. get as much RAM as you can install and/or afford.
2. make sure you have a large monitor (21" or greater).
3. at least one large external Hard disk (1, 2, 3? terabytes?) to store your images, both original and exported.
The recommendations of others above about the basic computer are all things to consider - but basically it will come down to what you are comfortable using.
Jan 11, 2017 11:31:01 #
Rjbara wrote:
Can someone recommend a computer or laptop for photo editing and storage.
The specs aren't critical unless you do a lot of complicated video editing. If Windows, get a Core i7 machine with at least 16GB or RAM. Doubling the cost and getting 32GB will not double processing speed. When I was buying Dells, I would get a basic Core i7 and then add memory, add a second hard drive for data, and install an SSD as the C drive. The SSD is very fast, but it's small and expensive, so I use them only for the OS and programs. Spending several hundred dollars for a high end graphics card will probably not help with processing photos, but they're essential for gaming.
Macs are great machines, but getting inside one to change the hard drive could be a challenge. Apple has limited the user's ability to add memory and make other upgrades on its newer machines. Mine date from 2012.
Jan 11, 2017 11:53:46 #
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!
Thought about switching to Mac 10 yrs ago. Decided against it. Instead I bought a lens with the money I saved. Still on Windows, no regrets. Still have the lens. Today, there is no quantifiable advantage of one platform over another. It's all about budget, and what fits best, and personal choice. Like cameras, cars, restaurants, etc.
Jan 11, 2017 11:54:31 #
Son and husband built a gaming computer for my photography as a gift, and it's exactly what I wanted. Very fast.
Jan 11, 2017 12:08:53 #
While it is inaccurate to say that there are no advantages: Lower overall cost of ownership, superior reliability, quality and alacrity of support, environmental practices, color gamut and depth (speaking of laptops and all-in-ones, there are 3rd party monitors that provide this), integration of hardware and software to maximize performance/efficiency are all concrete advantages of the Mac platform, amongst others.
Your larger point, however, is accurate in that it is possible to use a PC or a Mac and have a very good experience and system for image editing work.
Your larger point, however, is accurate in that it is possible to use a PC or a Mac and have a very good experience and system for image editing work.
Jan 11, 2017 12:20:09 #
Jan 11, 2017 13:29:29 #
...I'm in Muttville. Own and use-the-hell-out-of a 2012 MacBook Pro (1TB SSD, I took optical drive out and replaced with a 500GB SSD to use as a scratch drive...I7 processer and 16 GB Ram) this thing is plenty fast and gobs of "horsepower" my roadie of choice. I built a couple of PC desktops, one of which is pretty maxed-out with a I7 chip, 32 GB Ram, GTX 950 graphics card, 1TB SSD main drive, 1TB SSD scratch drive and one more 500 GB SSD catchall... so I don't have any complaints about the speed (although I want it faster...hahaha...'cuz I'm working 8-10,000 shot days sometimes, doncha know). BUT, when the rubber meets the road, even though I prefer the 4 screen desktop environment I've built for actual *working*...I like the Mac best.
Jan 11, 2017 13:52:00 #
Rjbara wrote:
Can someone recommend a computer or laptop for photo editing and storage.
Most of the instructors in photo related tutorials use Macs. To me that says a lot.
Jan 11, 2017 13:53:34 #
James Slick
Loc: Pittsburgh,PA
robertjerl wrote:
I got the most powerful gaming computer I could afford and doubled the RAM it came with. Years later it is still doing a good job for me. I don't play games, but the features that made it a gaming computer also work for photo editing and video editing which my wife wants me to learn, I want her to learn it, she is the one who takes videos.
I haven't played a video game since Atari went out of business, but I agree a "gaming" PC is best especially for video editing. Gamers have significantly higher performance requirements than the general business user. After all how much "horsepower" does "Word" need. In addition. Get as much RAM as you can afford. PS loves RAM!
Jan 11, 2017 13:56:17 #
robertjerl wrote:
I got the most powerful gaming computer I could afford and doubled the RAM it came with. Years later it is still doing a good job for me. I don't play games, but the features that made it a gaming computer also work for photo editing and video editing which my wife wants me to learn, I want her to learn it, she is the one who takes videos.
Jan 11, 2017 14:18:27 #
[quote=MikeMcK]
I agree with MikeMcK here. MAC vs PC is like Canon vs Nikon vs Sony, etc. I know a lot of people swear by MACs, but they drive me nuts; every once in awhile, when upgrading computers I look at the MACs. The screens are great, but I really can't stand using them. I am sure if I had started out computing with one, I might prefer it, but as they are currently designed and configured, I don't really like how they work. And, frankly, I don't think they are worth what they charge for them.
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 agree with MikeMcK here. MAC vs PC is like Canon vs Nikon vs Sony, etc. I know a lot of people swear by MACs, but they drive me nuts; every once in awhile, when upgrading computers I look at the MACs. The screens are great, but I really can't stand using them. I am sure if I had started out computing with one, I might prefer it, but as they are currently designed and configured, I don't really like how they work. And, frankly, I don't think they are worth what they charge for them.
Jan 11, 2017 14:23:34 #
I agree with the Mac proponents. A large 4K monitor is essential as well.
Jan 11, 2017 14:31:11 #
James Slick
Loc: Pittsburgh,PA
Selene03 wrote:
I agree with MikeMcK here. MAC vs PC is like Canon vs Nikon vs Sony, etc. I know a lot of people swear by MACs, but they drive me nuts; every once in awhile, when upgrading computers I look at the MACs. The screens are great, but I really can't stand using them. I am sure if I had started out computing with one, I might prefer it, but as they are currently designed and configured, I don't really like how they work. And, frankly, I don't think they are worth what they charge for them.
Yep, Coke-Pepsi....PCs and Macs both can do photo and video fine (with the right specs.) The choice of an OS is a personal thing only. If you like Windows, a high spec Windows PC is an excellent choice. Same for Mac. The biggest advantage of Windows machines is cost. I do use both OSs, But Dollar for Dollar a high spec Windows PC prices about where a mid spec Mac is. If not considering cost, Go with the OS you're comfortable with.
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