Whats the best mac software for fast photo post processing?
Aug 1, 2012 06:13:01 #
What the best mac software for fast post processing large photos files? My Imac is just too frustratingly slow and freezes up. What do I need a fast processor more meg of ram? or what?
Aug 1, 2012 06:19:04 #
I use aperture 3 and I'm very happy with it. There are lost of tutorials available to help you. I've upgraded the RAM on my iMac and it made a lot of difference to speed and no more freezing, so far. Hope this helps?
Aug 1, 2012 06:47:05 #
Thanks I am using aperture 3 and twice in the last two nights it has had to rebuild the library data base which takes ages. I think its because ive just started to shoot raw and the files seem to take ages to post process after about 3 or 4 it just freezes. I only have 2gig of ram so do you think installing more ram is all I need? or do I have to spend a lot on a power mac/tower fast processor thingy?
Aug 1, 2012 07:42:44 #
Which blend of OS-X?
If it worked properly before, did anything else change ?
Have you noticed anything else freezing or running slow?
Programs typically don't change the way they run on their own; there may be something else causing a conflict. Run a virus scanner on it - yes, Macs can get them though it is not common I would look at the RAM upgrade (you can never have too much memory). I don't think a Mac Pro is needed - I'm using Lightroom 3 and PS CS4 simultaneously on a MacBook Pro with 4MB RAM running 10.7/Lion.
Go into Disk Utility and run the "Repair Disk Permissions" and "Repair Disk" options just to make sure everything is in order; I do this once per month, or so.
If it worked properly before, did anything else change ?
Have you noticed anything else freezing or running slow?
Programs typically don't change the way they run on their own; there may be something else causing a conflict. Run a virus scanner on it - yes, Macs can get them though it is not common I would look at the RAM upgrade (you can never have too much memory). I don't think a Mac Pro is needed - I'm using Lightroom 3 and PS CS4 simultaneously on a MacBook Pro with 4MB RAM running 10.7/Lion.
Go into Disk Utility and run the "Repair Disk Permissions" and "Repair Disk" options just to make sure everything is in order; I do this once per month, or so.
Aug 1, 2012 07:44:25 #
I upgraded to 6 gig RAM [1 x 4 + 1 x 2] and I'm a happy iMac user again. I'm no expert, and I've also not shot RAW so I'm not too sure if that is all you need. Sorry that I can't be of more help.
Aug 1, 2012 08:00:13 #
Yeah odd things have been happening with different programs. The os-x is 10.6.8 snow leopard. Is it possible to upgrade the processor as well or just the ram will suffice. It only started doing this since I started shooting raw. But I didnt think it would be so slow as the files are only twice as big like 10mb..cheers
Aug 1, 2012 08:13:44 #
Aug 1, 2012 09:18:31 #
GEEJAY
Loc: witness protection
I use Aperture.Have not had any problems editing.It took a while to learn all the nuances of saving files.
Aug 2, 2012 05:46:34 #
Dun1
Loc: Atlanta, GA
I am a Mac user and I would install the maximum amount of RAM that I could in your machines. I currently use an iMac with 16 gigs of RAM
I use Lightroom and PS5 and don't usually have any problems in a Mac environment
Repairing disk permissions will help of course.
In some of the latest test some of the iMacs are running faster than the Mac Pro, so speed my not be your problem as much as RAM.
I also use Clean my Mac by Mac Paw and run it several times a week especially when Lightroom and Photoshop seem to begin to run slow.
Here is a link to the Mac Paw site in case you might want to take a look at its features and requirements
http://macpaw.com/landings/land56?campaign=sitelink_macpaw_cmm&utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=&gclid=CImL04nTyLECFQeR7QodYnYAzg&siteID=&CJPID=&mpaid=
A hint is that you can find RAM less expensive than at the Apple site. Apple sells RAM like it's platinum or gold.
I use Lightroom and PS5 and don't usually have any problems in a Mac environment
Repairing disk permissions will help of course.
In some of the latest test some of the iMacs are running faster than the Mac Pro, so speed my not be your problem as much as RAM.
I also use Clean my Mac by Mac Paw and run it several times a week especially when Lightroom and Photoshop seem to begin to run slow.
Here is a link to the Mac Paw site in case you might want to take a look at its features and requirements
http://macpaw.com/landings/land56?campaign=sitelink_macpaw_cmm&utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=&gclid=CImL04nTyLECFQeR7QodYnYAzg&siteID=&CJPID=&mpaid=
A hint is that you can find RAM less expensive than at the Apple site. Apple sells RAM like it's platinum or gold.
Aug 2, 2012 05:55:10 #
The Apple store sent me to crucial.com . They can scan your Mac, suggest different upgrades with prices I have 4 gig can upgrade to the max 16 gig for $99 and give my daughter the 2 2gig chips I am using to boost her Imac. I think that will keep me going for a while!
Aug 2, 2012 07:37:22 #
hj
Loc: Florida
I suspect your only 2gb of ram is the problem. I'm running my iMac on 8gb of ram with no problems at all. You can find excellent prices on ram at www.macsales.com or just google OWC which is the same. They specialize in all mac equipment and have excellent service and prices. No connection, but many on our Mac forum swear by them and I have used them for several years now. In February I got my 8gb upgrade kit (4gb X 2) for $45.99 + $2.99 shipping. Apple is just way too expensive for their ram.
Aug 2, 2012 08:34:46 #
saxkiwi wrote:
What the best mac software for fast post processing large photos files? My Imac is just too frustratingly slow and freezes up. What do I need a fast processor more meg of ram? or what?
I have been using Aperture 3 on my iMac for years with success. As far as performance is concerned, I agree with everyone else that more RAM is a big part of the solution. However, I would make sure of the following :
- Mac OS X is up to date. Updates often adress performance issues.
- Same thing for Aperture itself.
- Maybe you should consider going for the "referenced" model for your library. Your pictures are probably all swallowed into the "Aperture Library" on your Mac. While this is convienent, performance can be an issue at it grows bigger. By moving your pictures out of the library, possibly even to another drive, your Aperture Library becomes smaller, thus faster to process.
My 10 cents,
Jacques.
Aug 2, 2012 08:50:42 #
saxkiwi wrote:
Thanks I am using aperture 3 and twice in the last two nights it has had to rebuild the library data base which takes ages. I think its because ive just started to shoot raw and the files seem to take ages to post process after about 3 or 4 it just freezes. I only have 2gig of ram so do you think installing more ram is all I need? or do I have to spend a lot on a power mac/tower fast processor thingy?
You definitely need more RAM. I have 8 gigs, use Aperture 3 all the time, and don't have any problems. It never freezes up.
Aug 2, 2012 09:06:02 #
saxkiwi wrote:
What the best mac software for fast post processing large photos files? My Imac is just too frustratingly slow and freezes up. What do I need a fast processor more meg of ram? or what?
Were it not for the fact that I started cataloging files with LR when it was first released.....I would switch to Aperture. Great software....I keep an up-to-date version and swear, one day....I will begin my second life using Aperture.
But, RAM is a must for large files ....goto this site,
http://www.crucial.com/?gclid=CM-54Z_luKwCFUJx4Aod3x53Gw&cpe=pd_google_us&ef_id=kLpOwm8d628AAMVO:20111115135437:s
Pick you computer and Crucial will examine your computer and tell you exactly how much RAM can be installed. We run 16 gig on our MACs. You can upgrade a IMAC to 16 gig for under 150.00.....it is bloody easy to install, Crucial will give you instructions.
Aug 2, 2012 09:25:58 #
JennT
Loc: South Central PA
japril has a very good idea!!!
I use a MacPro and Aperture.
I upload all raw images into Aperture and also on a "Cold Storage" hard drive. As I study the images I remove the rejcts from both systems.
Then, as I edit and finish an image I store the NEF and the final tiff plus a small jpg in another hard drive and delete the image and its variations from Aperture, At this point I return a copy of the jpg to Aperture for a reference image.
This keeps the hrd drive at a reasonablely small working level.
Jennn
I use a MacPro and Aperture.
I upload all raw images into Aperture and also on a "Cold Storage" hard drive. As I study the images I remove the rejcts from both systems.
Then, as I edit and finish an image I store the NEF and the final tiff plus a small jpg in another hard drive and delete the image and its variations from Aperture, At this point I return a copy of the jpg to Aperture for a reference image.
This keeps the hrd drive at a reasonablely small working level.
Jennn
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