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Computer for post processing
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Nov 2, 2018 21:40:02   #
JMCPHD Loc: Maine
 
I am relatively new to digital photography and post processing. It is clear to me that my old laptop pc is not up to the task. The computer may hang up or take very long periods of time to download images from the camera, or do any post processing. I am now convinced I need a computer with much more RAM (currently 4 GB) and perhaps a better cpu. The restriction I s that I am trying to get by on a limited budget. I would value suggestions and advice.

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Nov 2, 2018 21:52:12   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
JMCPHD wrote:
I am relatively new to digital photography and post processing. It is clear to me that my old laptop pc is not up to the task. The computer may hang up or take very long periods of time to download images from the camera, or do any post processing. I am now convinced I need a computer with much more RAM (currently 4 GB) and perhaps a better cpu. The restriction I s that I am trying to get by on a limited budget. I would value suggestions and advice.
I switched several years ago from windows to Apple. I am more than pleased. Don't know your budget but consider:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1342550-REG/apple_mpxx2ll_a_13_3_macbook_pro_with.html

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Nov 2, 2018 22:09:06   #
throughrhettseyes Loc: Rowlett, TX
 
Here's your initial investment....
Computer $2000
Monitor $500
Software $300
Backup hard drives $200
Camera $1500
Lenses $4000
Bag, tripods and accessories $1000
How's $9500 to start?

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Nov 2, 2018 22:24:02   #
TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC
 
throughrhettseyes wrote:
Here's your initial investment....
Computer $2000
Monitor $500
Software $300
Backup hard drives $200
Camera $1500
Lenses $4000
Bag, tripods and accessories $1000
How's $9500 to start?


Somehow, I don’t think that’s quite what the OP had in mind. Let me suggest something different, but first, a question: desktop or laptop?

In terms of specs, here’s what I would suggest:

An I-7, fast I-5 or an AMD Ryzen CPU
16 GB DRAM
A 256 or 512GB SSD (for Windows, applications and scratch space) and 1-2 TB HD
A seperate video card (not on the CPU) with a minimum of 2GB VRAM
64-bit Windows 10 or Mac OS
And of course, USB-3 ports, 1Gb Ethernet, and WiFI.
Optional: a BluRay/MDisk DVD drive
A decent 24” (or preferably larger) monitor if a desktop, or the largest screen for a Laptop that you’re comfortable with the attendant size and weight.

This can be a Windows machine or a Mac, depending on which you’re most comfortable with. You’ll typically be able to get higher performance for the $ on a Windows platform. You might take a look at last year’s model or even a used machine to save money. If you shop carefully, you can do this for $1,000 or so for a new machine plus the monitor, less for last year’s model on sale. Remember, Black Friday is an excellent time to shop.

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Nov 2, 2018 22:25:20   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
JMCPHD wrote:
I am relatively new to digital photography and post processing. It is clear to me that my old laptop pc is not up to the task. The computer may hang up or take very long periods of time to download images from the camera, or do any post processing. I am now convinced I need a computer with much more RAM (currently 4 GB) and perhaps a better cpu. The restriction I s that I am trying to get by on a limited budget. I would value suggestions and advice.


Being on a budget is not a barrier to getting a decent computer. But you'd need to specify what that budget is. You also need to specify what software you use. More than likely Apple products are out of the question. While they are capable machines, they typically cost 50% more than comparable Windows computers. Desktops are less expensive than laptops.

You are correct, 4 gb is not enough ram.

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Nov 2, 2018 22:26:44   #
AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
 
TriX wrote:
Somehow, I don’t think that’s quite what the OP had in mind. Let me suggest something different, but first, a question: desktop or laptop?

In terms of specs, here’s what I would suggest:

An I-7, fast I-5 or an AMD Ryzen CPU
16 GB DRAM
A 256 or 512GB SSD (for Windows, applications and scratch space) and 1-2 TB HD
A seperate video card (not on the CPU) with a minimum of 2GB VRAM
64-bit Windows 10 or Mac OS
And of course, USB-3 ports, 1Gb Ethernet, and WiFI.
Optional: a BluRay/MDisk DVD drive
A decent 24” (or preferably larger) monitor if a desktop, or the largest screen for a Laptop that you’re comfortable with the attendant size and weight.

This can be a Windows machine or a Mac, depending on which you’re most comfortable with. You’ll typically be able to get higher performance for the $ on a Windows platform. You might take a look at last year’s model or even a used machine to save money.
Somehow, I don’t think that’s quite what the OP ha... (show quote)


Very sound advice.

Andy

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Nov 3, 2018 00:16:42   #
JD750 Loc: SoCal
 
JMCPHD wrote:
I am relatively new to digital photography and post processing. It is clear to me that my old laptop pc is not up to the task. The computer may hang up or take very long periods of time to download images from the camera, or do any post processing. I am now convinced I need a computer with much more RAM (currently 4 GB) and perhaps a better cpu. The restriction I s that I am trying to get by on a limited budget. I would value suggestions and advice.


Well if you are on a limited budget definteily do not buy a MacBookPro. But an iMac might be something to consider.

But seriously, the operating system (OS) you use now is important. Buy a computer that uses that same OS.

Having said that, do you want another laptop or is a desktop with a good monitor an option? You can get a good desktop + decent monitor for less $ than a high end laptop. Either way you would be wise to buy a decent monitor. Decent monitors can be had on a budget.

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Nov 3, 2018 06:06:23   #
tcthome Loc: NJ
 
How's $9500 to start?[/quote]

That's it? I wish that's all it cost me to get in with what was wanted.

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Nov 3, 2018 07:08:58   #
jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida
 
PixelStan77 wrote:
I switched several years ago from windows to Apple. I am more than pleased. Don't know your budget but consider:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1342550-REG/apple_mpxx2ll_a_13_3_macbook_pro_with.html


Great computer but I’d go with a blown out iMac unless you have to travel. I use a MBP with a 28” Monitor at home. Even my PC loving wife used it for her Shutterfly books.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-562021-1.html

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Nov 3, 2018 07:16:53   #
jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana
 
If I were you, I’d get an iMac, 21" or 27” desktop. It’s self-contained, so you won't have to spring extra for a monitor, etc.

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Nov 3, 2018 07:38:51   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Minimum of a Core i5 and 16GB of memory.

Memory -
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-much-ram-does-your-p
c-need-probably-less-than-you-think/
http://www.zdnet.com/article/how-much-ram-does-your-pc-need/

Processor -
http://gizmodo.com/dont-waste-money-on-intels-top-processor-1791426602
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2404674,00.asp
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/intel-core-i5-vs-i7/
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/intel-core-i9-vs-i7-vs-i5-cpu/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/intel-core-i5-vs-i7/
http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/core-i5-vs-i7
https://www.extremetech.com/computing/210703-intel-core-i5-vs-core-i7-which-processor-should-you-buy

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Nov 3, 2018 07:40:30   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
jaymatt wrote:
If I were you, I’d get an iMac, 21" or 27” desktop. It’s self-contained, so you won't have to spring extra for a monitor, etc.


I like the idea of an all-in-one, but you're limited in what you can do to improve it. Just try installing a new hard drive - or a second hard drive. Some Macs don't even let you add more memory. I have a 21.5" and a 27", but the Windows machines are my workhorses.

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Nov 3, 2018 07:55:59   #
gerdog
 
Easiest to upgrade later is a desktop computer. A few years ago 4GB RAM worked well, but programs use more now. Just doubling it to 8 produces an instant improvement. Getting a computer with a solid state hard drive speeds things up as well. This is a good time of year to look for holiday bargains. I see that Dell has an Inspiron desktop now with 8GB Ram and 1 TB hard drive for under $400. When your budget is tight, storage and memory are more important than processor speed. Let folks here know your budget and they can give you more meaningful advice.

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Nov 3, 2018 08:02:55   #
yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey
 
Check out the HP Omen or Lenovo Legion line of PC's. 16GB RAM minimum (32GB better), 256GB SSD (512GB better), at least 1TB HD, NVIDIA or Radeon Graphics card. Its a good time time to shop for a new computer with Black Friday and Christmas sales coming. You should be able to buy one for $1200 - $1500.

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Nov 3, 2018 08:03:51   #
James L.
 
Lots of technical help here, not to mention the great "encouragement" factor.

Nice reply.




James


throughrhettseyes wrote:
Here's your initial investment....
Computer $2000
Monitor $500
Software $300
Backup hard drives $200
Camera $1500
Lenses $4000
Bag, tripods and accessories $1000
How's $9500 to start?

Reply
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