I'm generally very pleased with my 27" iMac Retina 5K. Whilst it is 4TB Fusion, 4GHz, i& core 32GB DDR, which was the highest spec for this late 2014 model, I find it is 'slow' in some areas:
I am often processing large numbers of RAW files from my D800 and working with a number of third party software applications, such as cc 2017, DxO applications...sometimes a simple batch process in PS can take ages, as does an export/re-import from LR5 to DxO ViewPoint 2 and back. In the latter example, whether working with a RAW, jpeg, psd file, the process can take 90 seconds (excluding my mouse manipulations) which if you've got 100 interior shots to correct for convergence, is 2.5 hours of work, that you cannot leave on its own. Sometimes if I go into Finder, the little postage stamp-like icons just never reveal the photo thumbnails sitting behind them.

If I could work at what I call 'click speed i.e. a process will complete within, say 1 to even 10 secs after a mouse click, I'd be through the DxO procedure in very good time. Now, I understand that 'computer' people will no doubt tell me that the machine is processing [at times] some impressively large files; my point, or question, is how do pros with larger clientele requirements than I have cope, whilst maintaining their sanity and have a home life!? Many studios are using medium format. I'm thinking of upgrading to a D850 [may be]...but that fills me with dread, not least from the storage side, but the processing. Haha...now it's me indirectly looking for advice! Maybe I either have a duff machine, or the wrong [spec/make] machine.... It was Apple Business who spec'd out the machine to my detailed work requirements, and I have subsequently had Apple Support on the line more than once, who think all is just fine! Zzzz.

You might not be processing so many or as large files, but I'm looking at alternative manufacturers Dell, maybe, although I have never liked the Windows environment, nor their previous history of virus issues, etc, but I'm sure things have moved on.

BUT, that said, iMac, MacBook Pros are absolutely fabulous for most uses photographic, and provide a beautiful user environment within which to work. I would recommend Apple to you, unless...

All best

Thanks. I'll look into these.

Let's see what emerges...

LOL - forgetting to turn off transceivers: same!

Agreed, but an important requirement is to keep the 'thoroughfares' clear of cables and cords. We have students, families, the infirm, children.... walking between the lights to where they will be photographed. Even the the shooting is wirelessly 'tethered' for that reason. The fewer cables and cords the better.

Hi

I have Pocket Wizards for my studio strobes - in my case Nikon specific - which I have always found to be very reliable.

I'm now occasionally get involved with graduation shoots, which involve high subject throughputs, and find sometimes the rechargeable batteries don't last that long, or fade just when you don't want them to.

Has anyone had any experience with using the likes of:
Nice AC-01, or AC-04 (no idea what the difference is);
Godox DM-16...

If you have, then you'll know that an apparent advantage for me is that the receivers tap their power from the mains input to the [Bowens] studio strobes i.e. no batteries required.

Sounds good, but are they?
Are they reliable - firing each time; max distance for me will only be, say, 3 metres.
Incredibly cheap cf Pocket Wizard!
Universal or camera specific?

Interested to hear any experiences.

Thanks

In December 2011, after a year working in Singapore, I took the opportunity of its proximity to visit Vietnam - a 40-year wait to see a country that ever since June 8th 1972 had left a deep impression upon me. I was armed with plenty of advice before going, regarding the usual things - taxis, beggars, money for photos, sensitivities - I had 16 days in total visiting HCMC; Vung Tau; Hoi An; Hanoi; by train to Sa Pa; Halong Bay; Bat Trang.

I deliberately avoided touristy attractions, because I wanted to be amongst its people, in the alleys, down by the river, in the byways...all places where, IMO, the real hearbeat is.

My trip gave me enough insight to want to go back and see more, including the museums and 'attractions'. Everywhere I went I found the people, with very few exceptions, to be wonderfully friendly and receptive. The standard of food was quite variable, but it takes a little while to 'tune-in' and know what you like and what to ask for.

As a westerner, I knew I could always [afford to]dive into a 5-star hotel for a coupe or three nights if things got desperate, but never found the need to.

VN used to have a slogan 'Viet Nam is its people' - that was my experience. Photo opportunities abound.

Have a great time!

Some people love tablets; some hate them; I [pro tog who spends a lot of time editing, experimenting, doing graphics] fall somewhere in between.

Main pass-ons from me:
Wacom, from my research before buying, seemed to be the best by quite a long way;
Must give sufficient dedicated time to get used to the different way of inputting i.e. by pen. Many find the transition quite hard, but it can be done - you only need to watch, for example, a PHLEARN episode on YouTube to see this in action. Perseverance will pay dividends.
Bought a Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Pen Tablet. I find this too big for my needs. If you use the entire drawing field, arm movements are unnecessarily big. I reduced the drawing field area setting it to just under half the tablet size, because natural wrist movements work more intuitively as opposed to larger arm movements;
I have experienced a lag with wireless, so tend to use tethered;
I still find some difficulty with extremely precise pick-ups and placements with the pen, whereas the mouse 'click' is decisive. I probably have some work to do here, or a settings adjustment to make;

The ultimate tool/experience for editors/designers to aspire looks like Cintiq, but they are a lot of money!

Goos luck!

Instead of searching through B&H's catalogue, you could give them a call. Going on what I like to consider is my UK equivalent of B&H, I'm sure they would narrow down a short list of suggestions for you that meet the criteria for your granddaughter's camera, which you could then follow-up with some of your own comparison research on Google.
B&H, or such other outfit, might even have a better (more expensive) piece of used kit that comes within your budget.
If your granddaughter has an iPhone 6 or 7, my understanding is that they come equipped with pretty good cameras, as others previously suggested! I'm guessing that at $300 the diference in quality and function between an 'iPhone' and point and shoot might not be enough to justify the spend or warrant carrying an extra piece of kit (the camera) around, especially if the images are not going to be printed to any significant size. If so, an earlier suggestion of 'iPhone' and $300 sounds attractive, IMO!
In any case, but also as a former Westminster Abbey chorister ('62-'67), I wish her every enjoyment and success on the trip and visit to some of Europe's finest and most glorious buildings!

I've not switched to mirrorless, although it is an on-going consideration.
For me, the only current benefits would be: lighter kit, and the ability to see exposure changes - the finished SOOC image - on the screen, and totally silent operation.
That said, the kit is not game-changing lighter, and, seriously, when could I not expose properly (there was no intention for last statement to sound arrogant in any way), but it's a fundamental requirement of photography.
To be honest, unless you want a small travel or street camera (I have an X-T1 that I sometimes use for that) DSLR is still king in my commercial 'war zone' by a long chalk.
One day, I suspect, I'll make the change, but it's a long way off! :)

I feel your pain!

I've angsted with this for years - to find a perfect solution! I'm of the opinion it's like trying to find the perfect vehicle that will do and be everything of you (nearest thing, so far is a Range Rover...not that I own one).
I shoot with D800 and D4s plus 2.8 lenses.
I've tried standard neckstraps with a camera hanging off each shoulder. Never worked for me, because the wretched things, in spite of tacky, rubbery bits on the straps, they kept dropping off my (not-sloping) shoulders!
My current combo: I use a Black Rapid Sport that hangs diagonally across my chest, with the D4s and 70-200 on it most of the time, PLUS an OP/TECH USA neck strap with the D800 and 24-70 on it most of the time. Generally this is quite comfortable for a long day and you can let your cameras just hang from time to time, thus giving your arms a rest. PROS: generally comfortable; cameras easily to hand; OP/TECH has a nice bit of give in the strap; with one camera to the side and one camera in front, my overall width profile is good. CONS: after a while I get chaffing from the OP/TECH; unless I swith off the D4s, it will often fire when it hits my thigh; when I bring up the D4s to shoot, I'm aware of a little restriction from the OP/TECH strap which sits over the Black Rapid.
I also have a HOLDFAST MONEY MAKER, Medium. I've not yet used this at a wedding or event...or at all commercially, yet, because since I got it, I've been doing nothing but Interiors, Architecture, Commercial... However, trying in out around the house PROS: exceptionally COMFORTABLE and well thought through; cameras easily to hand; no D4s accidental firing. CONS: outrageously expensive with the import duty I had to pay (also very slow delivery); looks slightly weirdo/lederhosen-ish, if you're self-conscious, with all those big buckles and D-rings; with a camera each side you're overall width becomes quite substantial, and you might trying to slip between the seats at the wedding reception becomes a clunky affair....BUT, the damn thing works! :) There are an number of alternative manufacturers of similar straps.
I've tried mixing-in lighter weight, mirrorless cameras during a wedding (not carrying all my cameras together!), but IMO they're just not yet where I need them to be for my style and pace of shooting. BUT, as soon as I find a system I like, the reduction in weight will be welcome.

I don't know anybody for whom a long-day wedding will not take its toll on their arms and body to some degree. Of late, I've determined to be quite literally FIT FOR PURPOSE, in order that I can do my job properly for my clients, by regularly attending a kettlebell class. It has certainly made a difference!

LOL....I've often wondered what an 'art' lens is.
Good lenses, maybe, but IMO shear marketing gimmick.
'Art' lies with the artist, who will choose their tools appropriately e.g. for bokeh and other lens attributes, or chose their output according to the tools they possess, or what is simply to hand.
I'm aware of people who possess perfectly good, pro lenses, yet feel intimidated by the very existence of an 'art' lens, somehow thinking that their (the artist's) integrity has been undermined.
Stick to your 'art'.....

Sticking with my D4s and D800 for a while yet. I don't really need to have a movie frame rate, nor turn night into day ;) Oh, and did someone mention money?

Thanks, Doug

That sounds like a good plan.....will need to check it out after the w/e.

All best

Andrew

Oooops Photoshop CC6

My CC6 has changed its behaviour, and I know not why!

Previously, when I opened CC6 it would open with the last-used settings and tools. Now, upon opening, it seems to reset or return to some default settings.

For example, I turn off the Grid (CMD+H or via the View drop-down menu), but now, every time I open CC6, or open an image, the grid is showing.

Also, the same for the Patch Tool, which defaults to the Spot Healing Tool.

I don't seem to be able to find a way to disable this automation. Any ideas?