Hi everyone, I am very close to ordering a 2023 Mac Pro. This is clearly a controversial product - I thought that perhaps by posting my intended use perhaps some alternative perspectives would be helpful before I make my final decision.
My wife and I are digital photographers, myself a hobbyist and she is a professional doing paid shoots. It is not unusual for us to be processing 30-50GB worth of RAW files for a given shoot (we shoot digital medium format and high MP full frame digital). We are starting to venture into videography and have an 8k capable camera. We have been using a M1 Max MacBook Pro 16” for almost 2 years which we have been very happy with (32GB/1TB). However, we just purchased a MacBook Air 15” 16GB/1TB for her remote work, the idea being that it would be a littlte easier to live with for remote shoots with tethering requirements etc., as well as for when we travel.
I have a shelf full of SSDs that are filled with old Lightroom catalogs (probably around 12TB worth). I am fully aware that the performance of the Mac Pro is basically identical to a Mac Studio but is significantly more expensive. The benefits to the Mac Pro I’ve identified are as follows:
1. Form factor. Although I suppose many would say the Mac Studio has a preferable (compact) form factor, the Mac Pro would sit on the floor under the desk and free up significant desk space (we have a 27” Eizo for color editing and a Mac Studio monitor, as well as a stylus pad).
2. I want to have significant more SSD storage than what comes with the computer. With the Studio, we will have to go with an external enclosure which will take up more desk space. Using a PCI-E internal drive (maybe the OSC 16gb Accelsior) not only relieves that, but we would have huge internal lightning fast storage to work off of for both the photo and video workflows). The SD port on the Mac Studio is not particularly relevant because we still would need to use USB-C readers for CFExpress A and B cards, which we both use depending on the shoot.
3. I want a computer that I don‘t feel I need to upgrade or replace for at least 5-7 years. I am not holding my breath on a cornucopia of expansion options on this computer but perhaps there is a chance the PCIE slots will open up possibilities in the future (SD/CFE A/CFE B card someday? Maybe? - or at least additional SSD expansion).
These are first world problems for sure, and I’m not trying to inflame emotions or Rehash what has already been said about what a lame product this is. I just wonder if this use case makes sense to some of you or if there are legitimate other perspectives. I realize the items above are tough to justify the price difference for.
Any input or thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you!
My wife and I are digital photographers, myself a hobbyist and she is a professional doing paid shoots. It is not unusual for us to be processing 30-50GB worth of RAW files for a given shoot (we shoot digital medium format and high MP full frame digital). We are starting to venture into videography and have an 8k capable camera. We have been using a M1 Max MacBook Pro 16” for almost 2 years which we have been very happy with (32GB/1TB). However, we just purchased a MacBook Air 15” 16GB/1TB for her remote work, the idea being that it would be a littlte easier to live with for remote shoots with tethering requirements etc., as well as for when we travel.
I have a shelf full of SSDs that are filled with old Lightroom catalogs (probably around 12TB worth). I am fully aware that the performance of the Mac Pro is basically identical to a Mac Studio but is significantly more expensive. The benefits to the Mac Pro I’ve identified are as follows:
1. Form factor. Although I suppose many would say the Mac Studio has a preferable (compact) form factor, the Mac Pro would sit on the floor under the desk and free up significant desk space (we have a 27” Eizo for color editing and a Mac Studio monitor, as well as a stylus pad).
2. I want to have significant more SSD storage than what comes with the computer. With the Studio, we will have to go with an external enclosure which will take up more desk space. Using a PCI-E internal drive (maybe the OSC 16gb Accelsior) not only relieves that, but we would have huge internal lightning fast storage to work off of for both the photo and video workflows). The SD port on the Mac Studio is not particularly relevant because we still would need to use USB-C readers for CFExpress A and B cards, which we both use depending on the shoot.
3. I want a computer that I don‘t feel I need to upgrade or replace for at least 5-7 years. I am not holding my breath on a cornucopia of expansion options on this computer but perhaps there is a chance the PCIE slots will open up possibilities in the future (SD/CFE A/CFE B card someday? Maybe? - or at least additional SSD expansion).
These are first world problems for sure, and I’m not trying to inflame emotions or Rehash what has already been said about what a lame product this is. I just wonder if this use case makes sense to some of you or if there are legitimate other perspectives. I realize the items above are tough to justify the price difference for.
Any input or thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you!