(NOTE, Meant to create my own thread, so it kinda reads like that, Figured there is no point as there is discussion already on this subject in your thread).
I have purchased a new iPad mini in hopes that it will be a suitable and more portable clone of my beloved 11" iPad Pro (A12x). While processing power on this new iPad is no comparison for the new M1 Pro, or even the new iPhone 13, neither are in my wheelhouse as I wanted something smaller. The iPhone lacking USB-C killed that deal, so I wanted to see if the new Mini would communicate with my Canon Cameras via USB-C, and be fast enough for my processing. I decided to compare the new mini to the iPad Pro 11 that I own and intend to keep.
Below is the raw data from my performance tests that I completed on my 2 iPads, as well as my M1 MacBook Pro for comparison. In short, the Mini is equal to the A12x iPad Pro for my daily driving
Test performed | iPad mini 6 | iPad Pro 11 (A12x) | MacBook Pro M1 |
Load 485 image previews on Canon R5 for import selection | 52 seconds | 55 Seconds | NA* |
Import 100 JPEG Images (8192x5464) Canon R5 8-16mb each. | 53 Seconds | 56 Seconds | 52 seconds |
Paste editing changes to 100 photos. (Saturation, exposure, noise reduction, enhancements. (Lightroom) | 1:37 | 1:54 | NA** |
Export 100 edited photos to files app | 14:57 | 14:57 | 4:40 |
Copy 100 edited photos to SD card (Apple USB-C SD Card reader to SanDisk Extreme Gold 128GB (SDXC V30I Class 10) | 1:24 | 1:14 | 19 Seconds |
Export Lume Fusion Multi layer video with music / text & simple effects. 2:39.23 (1080p 30 FPS, 20mbps, h.264) | 1:54 | 2:03 | 1:13 |
Import 20 RAW photos Canon EOS R5 | 27 seconds | 27 seconds | 25 seconds |
Paste editing changes to 20 RAW photos. (Saturation, exposure, noise reduction, enhancements. (Lightroom) | 20 seconds | 20 seconds | NA** |
Export 20 RAW Images as JPEG | 3:06 | 3:11 | 1:23 |
*Photo Import Methods used on Mac Pro are not applicable in my test as I use a different workflow
** Photoshop Lightroom Classic was used on MacBook Pro M1, I don’t use new style Lightroom in my work.
Workflow and test details.
I do a ton of photography, and use my iPads in the field for quick (and sometimes) extensive edits of both RAW and JPEG images, as well as 1080p video files for social media and YouTube. In order for the Mini to be a reasonable option for me, it needed to cover a few key areas well. TLDR, I will keep each section short as well as test process for people to review or test on their own.
USB-C File Copy (Import from Camera)
Results = Tie (essentially)
Test Method (Import) - USB-C Cable direct to camera
Test Detail;
My key test was to ensure files pulled down from my camera were done quickly and reliably via the USB-C port on my camera. iPhones with Lightning are not able to connect to the R5 via cable, so that device is dead to me (for my needs). While this can be done using the Lightning SD card reader, the speeds are far slower than the USB-C version for iPads.
USB-C File Copy (Export to SD Card)
Results = Tie (essentially)
Test Method - Copy photos to SD card via USB-C Card reader.
Test Detail;
There are various methods I use, but often I copy edited photos and videos to SD cards, and mail them to my clients. I have had good results using this method, and prefer it to unreliable USB-A thumb drives.
Batch Process photos in Lightroom (RAW and JPEG)
Results = iPad mini was a touch faster than the A12x Pro 11"
Test Method - Paste or apply a template of changes to all photos in a gallery
Test Detail;
Make the same adjustments on all devices to a single photo, from there paste those changes to all other test photos and time the processing period on each device.
** Photoshop Lightroom classic does this a bit differently, so this test couldn't be completed on the M1 MacBook Pro.
Batch Export photos in Lightroom (RAW and JPEG to edited JPEG)
Results = iPads essentially tie behind M1 MacBook Pro.
Test Method - Export various sized batches of photos both RAW and JPEG to edited JPEG files.
Test Detail;
Export edited photos from Lightroom to files application. This tests processing power as well as internal IO speeds.
Video editing exports
Results = iPad mini was slightly faster than Pro 11", however both behind M1
Test Method - Export identical project file from 3 devices.
Test Detail;
Video consisted of 1080p Footage from various sources, mixed and edited using the exact same project file / files. Details on files and export are in test data above.
My Conclusion
I feel the new Mini is a perfect fit for my needs, as it matches the iPad Pro in speed for all the tasks I use it for out in the field, and is a lot more portable. Sure it is behind the M1, but I need something small enough to fit in a sling bag, or perhaps a tech vest or cargo pants pocket, yet still have speed to process my workload.
This device , especially with USB-C is brilliant for my needs!