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iMac or Mini with ips display for photo and video editing (opinions wanted)

B

boostmiser

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 2, 2010
57
0
opinions wanted:
First, I'm not a gamer. This pc would be strictly for photo editing and video conversion.
I'm using photoshop cs4/ lightroom for pictures. For video, I have two objectives. The first is to convert 8mm to dvd. This would involve iMovie to keep it simple. The second would be for new HD video. Since Apple doesn't support blue ray just yet, I just need a way to offload to avchd on a regular dvd. I think Toast would accommodate this.

iMac (27") and mini would both have 4gb ram. Hard drive space isn't all that important since I'll have an external as well. 2.5ghz vs. 3ghz. nVidea 9400 vs. ATI radeon.
So would the less processing power of the mini be offset by the better monitor (Eizo or NEC ~24")? Or is the iMac display good enough?
 
What kind of photos? Digital raws? If so, which camera? Scanned negs/slides? What software will you use? Depending on your horsepower needs, money may be more wisely spent.

But the current iMacs look to be very nice boxes, provided you don't get one with display issues.
 
It depends on how finicky you are. I use an 27" iMac and calibrated the display. It's just fine for me with my photography. I do a little video as well. But a pro probably would want a matte display. On the other hand the iMac is noticeably faster (I've got a Mini as well).
 
boostmiser said:
opinions wanted:
First, I'm not a gamer. This pc would be strictly for photo editing and video conversion.
I'm using photoshop cs4/ lightroom for pictures. For video, I have two objectives. The first is to convert 8mm to dvd. This would involve iMovie to keep it simple. The second would be for new HD video. Since Apple doesn't support blue ray just yet, I just need a way to offload to avchd on a regular dvd. I think Toast would accommodate this.

iMac (27") and mini would both have 4gb ram. Hard drive space isn't all that important since I'll have an external as well. 2.5ghz vs. 3ghz. nVidea 9400 vs. ATI radeon.
So would the less processing power of the mini be offset by the better monitor (Eizo or NEC ~24")? Or is the iMac display good enough?
Click to expand...

I'm using a 27" i5 for exactly the same purpose. With photos, I'm using the same workflows as you describe. With video, I export 1080p files to my HD via Final Cut and stream then to either one of my TVs via Eyeconnect or just simply watch them on the 27" display.

Are you indifferent to matte vs. glossy screen? I had previously been using my 17" MacBook Pro uni with High resolution display; the real estate that you get with the 27" is fantastic. When working I just dim down the lights a bit and all is good.
 
If your even considering rendering lots of video then get the i7.
 
Canon 40D raw+jpg. I'm not a pro, just an enthusiast. I have Adobe creative suite and would use photoshop and lightroom for editing photos.
Canon HF100 HD camera. This is more intensive to render.
The computer will be in my office with controlled lighting. I prefer the matte screen but I don't think the glossy would be an issue where it's going to be located.
I was thinking ~$1k for a monitor. The new NEC PS series was announced and looks promising. The Eizo's are great, but expensive. The Dell 2410 rev.A01 seems ok but still has some tint issues. Basically something with an srgb mode. Display port a plus.
 
I have a 50D and a HFS10 too, so close. the 27" display is amazing for my needs. Now Samsung released a LED 23" for $299 and a loaded Mini is $800 and that is a nice setup as well. It's just money....
 
MacMojo1 said:
Now Samsung released a LED 23" for $299 and a loaded Mini is $800 and that is a nice setup as well.
Click to expand...

Keep in mind that this is has a TN display that won't be accurate unless viewed straight on. IPS is worth the extra price, IMHO.
 
Actually ViewSonic announced a new ips wide gamut monitor for around $300. Never would have considered them before so I'll reserve judgement until they come out.
 
I have a 5D MK 2 and use LR, PS and the i7's I bought were just awesome. What sucked for me was the yellow gradient along the lower right of the screen.

I'm keeping my 17" unibody with the 22" IPS until apple can figure it out.
 
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