new base iMac - do I need to upgrade

[phape]

I'm thinking of getting one of those new iMacs, and would like to get just the base config, but was wondering if I needed a dedicated graphics card... here's what I plan to use it for:

- photo shoots -> hooked directly to my Canon 40D (I think the semi-portability of a 21" iMac would work out great)
- Photoshop
- HD Video editing - using footage from a Canon HV 30, looking to save the output onto a external HD for viewing on my wi-fi linked blue ray player
-no gaming

Would not having a dedicated graphics card cost me significantly for any of these?... 10-20% difference would not be a problem.

The apple sales folks want to push me into an upgrade that seems just too expensive (I know... welcome to Apple). I've done some research, and haven't been swayed either way. Please let me know what you think. Thanks for helping out a Mac newbie.

 

[DDave]

i think you will be good, but I would add ram once you get the machine home. It's much cheaper aftermarket. But if you're doing semi-pro photography it will be fine.

But, if you're going to be keeping this machine for over 3 or 4 years, you may want to put the money in now and upgrade.

 

[Hellhammer]

How intensive is your video editing? If you are planning to use After Effects or Final Cut Studio, dedicated GPU would help you, e.g. 9400M won't even work with Motion

 

[phape]

Nothing beyond what final cut express would require. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate has everything I need in the Windows world, it just crashes frequently. Would FCE have the same capabilities (but with less crashing, I hope).