New Mac Pro for pro photographer help

[ppdix]

I am a Pro photographer. I use Aperture 3 and photoshop CS6 everyday.
I am extremely happy with the performance of my 12010 Mac Pro.
Everything is almost instantaneous. Opening a Raw file from aperture With PS takes less than a second and filters are super fast.
I want the new Mac Pro cause I want to have the newest technology.
I use Final Cut Pro X on a weekly basis and find it a little slow sometimes and rendering takes a really long time for short 3 minute videos exported to YouTube or for apple devices.
I want to buy the right configuration for 70% photography and 30% video.
What should I get please?

 

[wildmac]

Well, if you want the latest tech, considering your current rig….

I'd save the money, and…

If you are a Nikon shooter, go buy that new Sigma 35 1.4 lens instead.

Or the new Fuji XE-2

If you were on an old 1,1 MacPro like me, it would be a different story.

 

[VirtualRain]

Well, if you want the latest tech, considering your current rig….

I'd save the money, and…

If you are a Nikon shooter, go buy that new Sigma 35 1.4 lens instead.

Or the new Fuji XE-2

If you were on an old 1,1 MacPro like me, it would be a different story.

He's got a Canon 1DX... no need for any Sigma lenses here

All kidding aside, the sweet spot config for photography and Photoshop is going to be the 6-core with a decent amount of RAM (32GB?) and enough SSD for OS/apps/scratch and your latest project/library. I don't think any photo apps make really good use of the GPU at this point and the D300s are very capable cards so I wouldn't spend extra money on that, however if you use FCPX, then the D500s or D700s may make sense depending on how much you want to spend.

Bottom line... in your case, the base 6-core with D500s and a BTO upgrade to 32GB RAM and the 512MB or 1TB SSD is probably ideal.

 

[wildmac]

He's got a Canon 1DX... no need for any Sigma lenses here

Those new Sigma lenses are damn good… Really, go check DXOMark.

That aside, the 6-core would be good, but if he's getting the responsiveness, the other gear might give him more benefit..

 

[VirtualRain]

Those new Sigma lenses are damn good… Really, go check DXOMark.

I know, I'm just messin with ya!

 

[sboerup]

Based on your profile, the 12-core is really holding you back. Going to a 6 core @ 3.5ghz will feel like a great boost, as well as the SSD speed. For photo work, 6 core is plenty. For FCX, 6 core is plenty if its just casual clips (you're not making tons of movies that require tones of rendering).

I'd get the 6 core + 32gb RAM and a 512 SSD and you'll be smiling big time. For photography, the faster the core speed the better. Your 2.66ghz 12 core will feel slow after you use the new one.

 

[arbitrage]

My nMP will also be for photography using almost 100% LR usage, and very little CS6 usage and at this point in time 0% video usage.

I haven't ordered yet, but I think I will be going:
6-core
32GB RAM
512GB SSD
D300s

Dell 4K display or some other one eventually. Will wait till after CES on the display to see what else is coming.

 

[SnapperUK]

Based on your profile, the 12-core is really holding you back.

What do you actually mean by that? I am not sure why more cores would hold you back....

I am in a similar position to OP, except I am replacing a 2008 2x3.2GHz Quad with 32GB memory.

Mainly LR, PS + some Premiere.

Just been on the Crucial website and am thinking that I get minimal RAM installed by Apple then Add 4x 16GB for about £540+VAT

Anyone got any thoughts on the configuration I need?
Thanks.

 

[arbitrage]

Based on your profile, the 12-core is really holding you back.

What do you actually mean by that? I am not sure why more cores would hold you back....

I am in a similar position to OP, except I am replacing a 2008 2x3.2GHz Quad with 32GB memory.

Mainly LR, PS + some Premiere.

Just been on the Crucial website and am thinking that I get minimal RAM installed by Apple then Add 4x 16GB for about £540+VAT

Anyone got any thoughts on the configuration I need?
Thanks.

I think my config above is a good option for you. The 6 core is the sweet spot of the lineup. D300s are probably enough but you could go D500s for safe-keeping. SSD is up to you and how you use internal vs external storage. I'm now trying to find out if I can buy 2 16GB sticks from Crucial and use them side by side with 2 of the stock 4GB sticks for 40GB and then can buy 2 more 16GB in the future if I think I need them.

 

[DJenkins]

You guys should re-read what he said - all of his photography work is already instantaneous. It's the Final Cut video stuff that needs improvement. It all depends on how the GPU power in the new mac pro is used. If it doesn't end up being a huge advantage his existing 12 cores may still prove a better option if he doesn't wanna spring for the new 8 or 12 core machine.

If you really don't need to buy a machine right this very second, I'd wait until we see some real FCP review tests or benchmarks. Otherwise your money could be going to a machine that puts you right back where you are already.

 

[fiatlux]

Well, if you really want to burn money on the latest stuff, why don't you take that 32" 4K display as well? That one should work as well with photography as video.

In terms of spec, I'd also opt for the Hex as it is appears to be the most cost-efficient upgrade. The graphics upgrades are comparatively reasonable as well (compared to the 12-cores CPU option) so if you're left with too much cash you can always get two D700. Who knows, you might benefit from all that GPU power one day.

Get that 1To SSD if money is no object and you want to store some content locally (in addition to OS and apps). Otherwise stick to the minimum and save money for TB storage.

Buying RAM from the likes of OCW will certainly be cheaper than from Apple, and you can probably start with 12GB or 16GB.