iMac replacement

[Woodstock]

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My rather ancient and lowly-specced iMac is starting to struggle a little, particularly with an inflow of 60 Mp Q3 images, and I think the time has come to replace it with an improved desk-top set up.

 

I use LR and Nik SilverEfex, primarily for landscape work, the vast majority of which is monochrome, printing with a Canon Pro300. I don’t have any interest in video.

 

I think a Mac Mini is almost certainly the way forward, and I think it makes sense to go for the M2 Pro base model, probably with 16 GB Ram and 1TB SSD internally, with additional external SSD storage. I realise that some may think this overkill just for photo editing, but I would prefer to invest in something that is in less danger of being quickly outdated by increasing demands on computing power than a more basic model.

 

In terms of monitors, I am willing to pay a reasonable sum for quality in terms of build, stability, colour uniformity and accuracy etc., and although I would prefer a relatively wide gamut colour space, I have managed for many years without specific access to Adobe RGB so that isn’t a high priority as long as P3 or something similar is available. I am happy with 27” size, and have provisionally narrowed things down to three likely candidates; BenQ SW272U, Eizo CS2740, and Apple Studio Display. I accept that the first two have much more in common with a true photographic set up than the Apple, and some may find the glossy screen of the latter a problem, but it isn’t so in my set up. It would also allow me to get rid of my desk speakers, which would gain me some sorely needed space since the arrival of the Pro300. Staying within the Apple system would also of course minimise the scaling issues that some find with other brand 4K monitors.

 

I accept that most of this will come down to personal preference, but i would very much welcome any thoughts from those who have been along a similar path in terms either of computer or monitor, particularly as to whether there are any problem issues of which I haven’t become aware in this type of set up.

 

Martin

[hansvons]

20 hours ago, Woodstock said:

Eizo CS2740

The CG series is better suited for serious colour work. There is a visible difference between the CS series and the CG series. I owned the 27" top-shelf offerings from both series and sold the CS monitor. The CG2700S isn't a UHD 4K monitor but is way better at soft-proofing anything connected with printing, and you won't miss the higher resolution in an average viewing distance. The CS series, on the other hand, works nicely for applications like 3D design, etc... anything where resolution and frequency matter, but the colour/blacks/ whites/contrast isn't super critical. Also, Eizo's GC series is made on another build quality level. They will last you considerably longer; a decade is doable. Plus, they have in-built hardware calibration, which I don't want to miss. 

But you can save money on the computer side. I own an M1 16" MacBook Pro with 64GB RAM since it came out three years ago, and it is working like day one. It's a super-fast machine with an excellent monitor and ample power, crunching any DNG in no time. I found a 1TB HD too small, and I will get 2TB next time. 32GB RAM will be sufficient for photo editing. The 64 GBs are helpful for 3D and video work (because the graphics and processor share the same memory in the Appel silicon design).

I'd buy one of those refurbished and try to get a 1-2-year-old 27" Eizo CG used.  

 

[Marc B-C]

I have a CS2740 and could not be happier. Alongside a MacBook Pro M1 Max with 32gb of RAM and 1tb HD I cannot see myself ever changing this type of set up. I love having the portability of the MacBook but the set with the screen at home. I use a SpyderX Pro to colour check the screen every so often. I could see no benefit in the additional cost of a CG or especially the Studio display.

[andybarton]

22 hours ago, Woodstock said:

I think a Mac Mini is almost certainly the way forward, and I think it makes sense to go for the M2 Pro base model, probably with 16 GB Ram and 1TB SSD internally, with additional external SSD storage. I realise that some may think this overkill just for photo editing, but I would prefer to invest in something that is in less danger of being quickly outdated by increasing demands on computing power than a more basic model.

I bought one of these this time last year and bought a Benq monitor at the same time. I was replacing a 27" 2015 iMac and I am a very happy camper with this set up.

[Viv]

I recently replaced my 12 year old iMac with a new iMac, with 16GB RAM and 1TB of the other thing.

I use Capture One and Phocus for photo editing.

[Jeff S]

I replaced my 15 year old Mac Pro and NEC 24” with the Mac Studio M2 Ultra (64GB, 4TB SSD) and Eizo CG2700S.  At near age 74, I suspect this will be the last combination I’ll need for my photo journey. My old Mac was upgradeable. For the new generation Mac, my philosophy is to build to buy only once.  Print tools and back-up system are another issue.

Jeff

[marchyman]

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16 GB is probably enough today, depending upon your use.  But what about 5 years from now?  My recent computer history shows that I keep machines for 5-7 years.  In the days of user upgradable memory I typically add memory about half way through the machines life on my desk.   Since adding memory is np longer an option when I bought my Mac Studio I decided to go with 64 GB.   32 would have been enough for my current use (general use, Lrc/photography, and software development tools that suck memory). But what about 4 years down the road?

 

[Jeff S]

2 hours ago, marchyman said:

16 GB is probably enough today, depending upon your use.  But what about 5 years from now?  My recent computer history shows that I keep machines for 5-7 years.  In the days of user upgradable memory I typically add memory about half way through the machines life on my desk.   Since adding memory is np longer an option when I bought my Mac Studio I decided to go with 64 GB.   32 would have been enough for my current use (general use, Lrc/photography, and software development tools that suck memory). But what about 4 years down the road?

 

Yup, see post #6.

Jeff

[BWColor]

I’m using the recent 16” MacBook Pro and 64GB/1TB.

Max out ram and SSD.  Internal SSD is much faster than Thunderbolt 4 external SSD and some external SSD faster than competition.  I wish that I would have, at a minimum, maxed out the internal SSD.  Max cores and GPU might help, but many programs, including Lightroom benefit by faster vs more cores.

My system is still slow and I’m about to process three weeks of vacation 200MB+ raw files.  Advice above based on processing M11 monochrome and A7Riv files.

Edited July 13, 2024 by BWColor
Addition

[NZDavid]

I also finally upgraded my 10-year-old 27" iMac last year for a Mac Mini 2 with 24GB RAM and a iTB hard drive. I forked out for the Studio Display. I'm very happy with this set-up.

The only thing is I now notice every imperfection of an image and have to resize pictures to 150dpi not 72dpi for viewing or emailing. The lack of an SD card slot is a bit of a pain but I got a small accessory Belkin hub with USB-C connection.

If you haven't got it, I recommend Lemkesoft's Graphic Converter as very capable and affordable photo editing software for Macs, but the latest built-in Apple software is also excellent and somewhat underrated.

[M11 for me]

Think if you really need 1TB SSD. 

When you plan anyway to have all your data on external drives (as I do) then half that size of SSD is plenty for the system plus all you programs internally and all your data externally.

Just an idea to save a bit of cash.

[jaapv]

If you don't need it now, you will most likely need it in the future.

[Woodstock]

Thank you all for your replies which are much appreciated.

 

The one complicating factor is the number of people pointing towards getting more RAM, albeit primarily in relation to longevity and software developments, than my initial suggestion of 16GB. That in turn opens up an additional choice which I was doing my best to resist, that of moving to an M2 Max Studio rather than the M2 Pro Mini. With the former’s base level 32GB, additional ports and card reader, it becomes only slightly more expensive than a 32GB specced Mini, particularly after factoring in a dock/hub for the latter.

 

I foresee more nights poring over YouTube comparison videos before confirming a decision, and of course the longer I leave it the closer it comes to Apple’s likely refresh date for their present range. First world problems!

 

Martin

[RoySmith]

On 7/16/2024 at 12:31 PM, Woodstock said:

Thank you all for your replies which are much appreciated.

 

The one complicating factor is the number of people pointing towards getting more RAM, albeit primarily in relation to longevity and software developments, than my initial suggestion of 16GB. That in turn opens up an additional choice which I was doing my best to resist, that of moving to an M2 Max Studio rather than the M2 Pro Mini. With the former’s base level 32GB, additional ports and card reader, it becomes only slightly more expensive than a 32GB specced Mini, particularly after factoring in a dock/hub for the latter.

 

I foresee more nights poring over YouTube comparison videos before confirming a decision, and of course the longer I leave it the closer it comes to Apple’s likely refresh date for their present range. First world problems!

 

Martin

I’m curious as to which configuration you ended up with, and are you happy with it ?

I’m starting down the same path.

Roy

[Woodstock]

I have been delayed because of the consequences of illness of a relative, resulting in vast quantities of admin which continues to occupy much of my time. I did get a good price on a Studio Display, and am tidying up the iMac prior to part exchanging for a base model M2 Max Mac Studio with 32Gb Ram and a 4Tb internal disc. I know that this is not the cheapest way of buying disc space, but took the decision that for my particular circumstances it was worth the cost premium.

Sorry not to yet be in a position to add practical experience of this set up into your decision making; best of luck with your choices.

Martin

[RoySmith]

Sorry to learn about your relative’s illness. It’s good you are able to help.

I’m looking at the about to be released M4 Pro Mac Mini with 48 GB of RAM, and just 1TB of internal SSD storage. The new Mac Mini has Thunderbolt 5 which looks very fast. I plan to put my photos on an external 4TB SSD. OWC has a new external Thunderbolt 5 SSD which looks very fast. I’ve had other  OWC products and have been happy with them. My current MacBook Pro 2018 has 4TB of internal storage, but the older intel processor is feeling slow. Apple charges such a premium for the internal storage that I’m considering this set up. I’ll have the ability to add fast larger external SSD’s if needed. I’m still planning. Black Friday is coming.

Roy

[Le Chef]

I have been using a 2019 iMac (3.1 GHz, 6 core, I%, Radion Pro 575X 4GB, 32 GB memory 2667 MHz DDR4) to process images in Lightroom, and my wife also uses it to process her InDesign and Photoshop work. Storage is all external on 3x SSD of 2TB each.

It now feels old and slow, particularly with Leica Q3 files.

I'm trying to figure out whether it's worth going all in on a Mac Mini M4 Pro with 48GB memory and 512 GB HD., or whether there's a less powerful option that will be quick enough to process large files in Lightroom.

Any thoughts?

[marchyman]

19 hours ago, Le Chef said:

Any thoughts?

A variation of the thought I posted earlier in this thread.   Will any "less powerful" option be powerful enough for whatever the software will be doing 3-5 years from now?  That's based upon my history of updating machines about every 5-7 years. I do not buy top-of-the-line performance kings, but neither do I buy the low end to save money.  If I have to replace the machine in 3 years I'm not saving any money.

[newtoleica]

Reading this thread with interest. I currently have an M1 Max 2021 MacBookPro 1TB 32GB. I take it back and forth to work 3/4 days a week and plug it into a studio display at home. For work I just need email internet and word/powerpoint. At home I use LR Classic and Silver effects. My Q2 and M10-M files are noticeably slower than the M10-P. Manageable but take a few seconds to load fully. I use an external SSD with about 900GB of files on it. 
- I find the MBP too heavy now I’m travelling into work more often (hybrid tube/folding bike).

options are- 

Get a MBA 13 inch  M3 16 GB 512GB to commute with and leave the MBP at home. Maybe sell the MBP and get an M4 Mini (24GB 512 GB)

Get a 15 inch M3 MBA 32GB 1TB to replace the MBP….

advice? 

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[George Collier]

One thing about displays - I have my work printed locally, from my scans (35mm film) on a Canon 4000 series printer (12 color) on Hahnemuhle paper, glossy baryta - their most wide dynamic range paper. When I started setting this up with the printer (he had never used hahnemuhle paper, but was game), I spoke with the national (US) technical rep for hahnemuhle in Chicago (Travis something). He has most of the better printers, including the Canon and tests on them.

Anyway - when he found out that I was using an iMac, he said everything would be easier because the displays are extremely consistent from iMac to IMac. They also have self calibrating functions which keep them consistent through their life. He sent me only PShop color and display preferences to set PShop, and said the only other thing I would need to do is adjust the display brightness (OS preferences) while viewing a print made with this set up, just to reduce the dynamic range of the display to mimic the paper. He said I might need to create a slight curve adjustment if I really wanted close to perfection in terms of match.

He was right in every way. I send 16 bit RGB files, made from my grayscale master files, with the standard curve adjustment layer and the printer uses the profile. The gray balance is absolutely perfect (my background is graphic arts and printing technologies). I am about to replace my iMac too, and it will be a Mac Mini and the Apple display (about $1200) because of this.