Anyone use a 27" iMac Pro for Lightroom Classic/Photoshop Post work?

[Smudgerer]

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My ageing 2014 iMac might soon have to be put out to grass as current software updates, ( Adobe LrC and PS mainly ), and larger M11 files are leaving the old girl out of breath these days........And it cannot be updated to current OSX Sytems or some Adobe update features too, so it's time to step up a bit I guess.

I like the 27" iMac working format and I'm well used to it, so presently I am looking at the iMac Pro as a replacement but can't find too much useful relative information on it's value / use with LrC and PS, does anyone here use that machine for their post production and if so, how does it add up?

My LrC and PS usage is very simple, I don't do heavy post work nor do I mess with layers / masking and so on, I just need to find a good iMac solution now if possible.

Any clues or comments would be appreciated.........Thanks!

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[Jeff S]

I can’t comment on iMac, having recently upgraded my 2009 Mac Pro to a Mac Studio, which is so much more capable despite its tiny size. I couple it with a separate 27” monitor.  I will say, though, that the new masking tools in LR Classic are simple and fast to use, and keep getting better with each update. You might be surprised and delighted if you haven’t experimented at all.  The new “landscape” mask, with one click, can recognize the scene and generate multiple masks (water, vegetation, sky, buildings, etc) as desired. One needn’t be a heavy PP user to realize some often quick and easy image enhancements. 

[Einst_Stein]

I have 2017 27” iMac and 2019 27” iMac. Both have similar configuration except the 2017 maintenance expired much longer. When they are within maintenance, both work fine for my still photos but I am not a power user.  I also like Apple 27” monitor. 

My 2017 version needs to be replaced, not performance issue, but the primary disk is too small for the current LRC/PS. I tried to use it as the monitor if I add Mac Mini. Unfortunately Apple‘s evil policy that intentionally prevent to take that path. So I have to go either the 24” iMac or the much much more expensive route of new 27” monitor. 

After study around, I conclude the best and cost effective choice for me is go with Mac Mini and non-Apple 27” monitor, I have friend very happy with Phillip 27” high gamut monitor ($600). The Mac Mini would be 24GB / 1TB or 24GB/ 2TB. I get comments that 32GB may not be utilized efficient enough to worth the upgrade from 24GB, (due to current Mac Mini architecture?)

Another suggestion from friends is not to buy Mac with integrated monitor. Due to Apple’s marketing strategy, when it is about to retire, the monitor will no longer be useful. It will end up as a total waste. Getting external nice monitor, either Apple or non-Apple, should be the right way to go.
 

[Al Brown]

2 hours ago, Smudgerer said:

My ageing 2014 iMac might soon have to be put out to grass as current software updates, ( Adobe LrC and PS mainly ), and larger M11 files are leaving the old girl out of breath these days........And it cannot be updated to current OSX Sytems or some Adobe update features too, so it's time to step up a bit I guess.

I like the 27" iMac working format and I'm well used to it, so presently I am looking at the iMac Pro as a replacement but can't find too much useful relative information on it's value / use with LrC and PS, does anyone here use that machine for their post production and if so, how does it add up?

My LrC and PS usage is very simple, I don't do heavy post work nor do I mess with layers / masking and so on, I just need to find a good iMac solution now if possible.

Any clues or comments would be appreciated.........Thanks!

Yes, still going strong. By all means get another one if you are used to it.

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[Pieter12]

I use a 2019 27" iMac loaded to the gills with 128GB RAM.

[Smudgerer]

11 hours ago, Al Brown said:

Yes, still going strong. By all means get another one if you are used to it.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Thanks Al..........I think that's what I will plumb for, cheers!

[marchyman]

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If staying current on software is important to you be aware that the next version of macOS won't run on the 2019 iMac if reports are to be believed.

I like to stay current mostly for security updates and tend to replace phones and machines when they can no longer run the latest OS.  That means new hardware every 6-8 years.   I know many other don't care and are quite happy sticking with older versions of the OS.