What are the Main benefits of a 27” iMac

[jwar1976]

Hi all,

I am hoping to get my first ever iMac seriously considering the 2017 (used / refurbished ) before Christmas as the cpu has HEVC support, and was wondering what the main benefits are of having a 27” over the 21.5” Are, From what I understand the 27” is more friendly for Ram upgrades and that the screen is more than likely 5K instead of 4K, but are there any other benefits.

The main things I will be doing on it are Lightroom / Photoshop, Video editing, internet radio.
many thanks

 

[ruslan120]

You can order 27” with better hardware. I think the speakers might be a bit better(?) but I wouldn’t quote me on that. If the 21” and 27” you would order are similar in performance then the screen would be the primary difference.

 

[mBox]

Photoshop, NLE (Video Editing), and Lightroom then a 27" is a no brainer.
You can view pretty high res images at 1:1.

 

[jwar1976]

You can order 27” with better hardware. I think the speakers might be a bit better(?) but I wouldn’t quote me on that. If the 21” and 27” you would order are similar in performance then the screen would be the primary difference.

Thank you for that information regarding the possibility of the speakers being better. I won‘t be looking to go overkill on the system, just need it powerful enough for it to do the tasks needed comfortably without strain, so would be happy with say an i5 and not i7. High storage capabilities are not that essential as I have plenty of external drives and a 6tb Synology NAS, plus 1tb subscription to Creative Clour.

 

[jwar1976]

Photoshop, NLE (Video Editing), and Lightroom then a 27" is a no brainer.
You can view pretty high res images at 1:1.

Now that is the kind of information that I was really interested in, my 2 main cameras have a 22.3MP full frame sensor and a 32mp APSC crop sensor, so the ability of having a 1:1 ratio is really amazing and would increase the speed of my work flow when culling and editing images.

 

[jwar1976]

Popped into my local Apple store today and after getting my temperature checked before entering I was allowed to have a play around on the iMac’s that they had on display. It has to be said that the 27” 5K screen is absolutely beautiful and the trackpad to swipe between screens of open applications is quite frankly brilliant, yes I know it is an extra that has been around for a few years but I am a iMac virgin so to speak 🙈.

Anyhow while I had to come away empty handed due to not having enough money in the bank and the fact that you have to book an appointment to buy anything in the store, I am really glad that I was able to actually have a try of one for the first time ever.

The moment I got back hone, I measured my spare desk in the bedroom and was Happy to find that it is slightly longer than my 32” TV, which means it should take the 27” quite comfortably. So now the saving game begins as will be going for a 27” 5K 2017 model before the year comes to an end.

Thanks again to those that have replied, it is much appreciated.

 

[ruslan120]

Update the thread when it comes in, please

 

[mBox]

my 2 main cameras have a 22.3MP full frame sensor and a 32mp APSC crop sensor

That's pretty high and yes the 27" is decent in pixel count.
Save up for another 5K plus display and your rocking!

 

[jwar1976]

Update the thread when it comes in, please

Yes of course I will 😁

That's pretty high and yes the 27" is decent in pixel count.
Save up for another 5K plus display and your rocking!

Next year I will be upgrading to a newer full frame camera from DSLR to Mirrorless & while it is doubtful that I will be going after the new 50mp model, I will be going after a 20mp one, which will definitely be nice to do editing with on the 27”. It’s going to be awhile before I get a second 5K screen, but never say never. 😁