Which Configuration for HD movie rendering and photo editing?

[Densi]

Hi,

I´m doing HD movie editing with iMovie (going to switch to FCPX) and photo editing with Aperture/Photoshop.

I´m going to purchase an iMac (of course waiting for the new one too), but I´m completly clueless which one would suit my needs best.

Looking to the current models, is it processor (i5 or i7) or graphics or RAM?

What´s the time difference between the current low end model and the current high end model to render a 10 minutes HD movie?

I´m not even semi-professional, but I´d like to understand it, before I make a decision.

Thanks and regards from Germany,
Daniel

 

[CASLondon]

Generally speaking, the CPU (speed, number of cores) is directly related to render times on movies, effects, etc.

http://barefeats.com/imac11f.html

Adobe CSS 6 now makes use of GPU more effectively as well. And RAM is definitely a limiting factor on applications like Photoshop.

So both are relevant, and the more the better. But RAM doesn't figure into your buying decision, buy the minimum option from Apple as you should do your ram upgrades third party yourself, I just did 16G in my MBP for about 60 British Pounds.

Another issue is media file read/write speeds. USB 3 or Thunderbolt external storage, with your app/system

Another issue is screen size, most video editors work with either 2 small monitors or one large one, because of the source/record windows plus timeline/tracks. You might find it worth going 27".

I guess all of this to say that if you are going iMac, go as large and high spec as possible, as its not an easy system to upgrade.

Some references for you to explore further, dig into the articles

http://www.macperformanceguide.com

http://www.barefeats.com

http://macsales.com

 

[chevalier433]

Hi,

I´m doing HD movie editing with iMovie (going to switch to FCPX) and photo editing with Aperture/Photoshop.

I´m going to purchase an iMac (of course waiting for the new one too), but I´m completly clueless which one would suit my needs best.

Looking to the current models, is it processor (i5 or i7) or graphics or RAM?

What´s the time difference between the current low end model and the current high end model to render a 10 minutes HD movie?

I´m not even semi-professional, but I´d like to understand it, before I make a decision.

Thanks and regards from Germany,
Daniel

In what format you shoot?

 

[fa8362]

Get the base model. If you currently use iMovie, are not even semi-pro, and know nothing, the base is already far more than you need. There's no sense wasting money on power you won't be using anytime soon. Save your money.

Photoshop and Aperture are RAM intensive and RAM is cheap. You can get 16 GB for $80. You'll likely rarely use all of that RAM, but it's currently very cheap. Don't buy RAM from Apple. Way too expensive. Buy from Crucial.

 

[Densi]

Ram

Get the base model. If you currently use iMovie, are not even semi-pro, and know nothing, the base is already far more than you need. There's no sense wasting money on power you won't be using anytime soon. Save your money.

Photoshop and Aperture are RAM intensive and RAM is cheap. You can get 16 GB for $80. You'll likely rarely use all of that RAM, but it's currently very cheap. Don't buy RAM from Apple. Way too expensive. Buy from Crucial.

I guess you are right. Will 16 GB of RAM be enough? Cause I´m going to buy the high end 21.5" I have to buy it from apple with 16 GB max.

 

[Peace]

I guess you are right. Will 16 GB of RAM be enough? Cause I´m going to buy the high end 21.5" I have to buy it from apple with 16 GB max.

If you're doing PS and HD rendering I would go with the high end 27 in. model with 2GB Vram.

Provided you can afford it. It will be much better.

The 27" also allows you to upgrade/replace the RAM without tearing the iMac apart.