RustyBug
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 p.1 #17 · Which Mac mini to get for photo editing (from window user) | |
mikegao wrote:
This is interesting! I am thinking about getting a Leica M240 or the SL at some point. They aren't known for clean high iso. I am thinking the Denoise algorithm will give those cameras a new life. Also, for many of my birding images, I am thinking of running them through Topaz.
I am currently using the Lightroom software like a light table, to just browse through the image, and doing a minimal amount of editing. Since computer price is going down all the time, my plan is to use MacBook air until I run up to its ceiling, then, I will get a refurbished Mac.
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If you're using "regular" things to gauge your MBA's performance ... it's like taking the Camry to the grocery store. Gets the job done, just fine. But, if you're gonna start towing a horse trailer, loaded with a team of Clydesdales, you'll certainly want a different rig to pull the heavier load of Denoise programs. I don't use much Denoise software, but my "loaded trailer" litmus test was uprezzing and pano-stitching the uprezz.
While I can't speak to where the "break points" are for denoise program performance gains. I do know where I experienced my break points that took noticeable performance hits. I originally thought I was gonna be "bang / buck" optimized / savvy at a Pro with 24GB. Through my testing, I learned that it was a bit "lite" for my tasks, and when I went up to 32GB, things were much noticably improved. Then I bumped up to 64GB, and the diff's weren't noticeable, in similar regard.
I repeated the test with a 32GB Pro vs. a 32GB Max, and again the diff's were noticeable. This is why I recommend Max + 32GB (or more), and Pro + 32GB for the more budget conscious. My decision to get the 64GB (instead of saving a $$ with the 32GB), was essentially "anti-buyers remorse" looking forward 5-8 years. I'm sure that I'd get along fine with 32GB.
On that note, I had a prior rig ThinkPad Extreme that I got with 32GB. Later I added a second 32GB slot for a total of 64GB. No real difference in my seat of the pants use. So, here again, my experience lands at the 32GB point, as being a break point difference of "no difference" compared to 64GB. Granted, the architecture of the TP is difference from the 4X module of memory bandwidth from the M series modules, where you get both AMOUNT of memory AND BANDWIDTH of memory lanes being ^2, the reason for me going with 64GB is a "smoother" / "responsive" rig (hard to quantify) when doing things like brushwork on large files (think brushing a large area like a sky, on a large pano stitch).
Again, "regular things" aren't gonna break a 1X (MBA / Mini / iPad / iPhone) module rig. It's when you start pulling heavier loads that you'll be wanting something that can pull harder / faster. How big a load you want to pull, will determine how big a rig you want to run with. Art is Right and others demonstrate their versions of workflow / loads that are common to many things. But, figuring out your needs is part of the equation, too.
That said ... you're in a reasonably good place. By that, I mean you have ... TIME ... on your side. You're in no hurry to make a move right now. SOOOOOO, you can use that time to buy a different rig this month. Use if for a week, return it. Buy a different rig, next week (or next month, etc.), use it for a week, return it. Rinse / repeat until you come to understand where your temperament is wrt different rigs.
THEN, when you decide you want to make a move ... you'll already know what you want, and can have the patience to watch the Refurb board to get your rig at a price point you want. Heck, it might even be that the EXACT same rig, you just returned will show up on the Board again. Just depends on your sense of timing on when you want to make a move. BUT, my point is that you CAN be PREPARING your DECISION, in the meantime. Apple's most excellent return policy sets you up for success in this regard. Don't be afraid to use it to your advantage. Apple is playing the long game, and will gladly wait for you. Take a similar "long game" view and let time be to your advantage for learning where you want to be down the road.
HTH
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For photography you could get a base configuration of whatever chip, but guaranteed you will be adding external storage to it for your current 'in progress' projects, in addition to your storage archive. 