Desktop for photography.

maxie

Hi All,

I want to buy a high spec pc for photography but I'm unsure what is best for photography.

I have 2 in mind.
IMAC 27-inch: 2.7GHz

2.7GH Quad-Core Intel Core i5
2560 x 1440 resolution
4GB (two 2GB) memory
1TB hard drive1
AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 512MB
€1,676.00

OR

Dell XPS One 27 All-in-One Desktop
Huge 27 inch Quad Hi Definition screen All In One computer with the latest 3rd generation Core™ i5 processor, stunning graphics and slim design

Intel Core i5
Windows 7
4 GB Ram
1 TB


I'm leaning towards the IMAC with an extra 1TB as I can get 17% off and that will bring it to 1500euro. I have used windows all my life and I think a change of OS would be nice but I'm open to suggestions.


The software I want to use is Adobe Lightroom 4 with Nikon software plugins http://www.niksoftware.com/completecollection/usa/entry.php?tab=0
I use a Nikon D5100 camera.

fionny

This thread will degenerate fast but I would suggest you find an equivilant windows machine and save money.

Is there any reason why you want an All in One unit? I would strongly recommend you dont go that road as they are harder to fix. More can go wrong and upgrades are very tricky if not impossible in some cases.

You might as well just get a laptop if you are going that road.

yoyo

If your used to Windows then there is probably no reason to go to Mac, unless your after a particular Mac only software or like the OS. Also you need to remember your Adobe lightroom licenses are for Windows and won't transfer to Mac (meaning you will need to buy it again). I also agree with Fionnys commnent regarding aio machines, even replacing the hard disk in a iMac is a huge job, wheres in a standard desktop its easy (hard disks can be prone to failing/particularly mechinical non SSD ones just out of warranty :pac:).
If your happy enough with windows I'd look into a seperate tower and monitor setup, or like Fionny says a laptop. If you are familiar with upgrading computers i.e installed RAM, Hard Disk, Video card etc. in a computer before would you look at going the self build route?

Nick

fionny

Self build is for sure the best way to go, even asking a boardsie in your area for help etc... but in all honesty its really easy to build a machine.

frozenfrozen

Out of your choices, the iMac. I wouldn't buy it though. You should build yourself / get someone to build for you. It will be cheaper. A lot cheaper. And cheaper in the long run. And nice and lovely and amazing and beautiful and a better choice...

yoyo

fionny wrote: »

Self build is for sure the best way to go, even asking a boardsie in your area for help etc... but in all honesty its really easy to build a machine.

Will save a small fortune over the cost of a similar specced Mac, Dell, HP etc. It really is the way forward. Plenty of 27" monitors around the €250 mark out there also

Nick

Snowbat

yoyo wrote: »

Plenty of 27" monitors around the €250 mark out there also

With similar quality to the Samsung PLS panel in this Dell or the LG H-IPS panel in the iMac 27"? OP wants this for photography use.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5866/dell-xps-one-2710-review-the-premium-allinone/

The base model still includes a display that would typically go for around $1000 on its own (Samsung's 27" PLS displays don't come cheap!)

The Dell seems to be getting favorable reviews but it is a new model with unknown reliability. I'd be leaning towards the iMac myself.

frozenfrozen

Snowbat wrote: »

With similar quality to the Samsung PLS panel in this Dell or the LG H-IPS panel in the iMac 27"? OP wants this for photography use.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5866/dell-xps-one-2710-review-the-premium-allinone/


The Dell seems to be getting favorable reviews but it is a new model with unknown reliability. I'd be leaning towards the iMac myself.

Catleaps can be calibrated to have quite accurate colours. If OP wants a screen better than the iMacs 27" then a Dell U2711 trounces it.