Community Newsletter: Q&A: Is the Mac right for me?
- 4/5/07 11:48 AM
Well Chaz... go for it
by mattribbins - 3/24/07 9:54 AM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
From what you have mentioned in the question, I would say go for a Mac. I may not own a mac, but I do use macs, and with me, they have not crashed as such I had to do system diagnosis and all that (that happens very rarely with macs).
Software wise, there may be some bundled software for it (I believe you said that). Also there is Boot Camp, with the upcoming version of OS X, so you can use Windows XP (even ubuntu linux will work on macs). You can find a beta test of Boot Camp if you are that eager on the Apple Website.
In a nutshell, go for it. Macs are reliable, easy to use, can run XP and other OS systems as well as Mac OS X on it, and last.
I am interested in this area too - this is what works for me
by TechX86 - 3/24/07 10:47 AM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
It is not a question of Mac or PC, its a question of understanding technology for Computing and Photography.
My recommendations are narrowed down to a general understanding, due to a broad question.
I use three photo\video editing packages on a PC:
Adobe Photo Shop - This is a rather stable software package, and many professionals use it. It can be very complex, but nothing a good book can't help you with in photography and Adobe Photo Shop itself.
I like video editing, similar to photography, but different skills and tools.
Furthermore, I bring this subject of video editing, due to the fact still pictures are often incorporated in videos. These package allow music, voice recordings, and effects, for pictures to be viewed and saved in various formats of your choice.
Ulead software
(VideoStudio) - solid, stable, quick, with very respectable video results. Some areas of the software take time to figure out or learn, but not very complex.
Pinnacle Systems software
(Pinnacle Studio) - does excellent work, middle-ground towards complex professional video editing. I must admit that some large or demanding tasks will take a lot of time or crash. However, it is the least complex of the professional side of video editing, for a those interested in video.
The Hardware consideration towards MAC or PC:
MONITOR (24" In. LCD MONITOR, excellent), good photo editing starts with a good monitor.
VIDEO CARD, a good monitor requires a good video card. Use a video card with at least 64MB of video memory. Photo/Video editing is demanding type of work. ATI or Nivida, either video card company is good in this area.
Except as a last resort, avoid the use of "intergrated" system video cards. The performance and quality are next to poor. (I am begin polite on this subject)
SYSTEM MEMORY, 1GB is the recommended, if not more these days. I have 1.5GB on my current PC. Almost nothing troubles my Audio/Video demands anymore. (Note: I was using only, 512MB, a month ago.)
Spend the money for more memory its worth it.
HARD DRIVE, I recommend at least 160GB to start with. Pictures, Video, Music, and Software add up quickly. Pinnacle Studio 9.4 Plus, fully unpacked on my system takes 3GB on its own.
PROCESSORS, I recommend at least 2GHz on a single core. Furthermore, the Dual Core is the ideal at 2GHz+. AMD or Intel, either choice has its advantages and disvantages. Currently, Intel DUO2 is the best on the market, but processors changes like the weather.
I was leary of Mac's too.
by kayallen - 3/24/07 10:49 AM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have always been a PC person too, even got a degree as Computer Support Specialist for PC's. I finally just got tired of Windows crashes.
In May, 2006 I bought an iBook G4. I have yet to have a crash of any kind. It did take a little time to learn how to do things. There is a book I highly recommend to an PC user that's switching over. It's called "The Missing Manual, The book that should have been in the box". It has been a great help.
Personally, I love the Mac. I wish I had switched earlier.
Kay
What computer to buy PC or Mac
by sherm8479 - 3/24/07 11:07 AM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Chaz,
Oh not to dump rain on your parade, I could write a book on this subject! I too, thought I could make money off my computer making videos for people from pictures and video. I have now been doing this for 10 years and am now just starting to make some deceit money. Not enough though to support a family or even myself. It’s a lot of hard work getting your name out there, developing a web site and keeping up on the fast changing market. I stated with one PC with a 60 Gig drive. That was good at the time. I now am networked on 3 computers. One that I have other miscellaneous programs on that I work on and go on the internet with. The second one, I use just for storage of photos, clip art & music with 5 different drives. The third is what I call my “Pro-Machine”. That is used strictly for editing. Nothing else! No games and no junk files (fun programs that they load on new computers). I have 2-200 gig drives, with 64 X2 dual core processor with 200 GB of ram. Of course, you need a reliable DVD/CD burner and many USB ports, firewire inputs and a very fast high quality graphics card. It’s fast and very reliable. I defrag about 3 times a week to keep it clean for the next project that I’m working on.
You never said how you want to make money on photography. I just assumed that it would be to edit photos and turn them into DVD’s. If that’s the case, you will need a good video editing program ($100.00 to over $1,000.00), a photo editing program, players for all different video types such as VHS, Hi 8 video, Mini DV player or camera to export to your computer.
Whether you by a Mac or a PC, both are reliable. I guess it comes down to the cost and are your programs going to be compatible with that particular operating system. I would steer clear of the “All-In-One-Wonder Media Center” package with any computer that you purchase if you want to set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd. It'’ not easy! It takes a lot of time learning and I love it.
Good Luck to you!
Sherma
Good Points.
by danielwsmithee - 3/30/07 4:27 PM In reply to: What computer to buy PC or Mac by sherm8479Sherma gave some great points about hardware etc, especially with regards to players etc.
The beauty of the Mac though is that you don't need to have 3 separate machines because you are worried about your work machine getting cluttered because it just doesn't happen on a Mac. Play games surf the internet check your email, and your Mac continues to run just as fast as when you first bought it. Which is nice if you plan on working from home.
The technology market has also changed quite a bit in the form of external peripherals. FW800 has made external drives as reasonable expansion as internal. There are very nice FW800 raid (0 or 1) enclosures which are great for backups and storing large amounts of video and photos. Pair one or two of these with an iMac as you grow and you have a great system. I would upgrade the 24" to a 750GB drive and 2GB of ram out of the box.
For Video editing where the Mac shines as well.
iMovie - free with your Mac is amazingly easy to use and more powerful then you would think.
Final Cut Express - $299 - Allows you the power of Final Cut and you don't have to pay for the whole studio.
More Bang for your buck!
by Bro.Bob - 3/24/07 1:09 PM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I got say that if I wanted to go into the photography biz then I would try to keep the price down.
I'm retired and I already do video and music on my PC.I find its real easy to do photo's for fun and enjoyment.
It's up to you if you want to use PC.or Mac if you get the top of the line on ether they will do the job for you!
Ten years ago I would have told you to get a Mac the PC would not handle batch processing of photos and would
crash real easy on large photos such as 8x10 size.
Now days not problem with the new PC. you can do anything that Mac can do and at much lower price and from
what I found you can get everything you will need in the multimedia PC and some software such as photo Shop.
Photo Shop will do any editing you may want to do to your photos!
By the way I crashed my Brothers G5 Mac they are not crash proof! I do not want get in to that war of PC vs Mac
that goes on and on.
His 3000 dollar G-5 will do any kind photo work you want throw at it and his 3000 display shows off his photos
stunningly! they look better on his screen then on my PC screen that's for sure!
So if you want blow about 6 grand then the Mac G5 will do the job for you lot better then the I-Mac will, its more for
Home use and will fall short on the professional job, and you can't upgrade I-Mac like you can your own PC.
I recommend you look at a top of the line multimedia PC already set up for doing photo work and with software like
Photo Shop your ready to go with out spending a bundle on a over priced Apple Mac!
I use an old HP multimedia PC to do all my video and photos with music and have done some weddings that came out
as good as if a professional did it.
I use lot of free software from Microsoft to make my slide shows and burn them to a CD or DVD this so easy and you
may want think about that if your going into the biz.
(one side note I found the CDs more compatible for most players then DVD) not all DVD players are compatible even
today I blame this on format wars and the folks that make DVD players!
I did not have any trouble with my photo editing in photo shop and no crashes at any time,even with 8x10 photo size
I think that's just good scare tactics from the Apple sales Folks.(love those goofy ads making PC look stupid that's
just Apple spending millions to make Vista look stupid!) the truth is Vista PC have tons of built in multimedia features
that work very well with photos, video and music for very reasonable price far below the over priced Apples!
again I know the Mac heads will get all fired up and disagree with me and that's why they make to different choices.
My PC cost me with the display about 1000 dollars and it works fine my display is only 17 inch it works for what I'm doing.
you can get lot better deals today with more multimedia features 64 bit,OS,gigs of ram and storege space for around
800 bucks.
some have Photo Shop light in there software bundle ready to go this get you up and going.
upgrading your old PC is can worms and could cost more to go that way.
my Brothers Mac will do the job like I said I think that's over kill and I can't afford that kind of money on fixed retirement
income, its up to you what you want do and what choices you want make.
If you want more bang for your buck then stay with the PC, if you want spend the money then go all the way with Apple
G5 and as the Apple heads will tell you, that you get what you pay for if you have that kind of money to blow.
G5 no-more
by URTido - 3/24/07 4:22 PM In reply to: More Bang for your buck! by Bro.BobThe new iMacs from Apple use a Core 2 Duo Intel processor, just like in PC's, and the difference in price isn't as great as you make it out to be. The 24" iMac is about $2000, or $1700 if you buy it refurbished (still has the same standard 1-year warranty as new, just not customizable through the Apple store).
If you're looking at high resolution photos, you'll want a large, high resolution screen for editing. The 24" iMac screen has a resolution of 1920x1200.
While Mac's may appear more expensive, you get a high quality machine for your money. If you configure a PC with the same specs, and equivalent software to the iLife package, the price of the two will be very close.
So try both the PC and a Mac, then decide which you like better looking beyond the price tag since by the time you retire you'll likely be in the market for a new machine.
IMac or PC
by k9charlie - 3/24/07 2:24 PM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have both a PC that is set up for HD editing and digital still work and a IMac. For digital still work I choose the IMac for ease of use. It also requires less ram to do the same work. I am finding this true as well in video editing. Mac is still more expensive, but you get a lot for your dollar.
Get the iMac
by syanover - 3/24/07 4:05 PM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Get the iMac or a MacBook Pro if you want to go portable. A couple of years ago I decided to do event photography as a side business, I bought a Canon EOS 20D, a 70-200mm F2.8 L series lens and a Powerbook. The more I use the Mac the more I appreciate it, and I will nver buy a Windows machine again for personal or business use.
Good Photographers Don't Need Expensive Computer Setups
by High Desert Charlie - 3/24/07 7:32 PM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Dear Chaz,
I've been involved in with photography for a little over 20 years. Back in the good old days it was all about the best camera and the best film. If you were taking very special pictures you often would use a lab to process those photos for you. A mere 10 years ago, it was common for photographers to have their photos sent out for digital enhancement. Today, you can do most of that yourself.
Today, not only are the cameras expensive, but the computers and software used to digitally process/enhance/print these pictures can be mind boggling. The question is, what kind of pictures do you plan to take, and how do you plan to print the results?
Modern professional cameras can exceed 16 Mega pixels (Thats 16 million pixels). At this kind of resolution, you can produce razor sharp clarity on very large prints (At least up to 11 x 14). Probably larger. So to answer you're question about MAC or PC, I would say that a pixel is a pixel. Just like film photography, the quality of most pictures is a result of the skill (or luck) of the person taking it. And just like the old computer saying - "Garbage in - Garbage out" .
If you start with a high quality image, your job on whatever computer you use will be easier. I think your question may more appropriately be stated, "What kind of SOFTWARE will serve me best?". When working with digital photography, the software is your vehicle to manipulate any one of the 16 million pixels you have to work with. Some software works well with one aspect of digital manipulation but not well with others. Your higher end software selections can cost more than your fancy new digital camera. But some of the under $100.00 software may do everything you need, depending upon your specific needs.
At the end of the day, I don't think I'd go out and spend a bunch of cash on an expensive MAC if I already had a good PC. I believe that money may be better focused on purchasing the very best software that fits your needs.
One final note. It may be a good idea to contact some contract photo labs that you think you may use to process your prints (That is if you didn't plan on using Walgreen's online lab). They may be able to give you an idea regarding what format (RAW, JPEG, RAW+JPEG, etc...) will work best for them and recommend a good software to meet your needs.
Good Luck
Answers for Chaz
by freighterman_1999 - 3/24/07 7:59 PM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I bought a 24" iMac about three months ago. I had been a PC user since Windows 3.0. I will never buy another PC.
Setup is easy! Plug it in, turn it on, enter your name and choose a PW, that's it.
I opted to download FireFox rather than using Safari for a browser and Thunderbird in instead of the OS X mail client.
I did buy a copy of Parallels so that I could run XP in a virtual machine. So, now I have another option. In practice I use OS X 99 percent of the time.
The transition from Windows is easy. The one exception is the installation of downloaded files; not hard, just different. These are called "something.dmg". When the file is opened the program icon is then dragged into your application folder. There (remains on your desktop a drive icon). Click on this and select eject. This is because OS X treats the the .dmg file as if it were a disk.
Since you have all your graphics on your PC they can be copied to your new system via your wireless router, or direct connection and installed in iPhoto, by dragging the folder into the "source" pane in iPhoto . Use your PC as your backup (for any file types). If you want a graphic editor similar to Photo Shop, no problem, just download "Gimp". It's free.
Guess what??? You can now go online with an OS system that is far more secure than XP or Vista. No need for a virus program or maleware software (though there is a free one available on line called ClaimXav).
As you probably know, the native screen resolution is 1920x1200 for the 24" model. Drop in your favorite DVD and kick back. With the remote control you can control its operation as if it were a stand alone DVD player. Ditto for iTunes and iPhoto. The DVD player supports 1020p!
I would strongly recommend you get 2 GB memory. I GB is OK, but it really flys with 2GB. The 128 MB Nvida graphic card is more than adequate, but a 256 MB card is an option, as is the 200 GB HD.
Stable? Hell yes. I have only restarted my system a couple of times and this is only after system up grades. If no program is running it will go to sleep, by default, in 15 minutes, or you can put it in sleep mode at any time. If a program quits working you can close it without rebooting system.
The only problem I had hardware wise was with my printer. It was 4 years old and was not supported by any system drivers. So, I got an HP all in one printer/scanner. The chances are good that you won't need a printer, but I mention this just in case.
Software, no problem. Just go to the Apple site, or poke around on line.
If you ever have any questions just go to the cnet forum for assistance.
Last, but not least, it is a cool looking machine.
You get what you pay for so get the best. You won't be sorry. BTW, you don't have to buy from an Apple store. I got mine at Best Buy, plus enough reward points to almost cover the cost of the new printer.
Some Like It Hot!!
by cymaldonado - 3/24/07 9:57 PM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First be aware that whenever you ask a Mac vs. PC question you are likely to be the beneficiary of VERY strong opinions. It will be up to you to weed out the factual responders from the blind zealots. That being said, the truth is that you would be able to do jobs related to photography (usually Photoshop, video editing etc.) with either platform. On the Mac side things will come bundled for a "no brainer" approach. On the PC side you will have to do a bit more research as hardware choices are broader since they are not controlled by one vendor. This is both good and bad. Wider choices means that every possible configuration may not have been tested and thus may lend itself to being more problematic. But not necessarily so: my XP system has not crashed in YEARS. Also broader choices means you can decide at what pricepoint you are comfortable. You can, for example, buy a 17" Dell monitor or a 30" Dell wide-screen monitor -- at very different price points. Also you should consider (given the fact that you own other PCs) whether or not you want to learn a new operating system. It might be fun or it might be dreadful -- how are you at dealing with change? At work we have two graphics shops -- one G5 based and one PC based and the output from the Mac-based one is dreadful in comparison to the other shop! Why? Because the PC-shop has the better artist and the output has almost NOTHING to do with the equipment. Focus on your photography and artistry as that will determine the quality of your product far more than your PC will.
PC or MAC
by waytron - 3/25/07 5:38 AM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Ok, I know this question is going to start some heated debates about the pros and cons of Mac vs. PC and I think you will find that the major differences between the two platforms has disappeared over the years. And just so you know where I am coming from, I am a PC user with little to no experience with Mac. Who knows, if it were not for the iPod, maybe Mac would be gone today. Look what happened to Betamax. It is fairly common knowledge that Mac is the standard platform for the arts. Most anyone who is involved professionally with publishing, photography, video and music is probably using a Mac. Having said that, all the Mac professionals that I know, for some reason, also have a PC or two hanging around, I guess for file conversions and compatibility issues between Mac and PC. Anyway, I don’t know how old you are or how many years you have until you plan to retire, but keep in mind that regardless of which platform you decide to use, the average computer only lasts about 5 years. So you will probably be purchasing a few more new computers in the future.
You say that you have gotten very interested in photography, I don’t know at what point you are in this process, but might I suggest that you use the PC’s that you currently have to learn the process, experiment with photo editing, sorting, slide show making and whatever else you plan or want to do. There are all kinds of free or trial programs that you can experiment with before having to commit to costly software such as Adobe Photoshop. This will give you a much better idea of what features and capabilities are most important to you so that you can pick out the ideal system later on. Now if you just have money to burn, well you get the idea.
It is similar to picking out your first digital camera. I often suggest to customers to just go out and purchase any $100 camera, use it for a month, discover your likes and dislikes and then give it to one of your kids (or save as a backup or travel camera or sell it on ebay) and then go out and get the camera that you really want. Then and only then do you know what features are the most important to you. Maybe you never realized how slow some digital cameras can be, or that you really want more zoom or maybe the size of the display screen is too small or even that fact that you really want something smaller to fit in you pocket. You might never know any of this without some prior experience.
Quick Story: My 26 year old son has been using PC’s for years to create DVD photo slide shows for fun, work and occasionally for profit. He was thinking of taking it to the next level and turning it into a part time business. Everyone told him that he should be using a Mac, so he went out and bought himself a new iMac. He sold it on Craigs list a month later. Now after last weeks question about photo slide shows, he just ordered ProShow by Photodex to try on his PC.
Good Luck!
Dana
Wayland Computer
Computers for Photography - answer to Chaz
by suirauqa - 3/25/07 8:19 AM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Chaz, people tend to get too involved and make a big deal out of Windows and Mac, but in the end, they are all personal computers, PCs if you will. For your particular needs, both a Windows PC and Macintosh PC would be potentially useful; however, there are a few pros and cons to consider.
Macs are great machines, powerful technology, aesthetically pleasing, and do not need too much tinkering to make it functional. There are also some great softwares written for Macs that you can use, and many of them are available right at the Apple website. And it is a fact that Macs do not crash as much, though with your intended heavy graphics use, the system specs need to optimal. Macs seem to be the machines of choice of many graphic designers and desktop publishing people all over the world. From some of my friends among them, I have heard stories of woe, but those incidents are quite infrequent.
Personally, the main problem I would have with Macs is rather different. They cost a pretty penny, everything about them. The cost to get an optimal configuration, the cost of the service contracts (essential because you don't want to mess with the insides of a Mac, the way you can with a windows PC), the cost of getting additional Mac compatible software (because the bundled softwares may not suit your needs completely), along with the relative lack of flexibility of options - everything adds up to a big dollar amount. If you feel you can afford this investment, by all means, get a Mac. If I were you, I would go with an intel-based 2+ GHz, RAMmed up MacBook Pro, or a desktop, and *not* an iMac.
Windows PCs, on the other hand, are certainly crash-prone, as experience has shown us. However, these crash events can be kept to a minimum if you take regular care of the machine, and not allow junk to come in or build up. Between my home and work, I manage about 11-12 Windows PCs, and touch wood, I have not had a major crash in a long, long time. The currently available configurations are pretty powerful, too. From several manufacturers, you can customize the machine to what you need, and if you are handy with the innards of a computer, you can build yourself one, too! It would possibly end up being less costly than a Mac, and would be quite as powerful, spec-wise. There are lots of available softwares, giving you a large breadth of options, and from the internet, you can get feature-specific tools, plugins etc. You can also find very useful softwares from the Open Source movement. The software purchases for your Windows PC would probably also end up being less costly.
The money that you save should rather be spent in procuring one costly program - essential for a photographer, comes in both Windows and Mac flavors - Adobe Photoshop CS2 (CS3 is due out soon, I think). There is none quite like it. It is a very processor-intensive program (which is why you would need a powerful machine to run it), but the output that it produces - defies description! I have used many others, commercial and free, proprietary and open-source, but as a creative tool, Photoshop is really the crème de la crème.
Hope this helps. I am sure you would also get great advices from other knowledgeable people in this forum.
Get the Mac and don't look back
by dslagter - 3/25/07 8:22 AM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have been an serious hobbyist in photography for over 30 years. I have shot Nikons for years and the past 7 years a Leica M6. Since I have four children I shot MOSTLY slides. I primarily am a "street photographer" so I wanted a quiet stealthy unobtrusive camera. Naturally, I get a lot of interesting people, places, and family shots.
I show my slides on a relatively large pull down screen that I own through my Leica slide projector. If you ever really wanted to see your photography POP! showing them on a slide puts you right in the picture! Needless to say I have thousands of these treasures in storage.
I have now begun the process of scanning these slides in with a Nikon 8000 (top of the line) scanner with Firewire on a MAXXED out PC. I even have Vista with 2 gigs of Rambus (very expensive).
I have owned Macs too, (but prior to the recent Intel processor versions). I ABSOLUTELY LOVED MAC's. But, like a fool I maxed out a custom PC since I need certain "Windows only" for my work. WHAT A MISTAKE. Here are the main reasons I will be buying a MAXED out Mac next.
1. One of most important issues to me is the built in ColorSync with Apple's O/S. After all you want the image on the screen to match your prints or other outputs. PC's suck at color matching without special software and a spider device to read the screen. It seems to never end with the hardware and software you need to add to get just this critical area correct.
By the way I own a 24" Sony Trinitron GDM-FW900 which is a full CRT Flat screen that is still recognized by many as the finest in it's category. So it's not the monitor. Oh, I use the SAME video card (nVidia Geforce 7300) as the Mac does.
2. Scanning slides in even with with a high end PC at high resolutions is so aweful slow that you're ready to pull your hair out after the first batch. The MAC's architecture is such that they are "geared" for multimedia. Incredibly, a Mac Pro with 1/2 the ram as mine will scan almost twice as fast. This is a form of video streaming actually and is the MOST demanding multimedia application that you can test any computer on. The MAC wins hands down.
3. BUT, what's worse is using Photoshop on the PC's. Again, SLOWWWWW, compared to a Mac. All you have to do is compare them side by side (providing the software is optimized for the Mac) and you'll see your screens fly by with a MAC but NOT on a PC. If you like stuttering and stalls you'll like a PC.
4. The elegance of the Apple O/S can't be overemphasized. It's lean mean and super fast because it's NOT reliant on some old DOS remnants from 1988 for God's sake. Even Vista still has some of this junk. The Apple O/S is the bomb because it's a true 64 bit system. Do you really want to use Vista 64 to try to get this?
Lastly, GET A QUAD XEON from Apple. I wouldn't consider anything else but APPLE'S FASTEST MAC PRO. Get at least 2 to 4 gigs of Ram and the best graphics card you can afford. This outfit should cost you around $6,200. BELIEVE ME you'll spend that and probably more to outfit a PC with Xeons etc.etc.
The biggest lie out there IMHO is that Apple cost more. I just don't buy that anymore. Go to Dell and price out a similiar PC, you'll be shocked.
The Mac was built to satisfy the MOST demanding professionals in multimedia today. Now, you and I can own that same technology. I figure that I'll just add more RAM on the MAC and add a PC emulator like Parallels or something for the few occasions that I'll need "windows only" software. The bonus is that I'll have more ram for less cost than a PC.
Good luck!
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