Computer purchase advice re Photo or video editing programs?

[Jan]

I'll need to replace my ancient computer (2003) soon and am interested in something capable of running photo and/or video editing programs. Could any tech savvy members advise me re specs I should be looking for in a new machine?

Jan.

[Webos]

I work as a photographer and I use an apple. I like it because I find it easy to navigate and powerful enough to run whatever software I need to use. Truth is that they all do the same thing, but the larger the processor and RAM, the faster it will run. Apple computers come with a suite of software which includes amateur level photo and video editing software whereas windows based systems dont and you will need to source the software yourself.

[kcpoole]

CPU will be the fastest you can afford, Ram will be minimum4 Gb or prefer 8Gb, More if you are into serious video editing.

Hard disk is atm 1 - 2 Tb and for Video editing you should have 2 disks, one for the OS and another for the media files. Or both disks in Raid 0 for performance
vast video card will help but anything better than integrated Vidoe woud be OK,

Software depends on the platform really and is a personal choice
Unless you have large investement in knowledge of a particular Graphice editing suite, then The GIMP for imaging editing, and for video, consult this list and see what works for you
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_vi ... g_software

Ken

[Jan]

Thanks for the info, I was thinking at least 1T hard disc but was not sure of RAM. Yes, I had GIMP in mind,

Thanks,

Jan.

[makro]

Hi,

Just a point to note on RAM, if you are going to a 32bit system (hardware and Operating System) there is no use in getting more than 4GB of RAM. However with the newer Operating System that support 64bit, then more RAM the merrier.

When you say computer I am assuming Desktop and not a laptop.

CPU:i5 intel processor / Quad core processors are not uncommon these days
RAM: 4GB at least
HDD: 1TB is not uncommon
Graphics card with 1GB dedicated RAM atleast (and not shared with the physical RAM)
Monitor : a nice 22" Wide screen with a quick refresh rate of less than 5sec atleast
CD/DVD +-R/RW, even better for DL (dual layer types drives)
Look for desktop with USB ports in front as its easier to plug in Thumb drives/USB sticks/Video camera to transfer files
There are loads of other optional extras, but these would, in my opinion, be a good place to start.

my 2cents

[Dumper]

i think for photo editing u can use either mac or windows. just have to have the right software
for video editing, i realise that windows perform faster in buffering the video when exporting.

[Jan]

Yes, makro, I'm looking for a desktop, not laptop, and 64 bit sounds like the go and USB ports in the front would certainly be much easier to use.

Thanks people, this has been a great help.

Jan.

Opps, spelling.