Over the past several years I've upgraded my lenses, lighting system, tripod etc., and camera. That now leaves my computer related items to upgrade. I'm currently using PSE-5 for software and an older ViewSonic monitor. I've been having good luck so far this year selling photos to calendar companies plus a few medium volume specialty magazines (including a cover shot for Trains Magazine in March 09!) My computer & software is now my linkest weak.
What I'm looking at buying is a factory refurb LaCie 324 graphics monitor. It looks like a winner for under $700. The other one I'm considering is the NEC LCD2490WUXI. Not sure if one is really better than the other though. I've just purchases CS4 and will download Nikon Capture (free version) to use as a NEF converter. I might also buy DxO, not sure yet. For a computer, I'm thinking Vista 64 bit, dual-core, 8gb DDR2, and a DVI video card. Keep in mind I'm reluctant to spend money on a computer when it's not needed. I'm trying to keep computer cost under $500. From what I've read a dual-core will run CS4 quite well.
I don't intend to print much. I usually have prints done for me as it's cheaper. I will use functions such as focus stacking, pano-stitch, layers, HDR, and so on. Now that we're on the verge of summer and nights are short, I have more time to learn software. So, any comments or suggestions?
I was considering upgrading to Vista 64 as well. With the release of Windows 7 touted for sometime this summer I suspect I'll wait to see how that OS performs.
I am not an expert, but have looked into the same type of question. I would wait, if you can, for Windows 7. It is really an upgrade to Vista, so you shouldn't have to worry about many problems upon release.
I also think the Intel i7 processor. Prices should be coming down as an upgrade is imminent. One thing you could consider is a computer form a custom company. The big advantage is that you only get what you want and need. The major companies selling ready made units load their machines up with a lot of useless software and promotional stuff. BTW, 64 bit and minimum of 8 Gig is a good choice.
There is probably a good company in your local area that builds computers for their customers, They will also service them. If you can spend a bit more you might consider looking at Falcon North West. They are pricey, but will be great reliable units that will last forever.
There is an interesting recent post on the Luminous Landscape that details how poorly PS4 and Lightroom make use of multiple cores. Save your money and stick to a dual core. However, CS4 will utilize processing power on your graphics card so you might want to budget for a powerful card. Cheers
I was wondering just how much a multi-core could help when dealing with one complicated task versus running several simple ones at the same time. As for Windows 7, I can always download the beta for a year. I'm not going to hold things up just for that. From what I've been hearing, Windows 7 isn't at all revolutionary.
Kent in SD
Posted by Lee Robinson on May 11, 2009 at 11:56 AM
You won't need NX to convert NEF files. CS4's Camera Raw gets it done unless they haven't yet added D700 and D3x support.
I'm using a D300 and don't anticipate getting a D700 until the prices drop below $1,500 on refurbs, which they obviously will do eventually. I keep hearing that NX does a better job with colors (especially reds) than ACR does as a NEF converter.
Kent in SD
Posted by Martin Ebbesen on September 29, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Hi Kent,
I would aim for an AMD system, you get better performance for your dollar. I am looking at building a new system my self, based on AMD´s Phenom II X4 955 on a Gigabyte board.
Discussion
7 repliesWhat I'm looking at buying is a factory refurb LaCie 324 graphics monitor. It looks like a winner for under $700. The other one I'm considering is the NEC LCD2490WUXI. Not sure if one is really better than the other though. I've just purchases CS4 and will download Nikon Capture (free version) to use as a NEF converter. I might also buy DxO, not sure yet. For a computer, I'm thinking Vista 64 bit, dual-core, 8gb DDR2, and a DVI video card. Keep in mind I'm reluctant to spend money on a computer when it's not needed. I'm trying to keep computer cost under $500. From what I've read a dual-core will run CS4 quite well.
I don't intend to print much. I usually have prints done for me as it's cheaper. I will use functions such as focus stacking, pano-stitch, layers, HDR, and so on. Now that we're on the verge of summer and nights are short, I have more time to learn software. So, any comments or suggestions?
Kent in SD
I was considering upgrading to Vista 64 as well. With the release of Windows 7 touted for sometime this summer I suspect I'll wait to see how that OS performs.
I also think the Intel i7 processor. Prices should be coming down as an upgrade is imminent. One thing you could consider is a computer form a custom company. The big advantage is that you only get what you want and need. The major companies selling ready made units load their machines up with a lot of useless software and promotional stuff. BTW, 64 bit and minimum of 8 Gig is a good choice.
There is probably a good company in your local area that builds computers for their customers, They will also service them. If you can spend a bit more you might consider looking at Falcon North West. They are pricey, but will be great reliable units that will last forever.
Let us know what you decide.
Kent in SD
I'm using a D300 and don't anticipate getting a D700 until the prices drop below $1,500 on refurbs, which they obviously will do eventually. I keep hearing that NX does a better job with colors (especially reds) than ACR does as a NEF converter.
Kent in SD
I would aim for an AMD system, you get better performance for your dollar. I am looking at building a new system my self, based on AMD´s Phenom II X4 955 on a Gigabyte board.
Regards