I have a 2017 iMac 27", *GB memory and 3 TB of storage of which I use only 186GB. Want to upgrade to a new iMac. I particularly like to take and edit photos. Which of the three available iMac models should I purchase?
iMac (2017 – 2020)
If you are seriously into photo editing and prefer an iMac, then I strongly suggest the M1 4-port model with 16GB RAM and at least a 512GB SSD. (IMHO 1TB SSD is a better choice.) This is for overall performance, expandability and longevity.
That said, given the current Mac lineup, I think a Mac Mini M2 with 24GB RAM and a 1TB SSD is a much better choice.
I would recommend the top end 24" iMac with 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. I have a Photos library with 54,000 photos and 900 videos which takes up 180 GB. Since it's good practice to keep a minimum of 80 GB free for optimal system and application performance, if your budget can afford it get the 1TB SSD.
Just some more food for thought.
Hello 415east
personally I bought the middel one, just because the entry model only has 2 USB ports and I have a lot of peripherals to connect (external HDD, CD burner, TimeMachine HD, printer etc. ).
Honestly, I'm coming from a Mid 2012 iMac with 16 GB Ram + SSD and I'm not satisfyed by the new iMac M1.
For sure graphical performance (3D, rendering etc.) are better than the old one, but my ovrall experience is worst.
Mailnly with the new M1 processor most of the Softwares are no longer working, than I have big issues with Photo App (I used a lot with the old iMac).
If you also do video editing, consider that FireWire is no longer available at all and you cannot connect DV devices, this is another negative side (considering my use of it)
Anyway, excluding my personal experience, I think the middle model is enough for Photo / Video editing (also considering the price)
Buy the most RAM and the largest disk you can afford. Nobody ever complains about too much of either. But once you buy less, you're stuck with it ... no upgrades to either after purchase.
415east wrote:
I have a 2017 iMac 27", *GB memory and 3 TB of storage of which I use only 186GB. Want to upgrade to a new iMac. I particularly like to take and edit photos. Which of the three available iMac models should I purchase?
The most expensive one with 512 GB storage. Otherwise, you will immediately have storage problems.
Old Toad wrote:
I have a Photos library with 54,000 photos and 900 videos which takes up 180 GB.
How long does it take you to view all of them? 🤔
Buying new I MAC and need some guidance
