What Computers and Software are you using?

[Carrots]

The time has come for an upgraded computer (more specifically - a new laptop at this stage) so I thought why not share some info around what everyone uses.

I've previously not made the jump from Windows to Mac, however it's something I'm considering this time around but can't decide on what to get as a new machine!

For me software wise, I've not ever strayed far from Adobe, Lightroom being the staple. Although with more and more images these days being solely for social media I've found myself using the Snapseed app more than the LR app on the iPhone for quick edits and posting. The iPad is a bit of a toss up between LR and S/S depending on the number of images to process. Being able to put an SD card into the iPad these days makes LR a little more useful for greater tweaks.

So the X million dollar question - what equipment are you using? What is the Who/What/Why etc.

For interest sake, this can also extend to camera equipment and the periphery too.

For me I'm welded to Nikon, primarily because the cost of changing lenses is prohibitive, but I must admit I do like the Canon ability to download images instantly into the cloud via your phone etc. Nikon lags on this comparatively.

 

[jb747]

iMac Pro for most things. Macbook Pro when travelling. Adobe. Nikon D800 and 850.

 

[kookaburra75]

I've just moved onto an Acer Swift 3 laptop (AMD Ryzen 5 processor AMD Radeon graphics) which provides a good mix of price, size, weight, battery life and processing power. I use Adobe Lightroom and GIMP for tweaking. I also have a Lenovo 10P tablet, and I can plug a MicroSD card in for additional or swappable memory. On the tablet and phone I use Adobe Photoshop Express.
With a Samsung NX300 mirrorless for the camera (yes I know it is a technological dead end), it can connect to the phone/tablet by wifi, so I can backup on the fly. The App also works as a remote shutter control, where I can watch what is happening from afar. Handy for wildlife photos. I use the 30mm f2 pancake lens for point and shoot type photography, and either the 18-55mm and 50-200mm zooms for extra oomph. The camera body and lenses are lightweight and compact.
It works well for me, as an amateur hacker type of photographer.

 

[Carrots]

So things escalated quickly for me (aka impulse buying). Ordered a new 16" Macbook Pro this AM. Time for the big leap - although ironically as a kid our first computers at home post Commodore 64 were Mac's. This now makes me a fully submerged Apple convert, now if Apple would release a new phone next month with a USB C plug life will be completed squared away!


When I start collating a list of other equipment, it gets a little ridiculous, and makes me shudder! But some of the primary camera toys include a couple of D750s, a plethora of Nikon & Sigma lenses, a DJI drone and also a gimbal.
Not really sure there's too much more I'd like to add to the list, although I'm sure I could "justify" some additional lenses.

I tend to mostly do sports, more specifically triathlon, so I've not really ventured too far into picking up too many arty/portait type lenses. Certainly enjoyed the wildlife side of things in South Africa the other year - it's definitely something to go back to. Wouldn't mind doing some motorsports too.

 

[Daver6]

I'm surprised anyone would be buying any Mac hardware with the immiment move to their own RISC chips in the very near future.

 

[jb747]

I'm surprised anyone would be buying any Mac hardware with the immiment move to their own RISC chips in the very near future.

Why? Will the Intel stuff stop working?

 

[Carrots]

It had been a question of mine, but some quick research on the interwebs put any concern to bed. Most insider articles seem to be of the opinion the 16" model will be some time off. Given it only appeared last year as an updated/new version of the 15.4" model, I don't really see any issue with buying now. And from a quality perspective I don't really see any major benefit in waiting. Apple isn't going to drop support for Intel chipped products overnight, there would be a bloodbath!

At the end of the day, how long do you wait? They might release something in 6-8 weeks, or they may in 60-80 weeks. Can't wait forever.

 

[samh004]

So things escalated quickly for me (aka impulse buying). Ordered a new 16" Macbook Pro this AM.

I would have told you to wait had I seen this thread earlier, for the below reason.

I'm surprised anyone would be buying any Mac hardware with the immiment move to their own RISC chips in the very near future.

Why? Will the Intel stuff stop working?

While Intel macs wont stop working, the focus will very quickly shift to their own chips and how apps can be built cross-platform across iOS/iPadOS/MacOS – because they'll all be using the same architecture at last.

That said, you may have been waiting a while and depending on your finances, waiting forever might not be as sensible as buying now, and then upgrading in a few years. For some people, a computer can (or has to) last 5+ years, but I would be suggesting that despite a MBP 16" easily lasting that, you'd want to get onto Apple Silicon ASAP when you can.

If you need any insights/help feel free to start a conversation some time. Been using a mac since OS X was first released so fairly well versed.

now if Apple would release a new phone next month with a USB C plug life will be completed squared away

Rumours have suggested that'll be next year, not this year. YMMV.

 

[samh004]

Onto my setup, I run a MBP13 2019 model. Prior to that was a MBP13 2016 model. Before that I think a MBP13 2013 model. Before that I had a collection of MacBooks and there was also a Mac mini 2012 model.



Connected to my MBP13 I have an LG UltraFine 4K display. This is really useful when I'm not travelling, like this year.

I've always been using Canon cameras, and as the glass (lens) investment grew, I couldn't really change. I'm very happy the EOS R line was released, as that has allowed me to renew some of my lenses and continue my photography. I own/use:

• EOS 70D
• EOS RP
• MF 8mm Samyang fish-eye
• EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
• EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
• EF 40mm f/2.8
• RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM
• RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM – new

I stick to the standard Photos app and long for the day Apple re-enters the professional photography market and resurrects Aperture.

 

[Carrots]

So true @samh004 re the handcuffs that occur as glass investment grows.

I ended up pulling the trigger and bought an MBP 16". Fortunate enough to have a friend who works for Apple so able to obtain staff pricing. If it weren't for the release of their new chips I probably would've up spec'd it but figure as long as I get 2yrs or so out of it it'll be ok. The prior HP was like a hamster trying to run on 1 leg in the hamster wheel!

@jb747 what's your thoughts on the D850? Can't say I need the MP of the 850 but the new 780 is a bit of a let down with no grip option. (ironically given it's been out a few years now there's probably an 880 due next year!)

 

[jb747]

@jb747 what's your thoughts on the D850? Can't say I need the MP of the 850 but the new 780 is a bit of a let down with no grip option. (ironically given it's been out a few years now there's probably an 880 due next year!)

It’s a gorgeous camera. My wife has nicked it though...

 

[Carrots]

@jb747 what's your thoughts on the D850? Can't say I need the MP of the 850 but the new 780 is a bit of a let down with no grip option. (ironically given it's been out a few years now there's probably an 880 due next year!)

It’s a gorgeous camera. My wife has nicked it though...

Does that mean you'll be able to pick a new D880 (or whatever the number may be) next year?

 

[jb747]

Does that mean you'll be able to pick a new D880 (or whatever the number may be) next year?

I'm retired now. Can't just buy toys willy nilly any more. Sad.

The D800 is holding up well. I expect that I'll keep using it until something bad happens. It's old enough now that I'm not fussed about shooting thousands of shots for time lapses, etc, and you really can't pick images from the two apart, unless you delve very deeply.