UPDATE: ok gang. Thanks for all the suggestions. After shopping around and seeing the Studio display in person (it’s really nice), I chose a BenQ. I’ll follow up on which one and why. Yea!!
A few things: The wheel was most likely coming up a lot because of the "Fusion Drive" which is essentially just a HDD. They are considerably slower than SSDs, and if the OS is located on that drive and you are saving things primarily on that drive it is going to get slower and slower over time. A few tips for anyone still using a 27-inch (like myself): if possible you want to keep pretty much as little as possible on your internal drive. I got the smallest SSD possible in my own. It has basically my OS and the required files and program files. I use external SSDs for editing and storage and then I have a larger HDD for backups.
Same thoughts on storage, I use a M1 mac mini and the internal drive isn't that big, but that's ok as I put everything else on external SSD's. Work great and keeps the cost down, because apple likes to really charge a lot for the storage bumps.
Yep. The fusion drives are a pain. Had a customer at work with one and you can "split" them so I installed the OS on the ssd portion and files on the hdd side. Newer versions of MacOS and Windows 10/11 both seem to run awful on hybrid drives or HDD's. SSDs are the only way to have them run smoothly (not something I'm against though!)
This guy makes my day every time I watch his video😀😁 Thank you humor, honesty and useful information that you bring especially for beginner photographers! Cheers!
Congrats Omar! I'm using a 16" MBP with similar specs and have yet to see a spinny death wheel, even under load. Also amazed at how cool this thing runs. I have the 24" 4K LG Ultra Fine (they make a 5K 27") and I really like it. It's great because it also acts as a USB-C Hub. I can charge devices or connect peripheries thru the monitor. Have a happy day!
I have the same model year of iMac and mine had started to drag and stutter in Lightroom on Nikon Z7 files. I recently got a new M1 MacBook Air and it handles those Z7 files without hesitation or stuttering. In fact it’s super quick at everything. I liked it so much I purchased a good monitor and made the MacBook Air my main. Those M1’s are amazing.
do never ever choose for a curved one because you ‘re never been able to correct photos in a right way because of the awful bend. I tried one by myself lending one from my son. Within ten minutes I switched again to my 4K Philips.
For those of you recommending a MacBook Pro rather than a Mac Studio, using a MBP primarily in clam shell mode will probably shorten its life. I did that with a 15" MBP when Apple did not have a midrange desktop option. I used an external monitor, keyboard and mouse and kept it closed. Not only did I waste the retina display, additionally, heat was not efficiently dissipated and the battery swelled.
Will love to see how your workflow goes over the next few months. My Mac is moving into the winter of its life cycle and I see myself buying something sooner than later.
I use a photography monitor for 3 main reasons. First, I print my work, so it's important to have a monitor that displays AdobeRGB and can be calibrated to match my printer. Second, for editing in general, I find it better to do it on a matte screen, you get fewer reflections from the environment and your eyes don't get tired so fast. Finally, price. I would have loved to get an Eizo color edge monitor but it was too expensive. I went for a BenQ and I'm very happy. One feature the BenQ monitors have is a wheel to quickly access different color profiles that you can configure as you wish. I have one for editing to share online and another just for printing. I have no idea if the BenQ monitor line speaks nicely to a Mac studio, but it's worth investing a bit of time researching compatibility.
Your iMac Display has 218 ppi, a 4K Monitor has 167ppi. If you chose a curved one there is less than 140ppi. I can't imagine that that is fun to look at. I have the same iMac as you, and as a back up a MacBookPro13" with a BenQ PD2700U. But a BenQ PD2725U will be a better choice. I am happy with the quality of the PD2700U. But the PD2725U is the better Choice. You press a button and get a bw-picture or another color-profile. May be this is my next one.
I bought the basic M1 Mac Studio and have the LG Ultrafine 5k as the monitor. Upgraded from the Intel Mac Mini I5 8400 3ghz 6 core CPU with 64gb of DDR4 2666mhz memory with only 256gb of storage. But if you want to a larger display then go for the Samsung S95b QD-OLED 55". I have my gaming pc plus the two Macs connected also. The TV is to one side at an angle and I got the colors corrected to match my streaming and pics to match. 120hz game play is excellent on the PC, (the Macs are only 60hz because they only have HDMI 2 ports but you can buy the Thunerbolt/USB-C to HDMI cable which i haven't tried yet) and watching RUclips content is excellent. Since this is in my smallest bedroom/office I just use the tv speakers. I do have the Logitech 2.1 speakers connected to the M1 Mac.
Hi Omar! If you need to take your machine to show your work to clients then I would have gone with a MacBook Pro (with M1 Pro or M1 Max). The built in screen is superb and you can always connect it to to an external large monitor when at home. Anyway, as you have already bitten the bullet on the Studio, I would consider adding a base model MacBook Air (M1) for showing your work to clients. The Air is an excellent laptop and is fast enough for most people.
Omar, I think the fusion drive in your old system was the weak link. A dedicated SSD would have given you a bit more longevity I reckon. Anyway, the Studio will be a big step up.
1) Stay away from the StudioDisplay, just because it's Apple doesn't mean it's good for you, and it's NOT actually good for you. Unless you can't live without 5K resolution, that is. 2) Stay away from ultrawide monitors because, unless you're a gamer, you're much better off with 2 monitors, as in 2 good 27'' screens, one portrait one landscape. It is actually baffling to see professionals still overlooking the huge improvement they'd instantly get by adding a 2nd screen to their workflow. 3)
Actually your new 64Gb "unified memory"will be less than your old one (in terms of space), because your old Radeon graphics card had an extra 8Gb memory (dedicated graphic memory); but now you share the 64gb between main memory and GPU. For monitor, I suggest two 27 inch 4K LG monitors (maybe LG 27UK850-W 27). I don't like the curved monitors, but that is just me!
first time watching one of your videos, and YT is usually playing on one of my secondary screens while I'm working on my main screen. I just have to say that I had to stop working to make this comment... I just love your style of video making (although this is the first video of yours that I watched!) I will definitely subscribe to your channel and watch more videos just in the hope that all your videos are made in the same style.
I got minimum storage on my Mac mini. I created 2 accounts on it, an admin account and a regular user account. The home folder for the admin account was on the internal storage. I got a Thunderbolt 4 SSD enclosure and inserted a 2TB SSD, this was the location of the home folder for my regular user account. I did all of my work on the regular account. Account creation and home folder location is configurable in the system settings. This allowed for easily upgrading storage if needed. And I would still have my work if the computer failed or needed to be serviced. And it was less expensive than paying for internal upgraded storage. And the regular account did not have admin privileges so the computer was less vulnerable to phishing and viruses.
I’ve enjoyed your unboxing and discussion of all the ones I watched most. I’ve got a 2015 iMac which is not upgradable to Monterey - so this year is my year to upgrade to a new Mac.
$1200 for 3.5TB more... That hurts my soul. You could get a USB 3.2 4TB NVME for like.. $300, which would be plenty fast for photography and videography work.
Damn I wish I had seen this before I ordered mine, your choices made a lot of sense, but I felt if I went with your choices I might as well go for the ultra. In the end I went for 32ram and 1 tb storage, I just have to be disciplined and off load to my drives more frequently. Good luck with your monitor choice
Good investment sir. I am next lol. Not so soon thoZ in terms of display, I use a VP34 ViewSonic true color ultrawide that I am super happy with except that you probably need to calibrate every 6month. 34” very affordable a lot of IO in the back…but 4k only. Be safe sir.
My 8 year old, 2014 15" Mac Book Pro is still going strong. Apple replaced the battery twice in 8 years and it feels like new. So I disagree with the 5 year lifestyle. I think the new ones can serve you 10 years.
I’ve got an extra monitor next to my iMac which is Dell 4K monitor which I’ve had for five years. It is beautiful sharp and looks just as good as my iMac. If I get the studio I probably would get a 27 inch minimum 4K monitor and still keep my 24 inch Dell. I also might consider just getting a large curved monitor instead. Haven’t done enough research yet.
Highly recommend the Asus ProArt displays, especially for photography. I have 3 and love them. I have the same iMac as you and got the mini last year it’s amazing how it’s just as fast (probably faster) with less ram and power. I’ve got a MacBook Pro 16 on order as I’m gonna go with the mobile/docked combo for the first time ever. I may get a desktop again in years to come as we see how M2 and beyond plays out.
Looks like an amazing setup! I’m looking forward to seeing what monitor you go with. The 4TB seems expensive now, but I’m sure over the life of the computer it will be a huge convenience. I upgraded in 2020 from a 2011 13” MBP to the mid tier 2020 13” MBP, the last Intel model. I know everyone loves the M1s, but that Intel machine is really powerful too, works great with 4K video and photo editing, and gives me support for legacy software, so I’m really happy with it. Hope you enjoy yours!
I think one of the BenQ photo and video editing monitors, e.g., SW321C, makes more sense than buying the new Apple monitor. It’s on my list (after I get over switching to a NAS system).
I'm more of a software developer than an image/video processor, but the base model Macmini M1 was incredible. I couldn't slow it down. This looks like an excellent purchase.
For the monitor, perhaps look at the 34" ultrawide 4K monitor options from LG or Samsung. There are also some cool "Smart" monitor options like the Samsung M7 if that's your jam. A monitor with USB-C and output up to 120 hertz might be good too. I have the same Mac (and the same issue). I blame Monterey for this disaster, and have been considering downgrading to Catalina. What do you think?
Hi Omar, just like to firstly say thank you so much for your videos over the years, I absolutely love your upbeat cheery videos they brighten up my day no end!! I appreciate you!! Secondly I have just bought the imac 24" and Im a windows guy always have been but the hardware is amazing the screen has pure whites natural colours and is sharp as hell. I know your not going to like this but from a man that has done it all (52 years young and still running a computer business) I haven't seen a monitor to cut the mustard against the screen thats in this imac 24" M1 so please please please you've spent the big bucks on the imac please please buy the apple monitor you wont regret it.
Hey Omar, I highly recommend the BenQ pd 2700u display. Maybe you look something on RUclips. I‘m absolutely satisfied for my video and photographic work. Take care
BenQ have some amazing monitors, especially the SW321C and SW2721C which are Pantone certified. I know you love your colors Omar. One the other hand, there is the 38.5" wide screen from ViewSonic. Not only it is excellent for photo and video, but the real estate is perfect for multi-windows workflow. I, personally, am split between them. My recommendation, the BenQ would fit your work the best.
Very wise decision! Although you could have pushed the iMac with a bigger internal SSD a little further to adress the bottle neck. But anyway. I would probably just search for the display specs you need and than go with what you are willing to spend.
Nice video Omar, I bought a DELL-U3219Q 4K32" for my photography related work. My only concern was about the mirror effect of the glass itself, so I bought this one. Mirrors are for bathrooms.. and yes it has no speakers, but who cares about monitors who monitor when you have way better monitors on the right and left side? and yes also absolute no webcam, but a very thin bezel. Hope you get more helpful advices what to buy. Cheers Pat
I learned an important lesson today. Trying to offer advice to YTuber's who are determined to defend their ignorance, by high-lighting obnoxious replies, is like head butting a lamp post. It's not really advisable and it's pointless.
Great investment there Omar 😎👌.. I know i can't afford any of that stuff but it was fascinating the intense comparison MKBHD mentioned on monitors in his reviews.. Maybe you could try look at the Dell he mentioned there 🤷♂️. Love ur content man stay blessed!
If I was Tim Cook, I would be like, OMAR your hired to head our photo department, pack ur bags and come to the silicon, ohh yes we even have a 4 bedroom house located in Mountain view for you , your family and your motorcycles haha . rock n roll. btw congrats. ill be following your footsteps soon in upgrading my machine.
Oh Omar you got one!! I have to wait till JUNE!!! Arghh and I have a 32 designer benq so won’t be going for the display. I went with the ultra 4tb. I have m1 MacBook Pro 13 , it’s fast but I still get the rainbow. It hates multitasking with Lightroom and FCPX so I needed a BIG moosive power machine this time. My kids have the 2017 iMac now. 👏🏻
Food for thought. I use a relatively affordable benq sw270c. Hardware calibration adobe rgb. I’d suggest perhaps the 4K version, the model up if you need that. But they’re great. I don’t need the 4K necessarily, but in the future I guess everyone will go that way.
Hey Omar I’ve just got my second LG5k 27” since the price dropped by about 20% since the studio display came out. Same panel inside as the SD and looks slick in all black. It’s also apples official monitor before the SD was released
I have a base studio display coming tomorrow to use with a M1 Mac mini. 16gb 1tb. I just wanted a Mac display that would mimic the 5k iMac Pro I never got. The price is “not bad” if you compare to the apple/lg version. Sure the power cord doesn’t really come off. So what. My toaster’s doesn’t either. And there’s no stupid power brick. And the camera is sub par again, didn’t get for the camera. So I don’t care. I may change my mind and return it and if so will follow up and admit here it was a mistake. What I appreciate from the other comments is the need to have an external SSD hard drive for active photo files if there’s not enough room on the internal. I’ll be fixing that mistake. I should also add that I’m an amateur that’s 95 % photo to video, I print but only for my amusement so don’t see a need for a M1 max studio but it has been hard not to succumb to GAS.
Curved screens cannot be uses for graphical stuff in my opinion. You have no optical straight lines on curved screens. This is like shooting architecture with fisheye lenses.
There’s Luna Display which allows your Mac to connect to the newer iMacs that dont work as an external display. Look it up, apparently it works well and you keep the good quality monitor.
I didn't want to invest in an Eizo monitor so I bought an Iiyama. I am very pleased with it. After calibration, the difference was small, but it was worth doing.
Awesome🤩 I’m in the same boat, an old i7 that farts 💨 then dies ☠️ trying to keep up with current workflows is impossible & most of all frustrating 😫. Let me know if the new asset preforms ? Depending on your own situation, I’ve structured my m.2 NVMe & HHD drives to maximise speed and storage. A: OS (optional Cheche files included) B: Program Cheche files. C: Current Project files D: Project Archive. E: HDD/NAS Time Machine Backup.
I think if you want a really color accurate monitor you are reaching very quickly prices like the Apple Studio Display. But I am also looking for a monitor for my photos. Asus ProArt is looking good but also very expensive. I'm curious about what you will choose. And about the portability: Wouldn't a MacBook Pro with an M1 Max be better for your need than the Studio? I don't want to talk into your workflow but the description of your need sounded like it would better fit. But most importantly is that you're happy with your workflow :-)
My wife got the MacBook Pro with the Pro chip for editing photos. I'm looking at the Studio for video editing, but I may wait to see how the next M2 Mac mini looks. If I can save $1k it would be a better fit for my wallet as long as the power is what I need.
Hey Omar, First up I’m pretty astonished your 5k iMac is performing so poorly even if it is from 2017. I appreciate you’re saying you’re not into computers or that tech savvy in that regard, but from what you described you have what apple called a Fusion Drive. It’s an old spinning hard drive and an SSD (the old, slower type - but still pretty decent) which are paired together to give you one single drive from the user’s perspective. My guess first guess is that this is the cause of your dreaded spinning wheel. However as you’ve already bought a new machine, you may not thank you for telling you how to fix this with upgrades etc, unless you’re planning on keeping it as a spare machine. However, as for the monitor situation, if you have written off the iMac already or expect to get little for it in its current poor working state, why spend a lot of money on a monitor that gives you 4k when you already have a fabulous (looking at least) 5k monitor right there - did you know how easy it is to use your iMac as the screen for any other Mac, including the Apple Studio? Reading the comments you already decided on a BenQ monitor - even if it’s too late to cancel that order or return it, you could always use the iMac as a 2nd screen and have a massive dual monitor set up? This comment is already long, but hit me up if you want some help with this 👍 [Edit: Posted the above before watching to the end - OMG you let them fleece you for the 4TB SSD. We need to talk man - seriously - For one, you might normally be right about the ‘bottleneck’ issue you mentioned, but these days there are so many options, including those that perform WAY faster than even the Apple 4TB internal SSD. I have 4 SSD’s inside a Sonnet drive connected via Thunderbolt3 which far outperforms my iMac Pro’s internal SSD. Even then, there’s newer tech since then which is even better. Won’t bother posting here, but can give you the heads up if you want. Also, if you’re not comfortable with all this tech I’d also make super sure your Synology NAS and back up strategy is good enough and you have optimised that part of your workflow if you’re storing that much data on drives sat on your desk!]
This is a very timely video. I am in a holding pattern on which computer to buy for photo editing. I know I want an Apple product, but am uncertain if I want a desktop or an laptop.
Well, I know you said it multiple times, but here I go. Why spending so much on the studio and do not take the accompanying monitor. Yes, it is expensive, yes that’s Apple. At least you get a monitor that works fine. And an equivalent 4k model is most likely not much cheaper. You don’t even need the hight adjustment as your desk is already prepared for it. Come on, be honest, you are just fishing for arguments to buy the monitor, right? 😂
it probably isn't a bad time to upgrade, however that hybrid hard drive in your mac is garbage. putting a fast ssd would make a noticeable improvement in speed for everything you do. the hybrid has part ssd, but it is still a mechanical drive that is not good for your use case.
You mention portability as a driver for going with 4 TB SSD. Did you also consider going with the MacBook Pro instead? I’m trying to decide if it’s better to get the MB Pro w/ 4TB and just have one machine that will do everything, including travel, OR get the cheaper Studio like you plus a much cheaper low end laptop to handle the travel and on location duties.
Very interesting video, Omar. Please let us know everything you considered in your search for a monitor. I’ll be shopping for a new Mac and the choice will be between a M1 iMac and a M1 Mac Mini. For me, the question is : which monitor would have at least the same resolution and color accuracy as the iMac Retina monitor for not much more than the price difference between the iMac and the Mac Mini? Anyone really knowledgeable about this issue, please share your info! Thanks!
How are you liking the studio compared to your iMac 27” I’m thinking about upgrading my wife who has 27” iMac now and is a wedding photographer.. is the performance boost worth the price tag?
Would love to hear about your backup plan with your Synology NAS and cloud storage. I do much less volume than you probably do and I actually import photos from my camera right to my 4 bay Synology with RAID 5. Then I back that Synology to another Synology. Nothing to the cloud yet.
Very smart choices! Except the 4TB internal SSD. Could have easily saved $600 by going with a 4TB external Thunderbolt SSD. And that is actually portable, unlike your new computer.
It'll be nice when iCloud goes beyond 2TB eh? I can't remember if it was MKHB or LTT, but one of them said the new Apple display was basically the same specs as the LG superfine 5k, but all appled up with the monitor and processor
Why not just using your old mac 5k as external display? I don't think that any display below 700$ is actually gonna be better then the one you already have...
Another great video! Love your work. But I have a weird question. I noticed you had to put on reading glasses for the paperwork. I too am optically challenged and find it difficult at times to get my focus precise simply looking at the screen on the back of the camera. I’ve recently started using focus peaking, but I remember you saying you prefer not to. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
@@charliejg I hardly ever use the LCD for determining detail. I stick with the EVF. I wear glasses which is a pain, but I find have better "luck" with the EVF.
Studio display is really overpriced but it one of the best option just for Mac. Displays from other brands cost also expensive like more than 1000$ and if you choose any of current displays it will be always trade off. There is no perfect solution for least amount of money.
@@ogonzilla I had same situation like you in 2012. When I was shopping for my first Mac, I came across an interesting thought. Most optimal solution is either to buy a iMac and save money on purchasing the entire computer assembly (while replacing the computer, you will have to change it completely) or buy a Mac Mini and a thunderbolt display. In this case, it would be an ideal computer that would be easier to upgrade and change without having to buy a new display. So in 2012 I bought a Mac and 8 years later I bought a used Thunderbolt display and I really liked it. I'm not a photography or video pro, so I wouldn't recommend any specific display models, but I'd just like to tell you that an Apple display is the best fit and it just works - that's why we love Apple products. I think professionals stick on same hardware as long as possible because all theses parameters like contrast, brightness, colors always different on most displays and all I/O is also different and changing over time. If you buy new display it should be display you will use for many many years and it should be perfect for you. Just give a chance to Apple Studio display and visit local Apple Store (or any other store with apple products) and check this display in person.
You know the basic Mac mini would beat your 2017 iMac because of the hardware encoding and stuff. I’d imagine you only need the basic Mac studio, but maybe upgrade the Ram just in case. But the most basic one should already be good enough You should get the studio monitor though, it’s actually a good deal since it’s P3.
Actually you should’ve gotten the 16” MacBook Pro and a decent IPS monitor. So you’ll get the best color on the laptop. And dude! You should’ve gotten the external SSDs! They’re so dang fast! And save the money on the studio display! If you do a little research, you’ll find Colour correct monitors are so dang expensive the studio is actually a good deal. I made the mistake in getting a cheap monitor and the color can’t even compare to the iPad mini. That was my biggest mistake
UPDATE: ok gang. Thanks for all the suggestions. After shopping around and seeing the Studio display in person (it’s really nice), I chose a BenQ. I’ll follow up on which one and why. Yea!!
Awesome, looking forward to the video!
Have a look at the Dell U2723QE as well. New tech that promises better contrast ratio. I’m torn between that and a BenQ.
Cheers!
I think there’s an imposter posting “thanks for your feedback” in the comments.
@@bmeclipse thanks...got im
Great job on removing the imposter whose been sending feedback DM messages 🤦.
A few things:
The wheel was most likely coming up a lot because of the "Fusion Drive" which is essentially just a HDD. They are considerably slower than SSDs, and if the OS is located on that drive and you are saving things primarily on that drive it is going to get slower and slower over time.
A few tips for anyone still using a 27-inch (like myself): if possible you want to keep pretty much as little as possible on your internal drive. I got the smallest SSD possible in my own. It has basically my OS and the required files and program files. I use external SSDs for editing and storage and then I have a larger HDD for backups.
Same thoughts on storage, I use a M1 mac mini and the internal drive isn't that big, but that's ok as I put everything else on external SSD's. Work great and keeps the cost down, because apple likes to really charge a lot for the storage bumps.
Yep. The fusion drives are a pain. Had a customer at work with one and you can "split" them so I installed the OS on the ssd portion and files on the hdd side.
Newer versions of MacOS and Windows 10/11 both seem to run awful on hybrid drives or HDD's. SSDs are the only way to have them run smoothly (not something I'm against though!)
This guy makes my day every time I watch his video😀😁 Thank you humor, honesty and useful information that you bring especially for beginner photographers! Cheers!
Congrats Omar! I'm using a 16" MBP with similar specs and have yet to see a spinny death wheel, even under load. Also amazed at how cool this thing runs. I have the 24" 4K LG Ultra Fine (they make a 5K 27") and I really like it. It's great because it also acts as a USB-C Hub. I can charge devices or connect peripheries thru the monitor. Have a happy day!
I have the same model year of iMac and mine had started to drag and stutter in Lightroom on Nikon Z7 files. I recently got a new M1 MacBook Air and it handles those Z7 files without hesitation or stuttering. In fact it’s super quick at everything. I liked it so much I purchased a good monitor and made the MacBook Air my main. Those M1’s are amazing.
do never ever choose for a curved one because you ‘re never been able to correct photos in a right way because of the awful bend. I tried one by myself lending one from my son. Within ten minutes I switched again to my 4K Philips.
You can never be too slim, too rich, or have too much memory/storage.
For those of you recommending a MacBook Pro rather than a Mac Studio, using a MBP primarily in clam shell mode will probably shorten its life. I did that with a 15" MBP when Apple did not have a midrange desktop option. I used an external monitor, keyboard and mouse and kept it closed. Not only did I waste the retina display, additionally, heat was not efficiently dissipated and the battery swelled.
Will love to see how your workflow goes over the next few months. My Mac is moving into the winter of its life cycle and I see myself buying something sooner than later.
I use a photography monitor for 3 main reasons. First, I print my work, so it's important to have a monitor that displays AdobeRGB and can be calibrated to match my printer. Second, for editing in general, I find it better to do it on a matte screen, you get fewer reflections from the environment and your eyes don't get tired so fast. Finally, price. I would have loved to get an Eizo color edge monitor but it was too expensive. I went for a BenQ and I'm very happy. One feature the BenQ monitors have is a wheel to quickly access different color profiles that you can configure as you wish. I have one for editing to share online and another just for printing. I have no idea if the BenQ monitor line speaks nicely to a Mac studio, but it's worth investing a bit of time researching compatibility.
Your iMac Display has 218 ppi, a 4K Monitor has 167ppi. If you chose a curved one there is less than 140ppi. I can't imagine that that is fun to look at. I have the same iMac as you, and as a back up a MacBookPro13" with a BenQ PD2700U. But a BenQ PD2725U will be a better choice. I am happy with the quality of the PD2700U. But the PD2725U is the better Choice. You press a button and get a bw-picture or another color-profile. May be this is my next one.
I bought the basic M1 Mac Studio and have the LG Ultrafine 5k as the monitor. Upgraded from the Intel Mac Mini I5 8400 3ghz 6 core CPU with 64gb of DDR4 2666mhz memory with only 256gb of storage. But if you want to a larger display then go for the Samsung S95b QD-OLED 55". I have my gaming pc plus the two Macs connected also. The TV is to one side at an angle and I got the colors corrected to match my streaming and pics to match. 120hz game play is excellent on the PC, (the Macs are only 60hz because they only have HDMI 2 ports but you can buy the Thunerbolt/USB-C to HDMI cable which i haven't tried yet) and watching RUclips content is excellent. Since this is in my smallest bedroom/office I just use the tv speakers. I do have the Logitech 2.1 speakers connected to the M1 Mac.
Hi Omar! If you need to take your machine to show your work to clients then I would have gone with a MacBook Pro (with M1 Pro or M1 Max). The built in screen is superb and you can always connect it to to an external large monitor when at home. Anyway, as you have already bitten the bullet on the Studio, I would consider adding a base model MacBook Air (M1) for showing your work to clients. The Air is an excellent laptop and is fast enough for most people.
1:40 granpa appears all of a sudden.
Just for a second
P.s. nice video btw.))
Omar, I think the fusion drive in your old system was the weak link. A dedicated SSD would have given you a bit more longevity I reckon. Anyway, the Studio will be a big step up.
True. 😊
1) Stay away from the StudioDisplay, just because it's Apple doesn't mean it's good for you, and it's NOT actually good for you. Unless you can't live without 5K resolution, that is.
2) Stay away from ultrawide monitors because, unless you're a gamer, you're much better off with 2 monitors, as in 2 good 27'' screens, one portrait one landscape. It is actually baffling to see professionals still overlooking the huge improvement they'd instantly get by adding a 2nd screen to their workflow.
3)
Actually your new 64Gb "unified memory"will be less than your old one (in terms of space), because your old Radeon graphics card had an extra 8Gb memory (dedicated graphic memory); but now you share the 64gb between main memory and GPU. For monitor, I suggest two 27 inch 4K LG monitors (maybe LG 27UK850-W 27). I don't like the curved monitors, but that is just me!
Your videos are really nice to watch. I like how friendly you bring it over.
Congrats on upgrading your computer. I have an I7 processor, I’m obsolete now! Need a new computer.
Thanks for the video.
instead of the studio display get the LG 42 OLED
first time watching one of your videos, and YT is usually playing on one of my secondary screens while I'm working on my main screen. I just have to say that I had to stop working to make this comment... I just love your style of video making (although this is the first video of yours that I watched!) I will definitely subscribe to your channel and watch more videos just in the hope that all your videos are made in the same style.
Thanks Omar. I will now try your justifications for upgrading on my wife! Wish me luck.
I got minimum storage on my Mac mini. I created 2 accounts on it, an admin account and a regular user account. The home folder for the admin account was on the internal storage. I got a Thunderbolt 4 SSD enclosure and inserted a 2TB SSD, this was the location of the home folder for my regular user account. I did all of my work on the regular account. Account creation and home folder location is configurable in the system settings. This allowed for easily upgrading storage if needed. And I would still have my work if the computer failed or needed to be serviced. And it was less expensive than paying for internal upgraded storage. And the regular account did not have admin privileges so the computer was less vulnerable to phishing and viruses.
Very enjoyable to watch... I loved the Borat impersonation at 5:24 "oh very nice!"
I’ve enjoyed your unboxing and discussion of all the ones I watched most. I’ve got a 2015 iMac which is not upgradable to Monterey - so this year is my year to upgrade to a new Mac.
Next video. Why Omar "settled" on the Studio monitor... hehehe
$1200 for 3.5TB more... That hurts my soul. You could get a USB 3.2 4TB NVME for like.. $300, which would be plenty fast for photography and videography work.
Damn I wish I had seen this before I ordered mine, your choices made a lot of sense, but I felt if I went with your choices I might as well go for the ultra. In the end I went for 32ram and 1 tb storage, I just have to be disciplined and off load to my drives more frequently. Good luck with your monitor choice
Good investment sir. I am next lol. Not so soon thoZ in terms of display, I use a VP34 ViewSonic true color ultrawide that I am super happy with except that you probably need to calibrate every 6month. 34” very affordable a lot of IO in the back…but 4k only. Be safe sir.
My 8 year old, 2014 15" Mac Book Pro is still going strong. Apple replaced the battery twice in 8 years and it feels like new. So I disagree with the 5 year lifestyle. I think the new ones can serve you 10 years.
Don't know anything about the "Studio", but I got the M1 Mac Mini a few months ago, and am loving it so far.
I’ve got an extra monitor next to my iMac which is Dell 4K monitor which I’ve had for five years. It is beautiful sharp and looks just as good as my iMac. If I get the studio I probably would get a 27 inch minimum 4K monitor and still keep my 24 inch Dell. I also might consider just getting a large curved monitor instead. Haven’t done enough research yet.
Highly recommend the Asus ProArt displays, especially for photography. I have 3 and love them.
I have the same iMac as you and got the mini last year it’s amazing how it’s just as fast (probably faster) with less ram and power.
I’ve got a MacBook Pro 16 on order as I’m gonna go with the mobile/docked combo for the first time ever. I may get a desktop again in years to come as we see how M2 and beyond plays out.
Congrats, Omar! Love the Leica-style packaging.
Great and funny, as always,….I use a MBP M1 Pro with a Dell 32 inch 4k connected via USB C that‘s it. Works perfectly together.
LG provides screens for Apple. I got an "Apple Studio" LG monitor from an after market outfitter for very little and love the quality. I’d buy LG.
if youre looking for monitor with accurate colors, you should check out the asus pro-art series. i bought one and the colors are great!
Looks like an amazing setup! I’m looking forward to seeing what monitor you go with. The 4TB seems expensive now, but I’m sure over the life of the computer it will be a huge convenience. I upgraded in 2020 from a 2011 13” MBP to the mid tier 2020 13” MBP, the last Intel model. I know everyone loves the M1s, but that Intel machine is really powerful too, works great with 4K video and photo editing, and gives me support for legacy software, so I’m really happy with it. Hope you enjoy yours!
Hey Omar, you should look at a NAS to store old footage and photos on.
I think one of the BenQ photo and video editing monitors, e.g., SW321C, makes more sense than buying the new Apple monitor. It’s on my list (after I get over switching to a NAS system).
I'm more of a software developer than an image/video processor, but the base model Macmini M1 was incredible. I couldn't slow it down. This looks like an excellent purchase.
instead of one curve wide screen just get two photo editing monitors, one will be in landscape and the other one in portrait orientation
For the monitor, perhaps look at the 34" ultrawide 4K monitor options from LG or Samsung. There are also some cool "Smart" monitor options like the Samsung M7 if that's your jam. A monitor with USB-C and output up to 120 hertz might be good too.
I have the same Mac (and the same issue). I blame Monterey for this disaster, and have been considering downgrading to Catalina. What do you think?
Hi Omar, just like to firstly say thank you so much for your videos over the years, I absolutely love your upbeat cheery videos they brighten up my day no end!! I appreciate you!!
Secondly I have just bought the imac 24" and Im a windows guy always have been but the hardware is amazing the screen has pure whites natural colours and is sharp as hell. I know your not going to like this but from a man that has done it all (52 years young and still running a computer business) I haven't seen a monitor to cut the mustard against the screen thats in this imac 24" M1 so please please please you've spent the big bucks on the imac please please buy the apple monitor you wont regret it.
Hey Omar, I highly recommend the BenQ pd 2700u display. Maybe you look something on RUclips. I‘m absolutely satisfied for my video and photographic work. Take care
BenQ have some amazing monitors, especially the SW321C and SW2721C which are Pantone certified. I know you love your colors Omar. One the other hand, there is the 38.5" wide screen from ViewSonic. Not only it is excellent for photo and video, but the real estate is perfect for multi-windows workflow.
I, personally, am split between them. My recommendation, the BenQ would fit your work the best.
Very wise decision! Although you could have pushed the iMac with a bigger internal SSD a little further to adress the bottle neck. But anyway. I would probably just search for the display specs you need and than go with what you are willing to spend.
Nice video Omar, I bought a DELL-U3219Q 4K32" for my photography related work. My only concern was about the mirror effect of the glass itself, so I bought this one. Mirrors are for bathrooms.. and yes it has no speakers, but who cares about monitors who monitor when you have way better monitors on the right and left side? and yes also absolute no webcam, but a very thin bezel. Hope you get more helpful advices what to buy. Cheers Pat
Take a look at the Eve spectrum 4k monitor. I would be interested to know your thoughts 💭
I learned an important lesson today. Trying to offer advice to YTuber's who are determined to defend their ignorance, by high-lighting obnoxious replies, is like head butting a lamp post. It's not really advisable and it's pointless.
Good choice!
You are so funny! and you bought a new desktop computer with no monitor lol Love it 🤣
I would grab a BENQ. The color on those is amazing and they last forever. I have a 4k one for my photo edits
How about the new dell one which has 2000:1 IPS panel, the up coming Philips JOLED ones looks great too.
Great investment there Omar 😎👌.. I know i can't afford any of that stuff but it was fascinating the intense comparison MKBHD mentioned on monitors in his reviews.. Maybe you could try look at the Dell he mentioned there 🤷♂️. Love ur content man stay blessed!
If I was Tim Cook, I would be like, OMAR your hired to head our photo department, pack ur bags and come to the silicon, ohh yes we even have a 4 bedroom house located in Mountain view for you , your family and your motorcycles haha . rock n roll. btw congrats. ill be following your footsteps soon in upgrading my machine.
Oh Omar you got one!! I have to wait till JUNE!!! Arghh and I have a 32 designer benq so won’t be going for the display. I went with the ultra 4tb. I have m1 MacBook Pro 13 , it’s fast but I still get the rainbow. It hates multitasking with Lightroom and FCPX so I needed a BIG moosive power machine this time. My kids have the 2017 iMac now. 👏🏻
Food for thought. I use a relatively affordable benq sw270c. Hardware calibration adobe rgb. I’d suggest perhaps the 4K version, the model up if you need that. But they’re great. I don’t need the 4K necessarily, but in the future I guess everyone will go that way.
Hey Omar I’ve just got my second LG5k 27” since the price dropped by about 20% since the studio display came out. Same panel inside as the SD and looks slick in all black. It’s also apples official monitor before the SD was released
Hi Omar, I suggest checking out some of the HP monitors as well.
Nice video.
I have a base studio display coming tomorrow to use with a M1 Mac mini. 16gb 1tb. I just wanted a Mac display that would mimic the 5k iMac Pro I never got. The price is “not bad” if you compare to the apple/lg version. Sure the power cord doesn’t really come off. So what. My toaster’s doesn’t either. And there’s no stupid power brick. And the camera is sub par again, didn’t get for the camera. So I don’t care. I may change my mind and return it and if so will follow up and admit here it was a mistake. What I appreciate from the other comments is the need to have an external SSD hard drive for active photo files if there’s not enough room on the internal. I’ll be fixing that mistake. I should also add that I’m an amateur that’s 95 % photo to video, I print but only for my amusement so don’t see a need for a M1 max studio but it has been hard not to succumb to GAS.
Curved screens cannot be uses for graphical stuff in my opinion. You have no optical straight lines on curved screens. This is like shooting architecture with fisheye lenses.
There’s Luna Display which allows your Mac to connect to the newer iMacs that dont work as an external display. Look it up, apparently it works well and you keep the good quality monitor.
I didn't want to invest in an Eizo monitor so I bought an Iiyama. I am very pleased with it. After calibration, the difference was small, but it was worth doing.
Awesome🤩
I’m in the same boat, an old i7 that farts 💨 then dies ☠️ trying to keep up with current workflows is impossible & most of all frustrating 😫.
Let me know if the new asset preforms ?
Depending on your own situation, I’ve structured my m.2 NVMe & HHD drives to maximise speed and storage.
A: OS (optional Cheche files included)
B: Program Cheche files.
C: Current Project files
D: Project Archive.
E: HDD/NAS Time Machine Backup.
I should wait for that M1 mega for my firt mac
I think if you want a really color accurate monitor you are reaching very quickly prices like the Apple Studio Display. But I am also looking for a monitor for my photos. Asus ProArt is looking good but also very expensive. I'm curious about what you will choose.
And about the portability: Wouldn't a MacBook Pro with an M1 Max be better for your need than the Studio? I don't want to talk into your workflow but the description of your need sounded like it would better fit. But most importantly is that you're happy with your workflow :-)
I forgot to mention that I have a 17” MacBook Pro as well. But yes. Makes sense
You should pick 2 monitors , like 2 27" ProArt from Asus.
LG Ultrafine 5k (used will be much cheaper) or the Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q for a monitor
My wife got the MacBook Pro with the Pro chip for editing photos. I'm looking at the Studio for video editing, but I may wait to see how the next M2 Mac mini looks. If I can save $1k it would be a better fit for my wallet as long as the power is what I need.
Hey Omar, First up I’m pretty astonished your 5k iMac is performing so poorly even if it is from 2017. I appreciate you’re saying you’re not into computers or that tech savvy in that regard, but from what you described you have what apple called a Fusion Drive. It’s an old spinning hard drive and an SSD (the old, slower type - but still pretty decent) which are paired together to give you one single drive from the user’s perspective. My guess first guess is that this is the cause of your dreaded spinning wheel. However as you’ve already bought a new machine, you may not thank you for telling you how to fix this with upgrades etc, unless you’re planning on keeping it as a spare machine. However, as for the monitor situation, if you have written off the iMac already or expect to get little for it in its current poor working state, why spend a lot of money on a monitor that gives you 4k when you already have a fabulous (looking at least) 5k monitor right there - did you know how easy it is to use your iMac as the screen for any other Mac, including the Apple Studio? Reading the comments you already decided on a BenQ monitor - even if it’s too late to cancel that order or return it, you could always use the iMac as a 2nd screen and have a massive dual monitor set up? This comment is already long, but hit me up if you want some help with this 👍 [Edit: Posted the above before watching to the end - OMG you let them fleece you for the 4TB SSD. We need to talk man - seriously - For one, you might normally be right about the ‘bottleneck’ issue you mentioned, but these days there are so many options, including those that perform WAY faster than even the Apple 4TB internal SSD. I have 4 SSD’s inside a Sonnet drive connected via Thunderbolt3 which far outperforms my iMac Pro’s internal SSD. Even then, there’s newer tech since then which is even better. Won’t bother posting here, but can give you the heads up if you want. Also, if you’re not comfortable with all this tech I’d also make super sure your Synology NAS and back up strategy is good enough and you have optimised that part of your workflow if you’re storing that much data on drives sat on your desk!]
BenQ makes great displays!
This is a very timely video. I am in a holding pattern on which computer to buy for photo editing. I know I want an Apple product, but am uncertain if I want a desktop or an laptop.
Well, I know you said it multiple times, but here I go. Why spending so much on the studio and do not take the accompanying monitor.
Yes, it is expensive, yes that’s Apple. At least you get a monitor that works fine. And an equivalent 4k model is most likely not much cheaper.
You don’t even need the hight adjustment as your desk is already prepared for it.
Come on, be honest, you are just fishing for arguments to buy the monitor, right? 😂
I think you are spot on with that last sentence.
I replaced the fusion drive in my 2018 iMac with a 2 TB SSD and it made a big difference.
it probably isn't a bad time to upgrade, however that hybrid hard drive in your mac is garbage. putting a fast ssd would make a noticeable improvement in speed for everything you do. the hybrid has part ssd, but it is still a mechanical drive that is not good for your use case.
You mention portability as a driver for going with 4 TB SSD. Did you also consider going with the MacBook Pro instead? I’m trying to decide if it’s better to get the MB Pro w/ 4TB and just have one machine that will do everything, including travel, OR get the cheaper Studio like you plus a much cheaper low end laptop to handle the travel and on location duties.
Yea I already have a laptop though. But that’s a good plan as well.
how about an eizo coloredge cs or cg
Let us know what display you go with. As I heard there was some issues with certain displays.
LG Ergo range are great and the the ultra wide or 32” options are amazing
Cool. Will check out.
Good move. I had a similar iMac and traded it in for a 13’ m1 MacBook Pro. I only went with 1tb but wish I got the 2tb.
Very interesting video, Omar. Please let us know everything you considered in your search for a monitor.
I’ll be shopping for a new Mac and the choice will be between a M1 iMac and a M1 Mac Mini.
For me, the question is : which monitor would have at least the same resolution and color accuracy as the iMac Retina monitor for not much more than the price difference between the iMac and the Mac Mini?
Anyone really knowledgeable about this issue, please share your info!
Thanks!
How are you liking the studio compared to your iMac 27” I’m thinking about upgrading my wife who has 27” iMac now and is a wedding photographer.. is the performance boost worth the price tag?
watching on a 2009 mac 🙂
Would love to hear about your backup plan with your Synology NAS and cloud storage. I do much less volume than you probably do and I actually import photos from my camera right to my 4 bay Synology with RAID 5. Then I back that Synology to another Synology. Nothing to the cloud yet.
I would want the 2tb ssd minimum if I get the Studio Max.
Get the Mac Studio Monitor! Would you buy a Porsche then put a set of cheap Walmart tires on it?
Personally I've had good experiences with BenQ monitors
Very smart choices! Except the 4TB internal SSD. Could have easily saved $600 by going with a 4TB external Thunderbolt SSD. And that is actually portable, unlike your new computer.
If you format you old iMac it would be faster
It'll be nice when iCloud goes beyond 2TB eh?
I can't remember if it was MKHB or LTT, but one of them said the new Apple display was basically the same specs as the LG superfine 5k, but all appled up with the monitor and processor
Congrats on the Studio. It is time you need to switch to NAS Storage.
Why not just using your old mac 5k as external display? I don't think that any display below 700$ is actually gonna be better then the one you already have...
MKBHD did a great video about the Studio Display and it'll probably help you decide on a display. Good luck!
Here's that link if you're interested
ruclips.net/video/yoigsHYc77s/видео.html
Yes saw!!! Thanks
@@ogonzilla he's always my go to for tech reviews. At least I feel like he looks at the practical things that I would care about
Asus ProArt seems to be a good bang for the buck monitor.
I love you Omar :3 stay as you are cause you´re perfect :)
Another great video! Love your work. But I have a weird question. I noticed you had to put on reading glasses for the paperwork. I too am optically challenged and find it difficult at times to get my focus precise simply looking at the screen on the back of the camera. I’ve recently started using focus peaking, but I remember you saying you prefer not to. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
@@charliejg I hardly ever use the LCD for determining detail. I stick with the EVF. I wear glasses which is a pain, but I find have better "luck" with the EVF.
Studio display is really overpriced but it one of the best option just for Mac. Displays from other brands cost also expensive like more than 1000$ and if you choose any of current displays it will be always trade off. There is no perfect solution for least amount of money.
I think I’m starting to realize this. 😢
@@ogonzilla have you tried using your iMac as a monitor? I tried here and it didn't work 🥲
@@ogonzilla I had same situation like you in 2012. When I was shopping for my first Mac, I came across an interesting thought. Most optimal solution is either to buy a iMac and save money on purchasing the entire computer assembly (while replacing the computer, you will have to change it completely) or buy a Mac Mini and a thunderbolt display. In this case, it would be an ideal computer that would be easier to upgrade and change without having to buy a new display. So in 2012 I bought a Mac and 8 years later I bought a used Thunderbolt display and I really liked it. I'm not a photography or video pro, so I wouldn't recommend any specific display models, but I'd just like to tell you that an Apple display is the best fit and it just works - that's why we love Apple products. I think professionals stick on same hardware as long as possible because all theses parameters like contrast, brightness, colors always different on most displays and all I/O is also different and changing over time. If you buy new display it should be display you will use for many many years and it should be perfect for you. Just give a chance to Apple Studio display and visit local Apple Store (or any other store with apple products) and check this display in person.
You know the basic Mac mini would beat your 2017 iMac because of the hardware encoding and stuff.
I’d imagine you only need the basic Mac studio, but maybe upgrade the Ram just in case. But the most basic one should already be good enough
You should get the studio monitor though, it’s actually a good deal since it’s P3.
Actually you should’ve gotten the 16” MacBook Pro and a decent IPS monitor. So you’ll get the best color on the laptop.
And dude! You should’ve gotten the external SSDs! They’re so dang fast! And save the money on the studio display! If you do a little research, you’ll find Colour correct monitors are so dang expensive the studio is actually a good deal. I made the mistake in getting a cheap monitor and the color can’t even compare to the iPad mini. That was my biggest mistake
benq has the most maclike monitors in color accuracy.