Contemplating a new desktop PC

[coffeejo]

I tried GIMP for a good few years but didn't get on with it and was much happier when I returned to Photoshop Elements. Yes, there are plenty of criticisms one can throw at Adobe, but I find PS easy to use. I also want to start working with RAW files, which is yet another thing that my current set up can't cope with.

I guess that takes me to the specifics of what I want to use it for, as some have asked. The usual browsing, music and streaming but as I said, it's working with photographs that's got me thinking about a custom set up instead of merely out of the box. I want to switch to RAW files, and although the ideal scenario is to take photos that don't require editing, I enjoy the post-processing stage and want to be able to do so without my system pausing or freezing on a regular basis. As an example, I'm currently working with layers to rescue some photos whose backgrounds, foregrounds and subjects require different approaches, photos that I would otherwise just delete. I also make my own Christmas cards, gift tags etc.

By pure chance, I happened to spot an independent computer shop in town yesterday and yes, they do custom builds: all I need to do is provide them with the spec. I forgot to ask about warranty but assuming that all is well, I'm happy at the thought of supporting a local business for the same reason as I support my LBS and camera shop.

I've not narrowed much down but I think I'll go for an intel i5 processor, definitely want a SSD, and have received some quite specific advice about motherboards. I'll have to visit a shop or two to see which size monitors work for me.

Thanks for your input.

 

[accountantpete]

For RAW files then a lot of Linux users prefer Darktable to Gimp. It's an excellent free editor that offers all the basic editing programs apart from merging images and is pretty easy to use although there are so many different programs that learning them all does take time.

There are also a great set of tutorial type videos by Robert Hutton


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IiwfHY0ls0&index=1&list=PLmvlUro_Up1NBX7VK8UUuyWo1B468zEA0

 

[Crackle]

Think also about storage if working with raw files and taking a 100 shots a time. Adding layers to psd files and working in 16 bit makes for files of 200 or 300mb. Now I tend not to discard the psd files I've done a lot of work on in case I need to go back. So I'll normally have the raw file, the psd and a flattened jpg of the same picture. In fact I don't discard anything, which is probably a bad habit. So my storage is spread. I have the most recent stuff on a separate drive in my computer, which is backed up to a NAS drive and older stuff is purely on the NAS drive, which contains a mirrored disc setup.

My workflow is to use LIghtroom, which I strongly recommend, as an organiser and editing tool but to do the more complex stuff in Photoshop. In addition I store stuff online but it really isn't practical for really big files, so you need to develop your own storage and backup system. Lightroom greatly simplifies that as it can handle multiple storage options and keep everything in one view or multi-views, whichever you want.

 

[mybike]

For RAW files then a lot of Linux users prefer Darktable to Gimp. It's an excellent free editor that offers all the basic editing programs apart from merging images and is pretty easy to use although there are so many different programs that learning them all does take time.

There are also a great set of tutorial type videos by Robert Hutton


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IiwfHY0ls0&index=1&list=PLmvlUro_Up1NBX7VK8UUuyWo1B468zEA0

Thanks for that, it looks interesting. Ubuntu/Mint users use the PPA as the stock version is old.

 

[John the Monkey]

I liked Bibble for processing my own RAW files, although I don't know how that is now it's become Corel Aftershot.

I use my own folder system for organisation (year/month/[raw | film]/ ) with processed files sitting in the "month" directories - Picasa sits on top of that to give me a visual representation of that structure.

I have edited in GIMP, but didn't much like the interface - I don't do a lot of photo manipulation though.

 

[Crackle]

Picasa sits on top of that to give me a visual representation of that structure.

Google have abandoned Picasa now. No more updates if you have it. Shame really, it wasn't bad.

 

[John the Monkey]

Google have abandoned Picasa now. No more updates if you have it. Shame really, it wasn't bad.

Bah, you wait until I see Ian Google, I'll give him a piece of my mind :/

 

[srw]

Google have abandoned Picasa now. No more updates if you have it. Shame really, it wasn't bad.

Boo. I liked it because it was very simple.

I've got several years worth of photographs stored I need to sort, optimise and prit (some of).

 

[psmiffy]

Ditto - Im not a photographer - learnt years ago in the film era that I have no talent for it - Im a snapper - do not do much editing - contrast,brightness, occasional crop and changing the file names (use the long extinct MSO picture manager for name changes) - Picasa does all that easily and more importantly allows me to find pictures easily - PS seems to be way over the top unless you have a real interest in it

 

[Crackle]

Boo. I liked it because it was very simple.

I've got several years worth of photographs stored I need to sort, optimise and prit (some of).

It'll still work for now but eventually it won't be compatible with something. You can also still upload to existing online albums but not create new ones. The online replacement for it all, Google photos, is a bit dumbed down and doesn't seem to work as well if you link to photos in it.

 

[psmiffy]

Google photos really annoys me - I dont want to have access to every single photo ive ever taken on my phone or tablet

 

[Crackle]

Google photos really annoys me - I dont want to have access to every single photo ive ever taken on my phone or tablet

I dislike the lack of control over it. I do like it automatically backs up my phone but that's about all I like. It's a step backwards everywhere else.