Re: iMac Pro editing machine for C200
 

The trashcan is a good deal if you get it used/refurbished, but keep in mind that the comparable iMac Pro (in cores) is 50% faster.

Re: iMac Pro editing machine for C200
 

Very good point Gary. I'm thinking of buying a Canon C200, so I'll need all the power.

Re: iMac Pro editing machine for C200
 

I'm sure even an 8-core iMac Pro would be ample horsepower for Cinema RAW Lite. I have a 10-Core myself. One area where I put more cash in was in storage. Cinema RAW Lite files are huge, so you'll want to ensure you have both space and speed.

I'm using LaCie RAIDs paired up with my iMac Pro. A 6-bay RAID 10 (approx 600 MBps reads/writes) and a 2-bay RAID 0 scratch disk (approx 400 MBps reads/writes). Finally, a third RAID 1 for backups. The internal SSD is left for applications.

Re: iMac Pro editing machine for C200
 

Well here is the comparison. What I see glaring at me is the number of cores.

https://www.apple.com/mac/compare/re...oduct2=mac-pro

Re: iMac Pro editing machine for C200
 

And this is what I'm leaning towards.

3.2GHz 8-core Intel Xeon W processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.2GHz
64GB 2666MHz DDR4 ECC memory
1TB SSD
Radeon Pro Vega 64 with 16GB of HBM2 memory
Magic Mouse 2 - Space Gray
Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - US English - Space Gray

Re: iMac Pro editing machine for C200
 

That is a good compromise between the maximum specs you can get and the price you pay.

Re: iMac Pro editing machine for C200
 

Thank you Gary

Re: iMac Pro editing machine for C200
 

Do check if the software you'll use will benefit from the Vega 64. If not, you may want to consider sticking with the Vega56 and update to the 10-core version. That is what I did for the software I use (Xcode, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, Final Cut Pro X and various 3D packages to include Cinema 4D). While some do tap into the GPU, many of the processes I run are CPU-bound.

Re: iMac Pro editing machine for C200
 

That's a good point. I've already toyed around with FCPX but am thinking Adobe Premier if FCPX doesn't do it for me. I'm a long time Vegas editor, but I'm looking to move on.

I'll be sure to check on FCPX and Premier and see how they handle processing. Thanks, Ricky.

Re: iMac Pro editing machine for C200
 

Personally, I would buy a 10-core, but you have to decide if the potential speed is worth it. Primarily use Adobe with some FCPX thrown in for certain clients.

Re: iMac Pro editing machine for C200
 

Good point Gary. I called Adobe upper support and they could relay numbers for the upgrades, but they don't have an official announcement to say, put more money in this or that. According to Adobe, Premier uses either/or video or cpu processing and can be switched on and off depending. So that's at least good to know.

I did a test on my current editor, with well below video specs for 4k, and Adobe premier handled the video play back so much better than Sony Vegas. Which is what started me on this new purchase journey. :}

Re: iMac Pro editing machine for C200
 

Update:

So after researching the iMac Pro to death, thinking I knew pretty much the ins and outs of what I was looking for, I went to my local Apple store to discuss options. I asked the sales guy if I buy a base model, can I get upgrades later. The blue guy went to the back to ask the head Apple technician. He came back with a definitive, no, no, nothing is upgradable on the iMac Pro after purchase. So I left completely confused.

I called Apple and they told me the only thing that is upgradable after purchase is the Ram. Which is different than the Apple store guy.

I called another Apple store near Washington D.C. and they said their Apple guy could upgrade the hard drives, Ram and Core.

Needless to say, I'm perplexed atm. I chatted with BH and they told me I should pay attention to the Vram, which is good advice.

Re: iMac Pro editing machine for C200
 

You should buy the highest end machine you can absolutely afford, and figure that it won't be easily upgradeable in the future. That's what I plan to do.