Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
02-19-2021, 05:43 PM
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Interesting, I read your posts on the Tamron 17-50, and it makes me think of all the issues I've had with their 10-24. I have a 17-50, and I never had any issues what-so-ever using with my vanilla K-5. I loved that combo so much, I got the 10-24, and I was never happy with the lens. I always wondered if it was the camera or the lens. I don't think I've ever used either much once I went to a K-3 because I shifted to relying more on prime lenses and found that I never really used the 10-24 any wider than 15 mm.
I'm glad you found a solution.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
11-18-2020, 03:16 PM
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So for perspective, my GPU is the minimum Rx 580. Their quote on export time (2Mpx/second) seems to be conservative. With images from my K3, I can output an image in 4 seconds total, which is much faster. I'm sure my CPU and RAM pick up some of the difference, and of course photos can vary; I've not thrown anything at a super high ISO, yet, which will probably be where I notice the difference. But your link reminded me of what stuck out to me before I had bought the upgrade; they note they used an Rx 550 for optimization, which speaks to extensive testing below the stated minimum. Makes me wonder why they didn't post the minimum as the 550. They also made me confident that the software would work, even without a good GPU (albeit slower).
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Forum: General Photography
11-18-2020, 02:59 PM
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I clean my sensor when necessary, all the way to a wet cleaning. Usually based on finding images like the post above coming out of my camera and finding that the more typical methods progression wouldn't work.
With my current K3, I've actually only done a wet cleaning once as it seems a rocket blower and the initial start up shake work a lot better than my older bodies. I'm probably more careful now about changing my lenses than I used to be.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
11-18-2020, 02:41 PM
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Yes. I honestly didn't look that closely. I've built my last 4 computers, and each time, I always use a GPU that is a couple of generations behind the main gaming ones out there. I do splurge on CPUs, however, mostly to support hyperthreading and take advantage that few photo software really try to take advantage of GPUs. Right now, PL 3 and PL 4 will export an image in less than 5 seconds, and at that point I'm not fretting much.
With a laptop, I could see being hesitant. It's hard to upgrade a laptop. A trial may be the only way to know how much of an impact you might have or knowing if you are ready to update a computer. I probably wouldn't do it just for the sake of a program, but when a computer is ready to be upgraded, at least you have something to target spec-wise.
At the same time, I wonder just how much of a GPU DxO is expecting. It certainly can't be expecting top of the line and most laptops will have a decent GPU to at least support a casual gamer.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
11-18-2020, 01:34 PM
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This was what I was trying to get at earlier. I find that the bare metal can be ok in color but isn't always great in black and white.
I printed a few photos out a while back for my work office. I had some photos I took of the Northern Lights in Iceland that were awesome with the metal shining through. It made the lights look like they were right there glowing. I do think it is gimmicky overall as I remember seeing a gallery full of color metal prints like this and thinking it looked a bit cheesy.
For a black and white I did, I went with the white to preserve the detail and contrast in the image. In all cases, I had bought 4x6 samples of the images (or croppings to test the dpi) to see how all the finishes looked.
What I've determined is that the metal showing through works best when you are dealing with a generally darker (like a night shot) with very high contrast or highlights. The white base works better for daylight images that are brighter where most of the details are at the higher levels and most likely to be lost with the metal showing through.
In all cases, I've liked the glossy better. A matte finish seems to limit the wow factor, and I'd rather just go with a canvas or standard print at that point.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
11-18-2020, 01:27 PM
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Looks like they have 30% right now. I feel like mine was 40%, but I bet they'll have more. I paid $69.99 (US). Yeah, I think the DeepPrime is about the same as Prime in PL 3 in terms of resources, but I could be off. I had built a new computer when PL 3 came out, and the difference was night and day in terms of Prime. I remember I would just run through a round of photos and then export before going to bed.
I also note that as primarily a landscape photographer (and outdoor photographer of my little 5 year old who runs a lot), I generally take a lot of lower ISO photos (100-800). In many of those cases, I rarely even bother with Prime noise reduction. I definitely want to play with my camera's high ISO now, however, to see how it works out. I'll also go back to my old K10d and see what I can get out of those old RAW files with the deep Prime.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
11-18-2020, 12:42 PM
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I did use Photolab 3. I've not had time to fully test 4 yet. I have a fairly high end PC, and I don't notice the deepPrime noise setting being any different from the previous Prime. I've not had a chance to see how much of an improvement that really is (in real terms for my images). I was always happy with the Prime settings in prior versions; I've been using DxO since their old version 8 or 9.
I do like the updated work space and flow. The history is nice (that was one of the few things I missed from LR). Copying settings is better than it had been.
The library features lack quite a bit, but I don't really use those, so it doesn't bother me. I had purchased their last versions of their ViewPoint and FilmPack software in the day, and they still work and are quite good.
You might consider a trial if you are already using 3 and see?
I primarily purchased the software because of the upgrade special (40% off at the time) and to help them out. I don't like subscription services, but I don't mind paying each year to support this company since I can stop at any time, plus I want to see them keep moving forward. I'm hopeful that they'll fully integrate Nik into PL at some point also. I still only have the older Google version of the Nik, which I can use as a plug-in, which seems consistent with the newer versions. They've not improved those enough to make me interested.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
11-17-2020, 05:34 PM
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Count me as a user that has been disappointed by Skylum and their products. Actually Aurora is ok; I tried it out after using Nik HDREfex Pro. The two are quite similar, but at the time Nik didn't look like it would improve. Aurora HDR works ok as a step (small) up from Nik. Luminar was a joke though after all the promised features. I wouldn't give them money based on the dropped promises.
As for DAM, I've used IMatch for 17 years now. It's a great program without any real photo processing. This may seem like a negative, especially for those used to something like LightRoom, but I like that I've been able to stick with it and change my processing software whenever I want. It relies on the XMP record for most cataloging, so I could change to other DAM software if I choose, including LightRoom. I think ACDSee is quite similar.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
11-17-2020, 05:28 PM
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Currently, I primarily use DxO PhotoLab (have ver 4 now) with Affinity Photo and an old (Google Free Version) of NiK tools. However, in the past few years 99.9% I'm on DxO with occasional use of SilverEfex (out of Nik). DxO gets me to a finished product I'm happy with quicker than anything I've ever used (I rarely spend more than 20-seconds on an image). I mostly prefer it for its lens profiles; I rarely have to make any edits for lens corrections. Admittedly, I've not tried anything else in about 5 years for processing my RAW files.
I used to use Lightroom for processing my raw files, and it had its advantages. But, I never used it for its DAM features, and processing was not as quick as I'd like (despite it being arguably more user friendly). I think if I ever have to change from DxO, I'll probably reevaluate DarkTable and RawTherapee as both have come along nicely since I last looked, feature-wise. I don't look too hard though because I had found that last time I switched over that I could mostly get the same results from any software; it was the GUI and process I was paying for.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
11-04-2020, 05:51 PM
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I would only argue it is the wrong way to go if you are counting on that metal shininess to show through, which I know some people do. I printed a black and white that was lighter overall, and just eliminated having the metal show through. It is still a beautiful print. Probably would have been nice in acrylic too.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
11-02-2020, 05:37 PM
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I think that if you have a good knack for decorating it would be ok to mix media. I'm not sure I'd mix canvas among a group like that, but it is ultimately about how you lay your pictures out, size, etc. that makes it look good or bad.
I've not tested acrylic prints, yet. I have tried metal prints of various types, and I do find that for black and white, it is generally advantageous to print without the metal showing through (i.e. they print it white and then print the photo on top of that). A black and white with the metal shining through can disrupt the contrast of a black and white photo as the whites will only be as light as the metal is. I've had it work ok for a shot that was a night shot, but in general test shots, they don't look too great that way.
So then, once you choose to go with a metal print without the metal showing through, you end up with something that is probably going to be quite similar to an acrylic print, albeit the presentation (thickness, mount, etc.) will be a bit different.
I would strongly encourage test printing on small prints to see how it might look.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
12-23-2019, 04:51 PM
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From a data management standpoint, there are a couple of considerations regarding the choice between PEF and DNG.
A DNG file will contain the metadata (XMP record) within the file. When you make edits to the metadata or even use the developer in LR, those edits will be written directly to the DNG file. There are some risks that while not super likely are still risks: (1) each time you edit you are writing to the file, you could potentially cause a corruption issue or error to the file. (2) if you have a backup process (and you should), each time you edit the metadata, you will most likely have to back up the full file. This can be problematic in a network setting where the change of a few bytes leads to Mbs of backup.
Conversely, with a PEF file, the metadata is written to a separate XMP file. The file is small, and editing metadata means the original PEF file is never written to. In your backup routine, only the XMP files need to be backed up. The risks associated with this scenario are (1) that you end up with 2 files for every photo (PEF and XMP), (2) you have to be religious and diligent with file management. Moving an image means moving its xmp file with it, (3) Renaming an image can break the pairing of the PEF and XMP record. A good DAM software will deal with these issues appropriately as long as you are diligent and keep within the software (LR or other DAM). But, you may also end up with issues if you shoot raw+jpg. Some software may interpret the XMP file as belonging to the JPG, even though it isn't possible. That's not necessarily your problem, but software will often look for XMP files for every image before looking at an embedded XMP record; some RAW formats (like NEF) allow XMP to be written to the file itself.
Just food for thought. May not matter to many people reading, and there are obvious benefits to each format and flaw just from the DAM perspective.
Side note, for a while I shot PEF, but I was not good at managing the XMP files. I converted the PEFs to DNG. It seems a bit advantageous at first because the DNGs are a little smaller that way (vs. shooting from the camera). This was before lossy DNGs, so presumably it was just a better algorithm by Adobe than Pentax. The problem with those DNG files is that some software that supports Pentax's DNG files will not support a DNG file that comes out of the Adobe converter (DXO specifically). I'm not sure why it should matter that much, but it does. I now just shoot DNG. I'm not fond of backing up the full DNG when I am only keywording my files, but I don't backup through the internet, so I'm not using bandwidth as much as just wearing on the harddrive (which is minor overall).
Finally, I've never actually corrupted a DNG file because I was writing to it too much. I only note that because it is a common argument of those who really want to protect their raw data. I'm sure it can happen, but (knock on wood), I've not had the problem.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
12-23-2019, 03:31 PM
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Which is fine if you are a professional and you own the equipment for it. But if a person doesn't, than an eyeball works better than nothing. That was the point of my post.
And your argument really would only fully hold up with paper did have a brightness knob. The fact that paper is essentially fixed, gives the casual user the wiggle room to eyeball it in the absence of nothing else. Of course it means nothing if they use different paper, but therein lies the hazard with visual calibration and outside printers without going to more formal means. But again, if I didn't want to spend the money on calibrators, I'd be ok spending $0.10 for a test print every time to compensate for not paying for the calibrate. It's up to the user at that point.
Calibrating to the extent you are suggesting is great if you plan on printing and showing in the same room you processed the images, but as soon as that print goes to another room you're off. Heck as soon as the photo is viewed on another computer it's off. We can exercise all the control we want, but we'll never have full control. I find most people care more about the composition than whether the color is 1% off.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
12-13-2019, 04:57 PM
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If you have prints in front of you that are too dark, a quick and dirty way to make an adjustment would be to take one of the images that was printed (the jpg) and open it up on the screen.
Then holding it side by side with the print, adjust the monitor brightness until the image on the screen roughly matches the print.
From that point on, you can edit and process raw files so they look right to you on the screen and presumably the brightness of the print will match. It's probably a bit better than just setting at 50% and going (not that 50% won't be right).
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
11-26-2019, 10:20 AM
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I guess I could understand, but DxO is not meant to be a DAM. Their focus is on the development side with enough of a library to do culling. As for edits being one image at a time, you can copy and paste edits from image to image or make a preset that you can quickly apply to a lot of images. It isn't quite like LR, but it definitely isn't as restrictive as "one at a time".
I get that LR essentially does DAM and cataloging, but the price was that once you went into that, it was difficult to get out of (especially the catalog side without having to deal with compatability to some extent). Thankfully, I had always managed my catalogs in an independent software, mostly because I was trying to tag files (IPTC and XMP) prior to having RAW capabilities. I stuck with that software because even when I did get raw, I started with the Pentax software, Silkypix Pro, and RawTherapee. Eventually, I got LR on an education license and used it until they went subscription. But for my use LR was almost strictly a developer. The catalog was only used for ratings and color labels (to track workflow).
DxO is basically a developer, and I am glad they brought in enough support to change ratings and labels, but my separate DAM still handles my XMP/IPTC tags.
I do hope they improve the NIK integration. Really, with the Elite version of PL, the NIK should just be built right in. Most of the Nik features have redundancy with features in PL, just different implementation. For example, I can create a black in white in DxO or I can export to Silver Efex, but why not just build in Silver Efex into PL (Elite). And then on the noise removal, I'm not sure I would ever export to Nik when the Prime noise reduction is so fantastic.
I don't know though. The advantage to Nik separately is that others can use it with other software, but we'll see.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
11-21-2019, 04:15 PM
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My PC was up to requirements. It had an i7 with 32 GB of RAM an SSD and a decent GPU (which I don't think matters). As I noted, it has been the only photo related software I've not been able to run (at all). I understood that things might work better with no software, running as admin, rebooting, etc, but never worked. I did just build a new one to get a current CPU, but I haven't tried Luminar in it as I chalked my issues up to software instability.
Thanks for the info on the skies. I probably wouldn't buy the software if that is all it offered. Originally, I had tried Luminar 3 (whatever it was before they added the libraries feature), and that worked. But as soon as they add the libraries feature, that is where things never worked. Unfortunately, with my usage, I needed to be able to quickly move from photo to photo, and the earlier implementation of the software did not allow that (at least not in Windows).
I do typically support new software that shows promise. I gave up on Lightroom, really before they went subscription. When LR6 came out and it was handicapped vs. the subscription, I shifted my attention, really to DxO. I love DxO, but I've always held out and try other software. I had high hopes for Luminar and ON1, especially if there were good attempts to equal the workflow aspects of LR (which was really what made LR standout). Developing features are great, but most software can hit that well with experiences based on how you use it and what you need. As it is, DxO is catching up on the library side itself. I still keep an eye because there are times I want to use something different, when my preferred program doesn't work.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
11-21-2019, 02:22 PM
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Since sky replacements seem to be a thing now in software (at least as a feature), can you explain how this works with Luminar? Is this just a catalog of stock photos of skies that you are literally replacing the sky? Is it just fixing the sky in the image through some type of masking?
Side note, I've replaced skies in images on just a few occasions using layers in Photoshop and just blending my own sky photos with the image I'm replacing the sky in. Generally, just using a sky isn't as easy as it might seem because of lighting, scale, etc. Psychologically, even if I've done a great job, it just looks ok. The examples I see with the current crop of software are good as is the one you posted here. But I worry it's a feature that loses value, or worse becomes a crutch.
And, I'm sorry that I am asking when the answer may be obvious through the software's web pages and documentation. I do like having a user perspective over the software company's marketing. Admittedly, I'm a bit cynical with Luminar because they've not delivered to their marketing in a lot of cases in the past, and I never could get Luminar 3 to work on my PC, which they punted as my problem not theirs despite it being the only photography software I've never been able to install on a PC. I did like Luminar 2, in concept, but I'm more skittish now.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-21-2019, 09:28 AM
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My best/favorite has been a Domke F-5XC (according to my Amazon purchase history that's the name).
The bag isn't bulky, and it has a nice little under compartment that has been great for the small Pentax primes or for my 60-250 zoom. It is versatile and light-weight. It is fairly durable, but it doesn't have much padding. It isn't much bigger than a holster, and it is pretty comfortable to carry; although, if I squeeze in 4+ lenses (doable with a bunch of primes), it can get a bit much when hiking.
I've had some bad bags, but it is hard to say one is the worst. I've had some holster bags, which I had bought for the same purpose as the Domke that is my favorite, but they never had the versatility to carry much more than the camera and maybe one extra lens. They can be more comfortable and better padded.
Perhaps the worst was buying a Timbuk-2 messenger bag with their camera insert. It isn't truly a camera bag, but experience had been that it worked well and didn't scream there is a camera inside. That is true, but the insert just floated around. In fairness, their bags don't hold a shape well for much.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
11-20-2019, 04:56 PM
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I know this is a little digression, but since it had been discussed in this thread... I received an email today regarding the release of Nik 2.3 (which I take as an update on Nik 2). I had purchased Nik 1 when DxO released it to support the company and Nik software, which Google had been abandoning.
In Nik 2.3, I notice hints that the optical corrections that were Viewpoint may now be embedded in Nik (or maybe the Photolab essentials edition). I have ViewPoint, so I should check it out.
However, I've been a user of Photolab and its predecessor in the Elite form. I'm not sure whether the Nik suite interfaces well with the Elite version of the software. I've not hurried to update to Nik 2 nor have I hurried to PL 3 (although I'll be doing that shortly). On paper, it hadn't look like there was much to making the upgrades, but a lot of good experiences here and on other forums with PL 3.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
11-13-2019, 02:38 PM
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This is a good question (without sifting through this thread). I am a k3 (i) user, and I've so far refrained from a K1 (i or ii) because I am an amateur comfortable in ASP-C and what I get from the K-3. That said, the biggest feature I could see is a significantly improved auto-focus situation (points, speed, reliability). I also wouldn't mind a better buffer and fps, but that isn't as critical for me. There are little features I'd like, like GPS or wireless, but if those were the only features, I'd save up and plan for FF anyway.
I'm actually hoping my K-3 lives on for a while anyway. I doubt I'll jump on an early bandwagon for the new APS-C. Even if it never came out, I still have a perfectly functional K-5, which I still enjoyed most of all my Pentax's.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
09-03-2019, 08:30 AM
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So my current computer (soon to be previous) from 2012 had an i7-3770. It had a Samsung 840 SSD at the time and a couple of spinning HDD. Everything was decent with the system except when cataloging / keywording my photos and working with large files. Do I really need the extra SSD? I'm sure I don't, but if I ever update camera bodies and end up with something where the working files are 50-100 MB, it won't hurt. I do tend to batch process photos, so I am hoping exporting will go faster. I could go with 1TB for the second drive there.
On the AMD, all indications are it is decent. I could stick with Intel, but it is hard to justify the cost. I would want an 8-core CPU, but I would only have 8 threads. I feel like if I go with 4 cores, I am essentially at the same level I am currently at. I know on a spec vs spec, Intel is still better, but it will cost a lot more. And, in my usage, CPU/Core speed won't be as important as multiple threads; my DAM will process using all cores/threads available as will the video processing I do (which is limited).
And my back-up won't change much. I rotate through a few USB-3 drives to backup photos and files keeping one or two at work and one or two at home. I have a 2 larger USB drives to backup media files too. Additionally, I plan on having 2 large HDD on the PC itself that will essentially be mirrors of each other (but not Raid). One will be a primary, and the other will be more of a backup. Since, my backup to the external drives is typically on a 1 month cycle this will improve things.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
08-29-2019, 03:38 PM
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Thanks for all the feedback. I'll continue to think about it. At this point, I think I have enough to think about the computer itself and at least get to a good spot on a GPU (and all the other good stuff).
So budget isn't hugely tight as I figure/plan to get a good 8 years out of the next build. I do try to budget for value as I am not a professional photographer, and my actual job is mostly in Microsoft Office (which I occasionally do from home) and a music server/manager for my audio files.
Given the goal of getting a good computer life but not full on overkill, My thoughts right now are to go with the following:
* Ryzen 7 3700x (maybe 3600) -- although I think the 3700x will help with longevity of the system
* an appropriate motherboard (probably in the past generation)
* 32 Gb of 3200 speed RAM (based on my understanding of what's good with the CPU) -- I currently have 32-gb, which was definitely overkill (I started the old system with 16-gb and added 16-gb, but usage has never really exceeded 16.
* GPU -- will likely look for suitability with the max total resolution I might get with recognition that speed isn't critical. I've not dug into that yet. My current PC has a 1050ti with 4 or 8gb of memory. It works well for my need with 2 x 1920 x 1200 monitors. I probably have to do better with more resolution.
* an Nvme drive for the system and software (I need to see how much software I currently have and need and pick an appropriate size, likely around 500 gb)
* a 2TB SSD to host what I'll call my "live" photo library (images I am working with and cataloging)
* additional storage for the full photo inventory and music library
* Monitor(s)
* And of course all the other little peripherals that are needed (cooling, network, OS)
I'm a bit uncertain on optical drives as I rarely use them anymore. My current PC has a BR reader with a DVD+/-RW, which was only like $25 when I got it. It doesn't seem such things exist anymore. 4k-technology has jacked up those drive's costs and has made drives for lesser technology obsolete. If I need it, I can probably look for a refurb for as little as I would need it.
It'll be exciting. Only thing that might derail this is if Pentax were to actually come up with a K3 update; although, my K3-i is still doing me fantastic and keeping me quite happy as well as my K5. It feels like older times for me where I could buy something and use it for a long time. ---------- Post added 08-29-2019 at 03:46 PM ---------- Oh to the earlier comment.
My Dell monitor that is wide-gamut is actually a VA monitor. I didn't know about such things at the time and had focused on the wide-gamut aspect. I calibrate it somewhat consistently (at least 3 times a year) and it has been great for photos, and I've never had issues (once I figured out I needed to calibrate for brightness in addition to color). The newer monitor is IPS, but even though I calibrate it, I've never been happy with its color. It's a cheap IPS panel, so that is probably the issue. In researching newer monitors with a focus on color calibration quality, it seems that IPS/VA have their pluses and minuses. I am mostly focused on an IPS, but now I am shifting my focus on color accuracy and the delta values through some of the more thorough reviews out there as my key concern. I do have a Fry's nearby, so if possible, I will try to see some monitors in person; although I find many retailers are focused on gaming monitors and lower end monitors.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
08-28-2019, 12:19 PM
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This is what I was thinking.
Did you move to the 32-inch from a dual setup or just a smaller to larger?
Do you find it uncomfortable moving your head/eyes around the screen? I've not really had issues side to side with the dual 24's.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
08-28-2019, 09:19 AM
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Thanks for all the feedback. I recognize this is subjective, and I obviously there are pros and cons to the situations.
I recognize the importance of calibration and panel type. That's why I had the Dell 2408wfp in the first place (a good wide gamut monitor at the time, albeit with a VA panel). That monitor did (and still does me well). The second monitor is an IPS panel with a limited color space; it is by ASUS, but it was cheap and difficult to calibrate, so I use it more for thumbnail browsing. Both monitors are 24-inch and 16:10. I also recognize the GPU and System memory will be important. That's why I am trying to figure out the monitor situation first. I can buy the appropriate GPU once I know my monitor situation.
Part of the reason I like the idea of 27-inch at 1440 is the pixel pitch would be essentially the same as what I have. The drawback of two of those is physical space on my desktop and having to turn my head even more. Of course I could turn one of the 24's sideways, which I think could be useful for how I use a second monitor, would help with internet browsing, and allow me to focus on buying a better monitor. I will note that in the past, I found it a little hard to get used to having two different monitors as it was easy to lose the pointer and scaling could get funny. I could probably make it work now. I'm not sure it would look very clean, but at that point I'd buy monitor arms to help declutter the desktop.
Now with regard to the usefulness of higher resolution (higher ppi), I would think it would be advantageous for photo editing to have higher resolution for viewing the photo itself? Other limitations of the technology aside, it would seem cleaner. Your image could be closer to 1:1, you'd get a better representation of what a final image might look like, etc. Now, I do see from other aspects (windows, menus, etc) where there could be a problem. My 13-inch laptop has a 1440 display, and scaling isn't perfect, and some software struggles with (or doesn't support it). I'm also uncertain how scaling works in a dual monitor setup since I've never tried it (I could experiment with my current setup).
I'm in no huge hurry. I thought the CPU/mother-board and storage aspect would be difficult, but actually the evolution of technology in the past 8 years (which I've only loosely kept up with) is making those decisions a lot easier. I don't overclock. THe only thing I'm not fond of on that level is the need to make everything inside the computer look good. I don't need windows into my case or lights on my motherboard or fans. I just want the PC to work well. Even if I was a gamer, no one on the net is going to see it anyway. ---------- Post added 08-28-2019 at 09:23 AM ----------
My concern with curved is that it would cause issues with perspective in editing photos with straight lines. I also feel like the value per dollar isn't great, sales aside. For instance, I would expect non wide monitors to similarly go on sale, and gain it would seem you'll get a better monitor with a standard 16:9, especially if I am trying to get one that can cover a good color gamut.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
08-26-2019, 12:30 PM
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I'm going to build a new PC soon, and I am contemplating new monitors (question toward end).
Current: My current PC is about 8 years old and running 2 x 24-inch (1920 x 1200) monitors (that are 8 and 11 years old).
In building a new PC, the big factor will be whether I update the monitors or not because it potentially drives the GPU need, primarily because the 2 old monitors only have DVI connectors (the newer has HDMI as an option, but I only have DVI cables) and the connections on the GPU. The old PC has an 1050ti card, which has been pretty good for my needs (I don't game).
Question: Is it worth potentially switching to one 32-inch (4k) monitor with my main use being photography (casual photographer)? I have also considered getting two 27-inch (1440) monitors or one ultra-wide (1440).
I think my dilemma is that in my work/office life, I love using two monitors. For photography, I've found my needs mixed. I use 2 monitors mostly to facilitate a crowded workspace in my apps to push tool panels, and thumbnails over to a second monitor, but I don't often have things on a second screen like I do at work. With my desk setup, I am about 20-inches from my monitors.
Other issues/considerations:
1. 2 x 27 could be too wide (physically) although the dpi will be about the same as my current 2 x 24's.
2. An ultrawide could compromise for the 2 x 27, but they can be costly when compared to 32-inch 4k's, especially for photography and calibration purposes.
3. The ppi for a 32-inch and 4k may be too small and scaling may somewhat negate the added resolution (and may not work in some apps). Using a 1440 x 32-inch would be worse for ppi than my current setup.
4. Will a 32-inch feel too big anyway.
5. If I move to 32-inch or a single monitor scenario, I will not be getting rid of the old monitors (my wife will take the old desktop), I could use one of the old monitors as a portrait monitor to create a dual setup. It isn't as clean as I would like, but feasible if I really regretted it.
6. I kind of wish there were (more) 24-inch monitors in a 1440 scenario. That scenario might have been best, but it seems there are almost no monitors in that combination. I might need to look into that further, but the ppi might still be an issue.
Ultimately, have others gone through these thought processes at all? Has anyone replaced a dual monitor system with a 32-inch (or other single monitor system)? Should I stop overthinking it and just stick with what I have? I think my concern with an update later situation is the monitor connectors. DVI is no longer really a thing, and I am not sure I can adapt my older DVI monitor (it's my only wide-gamut monitor) to HDMI or DP through adapters or cables.
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