Before I start, let me state that the point of reference for comparison is the 5D camera, vs the 1Ds mk 3. My main computer for processing files is a AMD 4400+ x2 (2.42Ghz) 2Gb Windows XP machine that runs rock solid. I am using CaptureOne 3.7.7 and Photoshop CS2. I am writing this short essay to find out what it will take to maintain the speed of my current workflow if I should purchase the 1Ds mk III. I am not planning to buy it but I like doing the math.
There are 3 main areas that the increased file size will have an impact on:
1. Storage
2. Raw processing speed
3. Photoshop CS2 speed
Let’s see how we can do to maintain the current pace of the work flow:
Point 1: Storage is getting cheaper by the day, so using an eSata enabled motherboard with an eSata HDD enclosure will give the same data transfer speed compared to an internal HDD. An external HDD is good if more HDDs cannot be added to the PC.
Point 2: My XP machine will take the 20sec x1.67 = 33.4sec to process each file. If I want to decrease processing time, I will need to get a faster processor. Apparently a quadcore doesn’t help speed up processing, I have experimented timings with a friend of mine with a quadcore machine, timings are similiar with 2 or 4 cores with same proc speed. Raw processing is a batch process, meaning the machine can be left to do the processing overnight.
Point 3: This is potentially the biggest issue, I will explain why in the last paragraph – In order to take advantage of the new 14bit color, we will be working with 16bit files for maximum flexibility. The 1Ds 3 files are 72.6Mb (in CS2) x1.67 = 121.2Mb, meaning that Photoshop will need anything from 3x to 6x (727.6Mb) of RAM to make sure it doesn’t hit the scratch disk*. In my case, I usually open at least 3 files in CS2 for adjustment layers, comparing, etc. So I will need 2.2Gb of RAM dedicated solely for Photoshop use. Photoshop CS2 in XP has a limit of 3Gb RAM as described in this Adobe tech document. This means that I will need a minimum of 4gb ram in the machine to post process 21.1Mp files nicely (XP uses 1Gb for system). Unfortunately, 4Gb RAM is the max RAM XP can run. So for the next 2 years, although XP will work great with the 1Ds mk 3. Just barely. yay.
BUT if I need more RAM, I’ll need a 64bit OS (eg Vista, XP64, OS X), this is likely going to be a big issue. Why? Although I consider myself PC tech inclined, it will be ROYAL pain to shift to over to 64bit Windows. Because it’s likely to involve upgrading a lot of software plus drivers, etc. It’s not as simple as spending more money, there’s a whole new learning curve involved. Worst, Vista is not stabilized and it’ll take 1 or 2 service packs render it useful. At present, there are still hardware/software incompatibilities NOT yet ironed out. Looking at Microsoft’s track record with Windows 3.11, 98, 2k and XP histories, they will make it stable, the only question is ‘when?’.
Wes
*Note: Hitting the scratch disk on HDD is not good, because it really slows CS2 down and in my case, it disrupts my creative flow, so the aim is to avoid hitting the scratch disk on HDD.
Dang, that’s why I’m sterring clear of that camera. I think my good ole 1Dmkiii is plenty of pixels for me. But the Nikon D3 looks yummy tho. That and some of those Carl Zeiss lenses.
Hey Kuang,
I have used the ZF lenses, the 50mm and 35mm on the 5D. They are good and sturdy but I came across smearing issues with the 50mm. It was disturbing, since the reputation of the carl zeiss has always been nothing short of sterling. Might be better to stick with the R lenses with your Canon, no? The colors are so different from the Zeiss stuff :). I have used a 60 micro for a couple of years with the 1Ds, highly recommended.
Best
Wes