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Choosing a Computer System for Digital Imaging
● Monitors = 17-inch or 19-inch for images, 15-inch for tool palettes
● Backup device = CD-RW, DVD-RAM optional
● Hardware calibrator for monitor
● Printer = Laser printer for business use, let your service bureau worry about
proof prints
● Scanner = Don't bother. Do it right and send your originals to a service
bureau for drum scanning.
● Computer = Whatever is left in your budget
One More Consideration
If you're serious about the fine art market, you should honestly evaluate your
computer skills and the cost versus the benefit of preparing the files yourself.
Doing the prep work gives you absolute control over the final image, but do you
have the skills and inclination to sit in front of the computer and prep the files
yourself? Do you know how to set up a color management workflow that will
succeed outside your home or office?
Before the advent of digital imaging very few photographers bothered printing their
own color work. They'd shoot the images, then drop off the film at a lab for
processing and printing. Unless you have extensive darkroom experience you'll
find this whole process frustrating. And it will not put money in your pocket. Think
about this if you're running a business. You might find that you're better off letting
a service bureau work with your files so you can spend your time generating new
images. Your images are your income, after all.
Conclusion
You need RAM, but you also need a monitor with hardware control over the
individual electron guns. If you cannot calibrate the monitor, you will not know
what your print will look like. You will then churn out endless trial-and-error
proofs trying to get a good print. Fortunately, you can save money by purchasing a
smaller monitor. Buying a 17-inch image monitor and a 15-inch palette monitor is
less expensive than buying a 21-inch monitor, and gives you more screen real
estate. Unless your workspace is cramped, buy two monitors. You will be glad you
did.
Do not sacrifice RAM in your budget. Without adequate RAM you'll find your
system painfully slow, no matter what processor it features. You're better off with
maximum RAM and a slower processor than with minimum RAM and a faster
processor.
Operating systems are a tertiary, although important, consideration. Both Apple's
Macintosh OS and Microsoft's Windows have more applications available than you
http://www.photo.net/photo/computers (9 of 33)7/3/2005 2:19:07 AM