For a while now I have been into computers and building them properly to handle the work I planned on doing for the next few years. About two years ago, I started to notice that the work I was doing and the cameras I was shooting on was something my computer struggled to keep up with.
I know that everybody is different and that computers slow down over time but the main thing I do for work is create content for others to use as marketing material. If I don't have a computer that can process everything I need it to and keep up with my workflow, I find myself questioning whether or not I can handle more of the work I want to be doing. The longer I sit at my desk waiting for the computer to process files and render video for smooth playback, the more I think about upgrading to something that will take all my troubles away.
Three years into running my business, I am starting to realize things pick up a bit more than expected. I made the transition into using full frame cameras that shoot way better quality than anything I had when I started. I noticed that because of that, I needed more storage for the larger files, faster hard drives to work from, faster cables and ports (USB C, Thunderbolt, Cat 7, etc), and a computer that is able to handle all that I am throwing at it. This knowledge has certainly taken some time to acquire and the speedy workflow has come from the repetitiveness of the work I've been doing. When I look back, I realize this was bound to happen during my journey in the world of photography and videography. When I first started, I didn't have the knowledge I do today and a computer that seemed crazy expensive and good to me at the time has become something that struggles to keep up with the work I want to produce.
So the real question is, will a good computer help you in this field?
My honest answer would be 100%. I think that any piece of equipment with the ability to increase your efficiency is a tremendous help. A computer is one of the most important things we need to run a business these days. We build our websites, we answer emails, we do our finances and most importantly, we edit the content we create. Doing more and more research on computers, I think I realize the value of investing in a machine that will keep up with the work I am doing five years down the road. Any normal person may think you're out of your mind for spending over 10 grand on a computer. However, for us, a good computer can literally save us hours of time when it comes to working on projects, transferring data and dealing with large files.
Maybe this 18 core, maxed out iMac Pro isn't the computer for you, but all in all a machine like this is built to handle almost anything you throw at it. Whether you decide to go PC or MAC, it is important to look into what you will be using your computer for down the road. In this video, Marques Brownlee talks about some of the specs on this computer and explains why this machine is capable of the things it is.
For more about Brownlee, check out his YouTube.