Computer equipment and configuration when working with large graphic files

Today's images are getting bigger and better than ever. If you were used to shooting 5 MP JPEGs and then jumped to the 8 MP RAW files that some of today's $900 DSLRs shoot, your file size will increase from about 1.5 MP to between 5.5 MP (saved to DNG) and 8 MP (Canon CR2 file in 16-bits [only 12-bit of image data] for 8 MP image). Once you've processed that file, you'll have between 5 and 15 layers and several will be image layers. You could easily end up with 100 MB files for all your best imagesthat is, the ones you have the incentive to really put some effort into processing to perfection. For example, last year I shot some 8,000 images in CR2 format. Let's say the toss-out rate is about 15 percent. That still leaves 6,800 images I have to store and find... Still, this isn't too bad. I've used only about 54 gigabytes of storage so far. If about 10 percent graduate to stardom, that's only 680 images. The problem is, each image is going to need about 100 MB of space by the time I finish editing them nondestructively. So I need another 54 GB for the special 10 percent that survive. You begin to see the problem when you realize that a lot of pros shoot at least 10 times as many images as I do.

The bottom line is that you need to start with a very fast computer with lots of storage. For either Windows or Mac, I'd suggest a dual core or 64-bit processor running at around 2.4+ gigahertz. Plug at least 1 MB of RAM into the motherboard and move up to 2+ MB as quickly as you can afford it.

Every time you see a sale on 250500 GB external hard drives, get yourself another. External drives make the most sense for storing large image libraries. They're easy to copy to one another for backup and they can easily be moved from computer-to-computer. At sale prices, you'll pay around 75 cents per gigabyte or $180 for a 250 GB drive. Make backups by copying one drive to another while you're sleeping. External hard drives love to crasha much unpublicized factand you don't dare risk your valuable images. Be very careful to follow the prescribed routines for installing the software for the drives, plugging them in and out, and turning them on and off.

When it comes to your ability to see your images clearly so you can judge them accurately, you'll want to pay attention to your video system. You want a high-performance video card. The NVIDIA GeForce, ATI Radeon, and Matrox are presently considered best-in-class. Check out current web reviews and information for what is considered state-of-the-art. (You don't need the top of the line cards that are intended for the gamers' market.)

It's also time to move up to a state-of-the-art flat-panel screen unless you're doing pre-press work in a production house. There are now excellent 19-inch models on the market for less than $300. Look for a model with a contrast ratio better than 500:1 (the higher the contrast ratio, the better) and the widest possible viewing angle. Most of us will gladly trade a tiny margin of brightness and contrast ratio for a steadier image that is much easier on the eyes and has virtually no screen glare. Besides, you need the extra room on your desk for a Wacom graphics tablet and all those hard drives.

Given the resolution that pros are expecting from their images, I wouldn't even consider a screen size smaller than 19 inches. If you have an older 17-inch monitor, consider getting a dual monitor video card and using the second monitor strictly for menus, Bridge, or DAM software.

Speaking of image backup, don't even think about anything less than a state-of-the-art DVD writer8X write speed minimum. CDs just aren't capacious enough for contemporary files, and you have to spend way too much of your time swapping disks when they fill. Do not write on the disks with Sharpie markers or paste labels on them. Instead, go to your local office supply store and ask for acid-free markers. They look just like Sharpies, cost a bit more, but won't send your images to heaven when you least expect it.

If you travel or hike while shooting, a high-horsepower laptop is a lifesaver. Look for the following features: 1+ MB RAM, 100+ GB HD, 15.4- or 17-inch widescreen, DVD writer, built-in WiFi, and built-in card reader. Even a duo-core 64-bit processor is an affordable option nowadays. You should be able to get all this for around $1,200 in a Windows laptop or for around $2,200 in a Mac laptop.