Canon 650-4ti owners, what computer system requirements are needed?

Started 5 months ago | Question thread
dzba
Regular MemberPosts: 490
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Re:thanks Steve for your response
In reply to Osiris30, 5 months ago

Osiris30 wrote:

dzba wrote:

I've been lurking in the background (mostly) on this and other forums for the last few months and have decided to get the t4i kit to start. The day when I can actually purchase one grows closer (barring unforeseen events). I retired last month, so income is limited.

While digesting the information from helpful people who share their knowledge many of my questions have been answered in response to other's questions. For this I thank all who have unknowingly helped me.

My question is what I currently have for a computer system be enough to utilize the 4ti ?

I have a PC with a 2.66 pentium processor that is maxed out with ram capacity of 2gb. I have Windows XP, service pack 2. I have Adobe Elements 9. When in a store recently I discovered that the newer versions of Elements require a newer version of computer and operating system. I also read that Lightroom 4 requires a quad-4 processor. Lightroom 3.4 version isn't clear from what I can make of it. It appears that older versions of photo editing software don't support newer cameras, for the most part? How about Canon's dng software, will my computer work with this program? Digging around Canon's homepage didn't yield anything useful. My apologies if this has been asked before, I missed it.

I also have Sagelight editor but don't see information about which camera models (4ti) is supports? Haven't used this much, I use Fastone for quick edits, and Elements 9 for others.

So when I get a 650-4ti kit will I be able to use it with my current computer setup, or will I have to upgrade the computer and software to be able to use it?

Thanks for taking the time to read this post, and hopefully someone who knows will answer, Mike

Well Mike,

There's a lot of way to answer your question; will you *have* to upgrade your machine; no. Will you *want* to upgrade your machine; trickier, and you'll have to help out with some answers to the following questions:

1) Do you shoot RAW (or plan to)

With my current camera a Panasonic FZ30 I shoot raw in some cases.  I'm a nature photographer who shoots mostly wildlife, flowers and landscapes.

2) How much post processing do you plan on doing to the shots

I think the answer to this question will depend on what I see from the 4ti results.  I may be dreaming but I would hope the need for lots of post processing will be reduced once familiarity and use of optimum settings will reduce this need.  Some exceptions to the rule, of course.  My motto is the less the better.

3) How many shots to you think you'll take in a day/week/month, etc.

With my current camera I'm limited to how and where I use it.  I have to keep the ISO on 80, the camera minimum because noise and detail smearing makes anything higher un useable.  With use of a higher ISO range I suspect the number of shots I currently take will go up.   With wildlife as a subject, you never know.  Opportunity is everything.  If anyone is interested I have some samples of what I shot posted in my gallery.  Many shots in low light I either pass by, or delete due to my camera's limitations.  My brother has a Canon 40d and he continues to shoot long after I can when we see wildlife late in the day.  We have a tremendous community rose garden where I live and the calmest part of many days is after sundown.  Even using a tripod and flash, one can only do so much.  I don't see myself using the camera in a machine gun staccato fever often like I observe others doing around wildlife.   One pair of photographers I was next to I overheard make the comment she takes 3000 to 4000 shots an outing in hopes of getting 1 or 2 that are good.   I'm a lot more selective than that.  If the critters are moving about, that can explain the need for taking more shots.  But how many do you need of a stationary subject with the same settings?

If you answer: Yes, More than just color correction or Alot above you'll want to consider an upgrade, but bear in mind computer hardware can be had dirt cheap these days, especially business machines coming off lease... you can get tremendous bargains (like Dell workstation class machines with 4 core, 4 gigs of ram and a good video card for < $150).

This part is encouraging to think I wouldn't have to come up with as much money for a new computer system as what I plan to spend on a camera kit just to use the new camera.

Your answers help to relieve my concerns about what I can get by with until the cash flow will allow upgrades.

Thanks again, Mike

Steve

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