How much RAM for Video edit and Photo?

[Joshelerry]

Hi, just asking suppose I used to edit Photos raw (Lightroom) and sometimes video (using Mac software like iMovie etc so you know where I stand) but files in HD of course.

How much RAM will be sufficient, as I will be looking to get a new Mac and hence is considering either 8GB or is it better to upgrade to 16GB for longer term?

Please advise. Thanks

 

[kandinsky]

Which Mac are you looking to get? Some models you can upgrade the ram on your own later (save $$$ without apple's markup), some have it soldered on so you have to get what you want at the point of purchase. From what I understand, LR on its own doesn't require that much ram as it's more processor intensive, but it will help when you want to run other apps at the same time. Not sure how optimized iMovie is to use more ram, but more wouldn't hurt.

In general, the answer for RAM and HDD space is usually "As much as you can afford".

 

[Joshelerry]

iMac 27inch 5K retina ...

 

[JacePhoto]

If u are on a PC, can try using Sony Vegas. Cheap and good. I used an old laptop and it ran w no problem. 8 GB RAM.

I have a 2014 13 inch Mac book air. 4 GB. No problem w Premier Pro or IMovie.

 

[kandinsky]

iMac 27inch 5K retina ...

That's fine then, you can always upgrade it later if you find it insufficient for your usage.

https://support.apple.com/en-sg/HT201191

 

[devilry]

I'm currently running an intel Xeon 2.7GHz 12-core processor, 64GB ram, dual AMD FirePro D700 graphics, and 1TB PCIe-based flash storage (not sata).

Things are running fine for editing 4k videos and photos, though I wish things could go faster at times. Maybe I should stripe raid the flash storage so that things could be even faster.

 

[SilentSeth]

I'm currently running an intel Xeon 2.7GHz 12-core processor, 64GB ram, dual AMD FirePro D700 graphics, and 1TB PCIe-based flash storage (not sata).

Things are running fine for editing 4k videos and photos, though I wish things could go faster at times. Maybe I should stripe raid the flash storage so that things could be even faster.