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How much RAM is enough for editing large format scans

Permanently deleted user
  • Edited

I will have the task to retouch some scans of 4x5 color negatives. I plan to use Capture One for basic stuff like dust removal and some color corrections.

Some (few) of the scans will be printed quite large and hence the scans are large too (around 12000x9600px as TIFF).

Since it is time for me to purchase a new 16" MacBook Pro anyway, I am wondering if it is really worth spending extra on more RAM. 

I expect that it won't happen too often that I will have to edit scans this large. I could live with some lag and having to close all other apps while editing. It just shouldn't hang or crash because of low memory.

Will I be able to edit such scans somewhat comfortably in Capture One with just 16GB or would I really want 32GB?

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  • MartinR
    • Edited

    I don't see any reason you couldn't do it in 16GB RAM.  Your image file size would be about 115MB - large but nowhere near 16GB.  For comparison, I routinely edit 65MB images in my old 16GB MacBookPro, which is much less powerful than the new 16" MBPs.  And if RAM demand exceeds 16GB the system will utilize swap space, which on a new Mac is SSD anyway. 

    But IMHO 32GB would be a better choice for performance and longterm use of the new Mac.  Remember, you can't upgrade RAM later in any of the new Macs.

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