Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

[Les McLean]

Following on from this thread regarding buying/upgrading a computer

http://www.eos-magazine-forum.com/showthread.php?14044-Buying-a-new-computer-or-upgrading-tips-and-suggestions

I thought it might be useful sharing any peripherals we use to make life easier when post processing, not the main components (base/monitor/printer) or software.

Here's mine

Monitor Calibration
More than useful, keeps the monitor spot on, I use a relatively cheap Pantone Huey (around £70), it hasn't got all the bells and whistles of the more sophisticated bits of kit, but does the job for me.

Graphics tablet
Although I'm comfortable using a mouse for most of my image processing , for fine/fiddly editing I use a graphics tablet (wacom)

Mouse Pad with Wrist rest
This has been one of my better investments, I was finding after a long session in photoshop, my wrist was becoming quite painful. after purchasing a mouse pad with a gel wrist rest, everything's fine with no strain.

USB 3 card reader
If you have a USB 3 hub in the PC, a USB3 card reader makes things so much quicker.

USB flash drive
Makes copying files between different machines a doddle.

Feel free to add

[Muscat]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

Good idea Les, I use the following

Monitor and Printer Calibration
I find this essential to get a true balance of image to print, I use the Spyder 4 Studio system, not the cheapest but certainly not the most expensive.

Graphics tablet
Wacom Bamboo tablet, I don't know how I managed without it for editing before, I do still use the mouse for the general items.

External Hard drives
Used for temp. storage and backups of backups

USB flash drive
To tranfer data or send data to 3rd parties.

[colin C]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

Here's mine:

Monitor Calibration
I don't need this anywhere near as much for the Mac, but I use the spyder Pro to calibrate screen and printer.

Graphics tablet
I couldn't be without my Wacom Graphire Tablet. Keep meaning to upgrade to a Wacom Intuos, but that is a want more than a need.Compact Flash card reader
They don't come buit-in with a Mac, but it does allow me to use the latest and fastest Sandisk readers. It also does other memory cards.

USB flash drive
I have plenty of these and very useful to transfer data between the Mac and the Laptop, entering club competitions and all sorts of stuff.

External Hard Drives
Another must. It would be far too scary to lose my photo's

[Dave_S]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

And mine:

Monitor Calibration:

Spyder 3 Pro.

USB Flash Drives:

Useful for transfering images from PC to PC, especially for transfering very large amounts of astro image data from my observatory PC to my study PC for processing.

External Hard Drives:

For saving/archiving image data, both still images and HD video (huge files).

Dave

[paulr5604]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

I have just treated myself to one of these

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/wacom-...66673-pdt.html

Haven't tried it yet but hope to find it a bit easier to edit my photos with than i do the mouse.

[colin C]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

You'll like that Paul and it doesn't take much getting used to. A quick and easy learning curve.

[AndyA]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

I have just treated myself to one of these

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/wacom-...66673-pdt.html

Haven't tried it yet but hope to find it a bit easier to edit my photos with than i do the mouse.

I'll be interested to hear what you think Paul, I've considered getting one too, but I'm a bit confused as to which one.

[paulr5604]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

I'll be interested to hear what you think Paul, I've considered getting one too, but I'm a bit confused as to which one.

Andy once I have had a play with it you can borrow it and see what you think before you buy one

[paulr5604]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

You'll like that Paul and it doesn't take much getting used to. A quick and easy learning curve.

Thanks Colin it is something about using the mouse that doesn't feel natural so thought I would try one of these

[DeeGee]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

I've got one. (different make) I find it very easy to use. Especially if I want to clone something. You get finer control than with a mouse. IMHO.

[amphil007]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

I would be lost without a tablet, essential piece of kit.

[paulr5604]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

Been using mine for a couple of hours now and I can't believe how much easier it makes editing images (after I got used to it). Just using the lasso tool is so much easier sooo glad I bought it just need some more photos to edit now.

[colin C]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

If you can use a pencil, a graphics tablet is second nature and sooooo easy.

[AndyA]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

The reviews seem quite good and the price isn't bad at all. Is there any mention on the packaging of it working with the older USB 1.1 slots?

[paulr5604]

Re: Useful computer peripherals for image processing.

The reviews seem quite good and the price isn't bad at all. Is there any mention on the packaging of it working with the older USB 1.1 slots?

No mention which usb you need just says you need a usb port

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