My complete M1 Mac Mini Photo Editing Setup + 6 month review
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- čas přidán 8. 08. 2021
- I’ve had a lot of people asking how I’ve been enjoying the M1 Mac mini, and also which accessories I’m using when it comes to things like a monitor and hard drive. So, I wanted to make this video to share my thoughts after six months of professional use, and also talk about the complete setup that I have around it.
►*DISCLAIMER*
Some of the links below are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.
►GEAR USED(*these are affiliate links):
The M1 Mac Mini that I bought: amzn.to/3jn77kE
LG 5K Ultrafine Monitor: amzn.to/3fza7cI
CalDigit TS3 Plus: amzn.to/3jxFTrA
OWC ThunderBay 4 RAID: bhpho.to/3ywfnFk
Delkin Juggler 2TB SSD: amzn.to/3jw6xRW
Grovemade Desk Accessories: bit.ly/3gmzn6Y
BenQ ScreenBar Plus: amzn.to/3lzqaex
Sabrent Mac Mini VESA Mount: amzn.to/3s2SDug
My '35mm Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/2JrGhFs
My 'Medium Format Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/3r7KLta
Where I source music for my videos (One FREE month with this link): fm.pxf.io/c/1953156/1347628/1...
Videos on this channel are filmed using the Fuji X-H2s: bhpho.to/3UEjFVs
►FILM PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR (*these are affiliate links):
My go-to medium format camera: ebay.us/GaK9Kp
My favourite 35mm film camera: ebay.us/82WyVI
My favourite 35mm film lens: ebay.us/u0V817
My favourite medium format travel camera: ebay.us/FVcfWk
My go-to light meter: ebay.us/QIFXF0
My favourite film stock: ebay.us/orbudp
My favourite 645 medium format film camera: ebay.us/ydY4HK
→Instagram: bit.ly/2GuYV21
→Website: kmcdougall.com
I upgraded from a late 2009 macbook to a M1 m ac mini 8gb + 4K 27 inch LG 27UL850 screen and I've been blown away with the quality and speed. Unreal performance for the price.
Finally, this is the review I’ve been waiting for to finally reassure me that the m1 Mac mini is the move. Thanks brother.
No problem 👍
always loved the Mac mini's and think they've always been underrated for creatives for the size and performance usually did a really good job, have been tempted by the M1 since it was released
Love this! I'm still editing and working on a 2010 MacPro but it's reaching the end of its life really - I can't run Catalina on it without unsupported patches etc. MacMini really looks like the way to go!
I've been wondering about the Mini M1. Thanks for your impressions on it after six months!
You’re welcome.
Not gonna lie, I think I have a crush on your desk.
I didn't think that was the kind of thing that would get me all hot and bothered, but here we are, desk shopping.
Haha, glad you enjoyed it!
Man gotta say it’s almost like you’ve seen my search history, definitely been eyeing the M1 mini
Just got the 16gb mini yesterday replacing a 2016 MacBook pro. I’m a a amateur photographer and your vid confirmed I’m on a good path. Using the cal digit ts3 too. Have to look at the LG monitor and Just got a very nice for IKEA desk that I’m very happy with. Thanks for your effort.
Cheers, Tim. All about the IKEA desk as well, hah! Enjoy the new computer.
As a Swede I’m glad y’all enjoy the IKEA desk
Beautiful setup Kyle.
Oh, man! Thanks for your video. Also, what an amazing colors! Just a pure style!
I appreciate that. Thank you.
Thank-you for keeping this simple and too the point I am a photographer but don't understand computer specs and I've been sitting on the mini and I think I'm gonna go with it. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed. Cheers.
Even though the new Studios are out, I am going with your mini m1 configuration (with some modifications). I am coming from a 2011 iMac that just died. I am sure it will be an improvement. I mostly edit photos. Hopefully Lightroom and Elements will work on the new chip. Thanks for the video. You do a great job.
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. Exact information I needed. Appreciate you!
You're welcome. Cheers.
Amazing video Kyle! I'm losing my s*** at the moment with my Macbook Pro (2016) and while I wanted to wait until the M1X/M2 to upgrade, I think your review just convinced me to upgrade now. Thanks!
Glad it helped, Dino! Been there with the MacBook frustrations.
Thanks for the review. I looking at getting one soon. Just looking for a monitor that'll fit in my budget.
Glad to see it’s working for you. Love my m1. Has me blazing through 20min 4K edits like butter. No hiccups no crashes. But I need to upgrade my desk lol working on a picnic table ain’t cutting it. 😂
Glad you’re enjoying the M1!
I have those speakers! Great choice
I got the same Mac Mini, love it ... it make PhotoShop scream!!!
Great review, many thanks for making this. Very helpful!
thank you for sharing! just started looking into an M2 mac mini.
Excellent review, I’ll get the same M1 spec mini as yours.
Thanks,
Paul.
Glad it helped. Cheers!
I agree 100%. I had a custom PC built for $3000+, wasn't satisfied. With the M1 maxed out to 16GB RAM and 2GB HD I don't even touch the PC. Has drastically changed my work flow.
It really is an impressive machine!
Thanks for the sharing!
Thanks for sharing your setup. It looks great. Could you elaborate a little more about your audio monitoring? Thanks
You bet. Using an EVO 4 USB XLR interface and Edifer speakers.
Great setup. I am considering exactly the same in terms of Mac mini, monitor, Grovemade, desk, light etc. I think I'll wait for the M1X mini which should be announced soon.
Cheers, George. Very curious to see what the M1X is like.
I got a stellar deal on trading in my 2 year old MacBook Pro with Apple for 1100(this was as soon as Mini M1 sales went live)! So I upgraded the Mini M1 up to 1100 AppleCare etc. I love it. The latest update makes LR classic scream.
Super helpful, thanks, Kyle. I need to replace my aging iMac 27" because it will no longer run the latest updates for the OS and therefore LR etc. I was leaning towards an M1 iMac but you might just have convinced me to go with a Mini plus third-party monitor. Much appreciated.
Cheers, Chris. As mentioned in the review, I've been really happy with mine. It just works, and has been reliable so far.
Great video - i think it's time to pull the trigger on the Mini
Cheers, man. Definitely a worthwhile investment.
wait. there is another better spec'd one in the works apparently
OMG, this is brilliant! I am a nature photographer that is in the market for a new system, and wow. Thank you for this. Cause one of my problems is that my iPad does NOT like my Nikons. Particularly my D850. I know if your system can handle video editing needs, it will DEFINITELY handle my still photography needs. Thank you.
You're welcome. Cheers.
Thanks a lot for the video. You saved me 1500 bucks. I really wanted the M1 pro 16 inches but the cost, esp. when you have a family and other obligations, ist simply too high for photo as a hobby. I finally went for the m1 mini 16 GB, a hub, an 2TB external ssd and a 27 inch BenQ. It cost me 1500 overall. Cherry on the cake: I’ll keep my trusted Lenovo X1 for my daily work and won’t feel forced to work via Parallels to justify the acquisition of the Computer (which would have been the case had I got the MBP).
I would really like to see you working on high resolution raw files to see real performance. I wonder how good it is when merging 10 files into pano and working on them in Lightroom or Laminar
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I've been using an M1 mac mini for 2 months now. I got the 16GB ram verison. I love it. Editing is a breeze and it handles a lot you can throw at it. I love your desk set up! I was always curious on why you got an LG ultrafine 5k for photo/video. I guess if it works, it works.
Cheers Brent. Yeah, the LG has been great. I bought it after a recommendation from a friend who is also a filmmaker. Works great as mentioned for outputting work to web, and has been surprising for prints as well.
Hi Kyle. Great video and perfectly timed that I found it. Seriously considering it! I also need a new desk. Love the desk accessories you talked about. Can you please tell me about your desk? it matches the accessories so well. And since my work area is in the middle of our living space, I would like something nice to look at all the time. Thanks and take care.
Cheers, Steve. Glad this was helpful. The desk is actually one the I pieced together from IKEA. It's one of their countertops with a few kitchen cabinet accessories for the base. I can give you specifics if you'd want? Feel free to shoot me an email: info@kylemcdougallphoto.com
Thank you!! As a photographer who has made use of a late 2014 27" iMac and is looking to update, I was frustrated that Apple had deleted the 27. I was also frustrated at the Studio Monitor (price for rgb color accuracy). This video calmed nerves.
Glad I could help!
Curious about the desk itself - looks quality!
IKEA! 🙌
I currently use a 2015 MBP with Capture One and considering to upgrade. I was looking at the newer M1 laptop but now I'm considering the Mac Mini. I currently have two monitors attached to my laptop and makes no sense as I'm not using it for mobility. I might add an iPad later for that purpose.
Hi Kyle ! Big thanks for detailing all your set up. I was wondering which brand comes your keyboard's mat please ?
Cheers. The keyboard mat is from Grovemade.
Het Thanks Kyle, you gave me a path forward. I have been thinking about trying a gaming PC - the MINI seems like a good value - time to sell my iMAC (which sucks, even with an SSD.)
I think you'll be quite happy with the mini, John!
+1 for the mac mini, especially for editing video. My 2018 macbook pro seems broken in comparison. I only wish I could run a virtual machine winxp to use my pakon f135 -Shane
I hear ya. Whenever I use the Macbook now it's such a drastic difference.
Wow, that's a great video, nice and informative. I am about to add the Mac Mini M1 16gb/1tb for my photo editing (Lightroom), my current set-up is on a 2014 MBP (I have Mouse, Keyboard, monitor connected along with external drives), I guess I should see some improvements between the two. Can I ask please; I wonder how you feel about the Mini 10 months on from this video, are you still using it, any issues encountered, do you still use it? Apologies for so many questions. I enjoy the film stuff you do especially the Medium Format, keep up the good work. Thanks.
I own a base model M1 with 8gb and use it for all my videos. Never had a problem with it so far, just can't beat the price/performance.
Makes me excited about mac mini
m1 pro and max... 🤗🤗
Thank you for describing your setup. It was very helpful for me. Which speakers are you using? They match well with your desk.
These are Edifer r1280db
@@KyleMcDougall Thank you. These look good.
Great timing! Have been wondering whether to replace my Intel MBP with an M1 MBP or go for an M1 Mini and just keep the old laptop for location work.
Cheers Steven. That's my plan. I use the M1 for almost everything, but still have the MBP around for when I need to be portable. It's still capable enough for jobs here and there.
Thanks I am a designer, illustrator and a Photographer so that was a handy little review, I cant survive without a Wacom tablet, do you use one? Love the speakers by the way what make etc?
Great review! I like the "no spec speak" aspect. Have you come across a solution for sharing your monitor with two machines?
Cheers. I haven't looked into that yet as one monitor suits the way I work right now!
Bought mine from costco at $650. I use Lumination for editing because it is a one time buy
Yup. Requested this video. Thanks. Haha
Hope it helps.
Nice system. I started to add up the cost of your system but had to stop because I have forgotten how to do scientific notation.
Any videos where you talk about those speakers and setup?
Not yet. The Speakers though are Edifer R1280db
Great video although I spaced out for the last 6 minutes worrying about you not having any redundancy on that hard drive
Got me wondering if this would be a better companion to my iPad Pro vs my 16” MacBook Pro. 🤔
Yeah dude. Seems like it might make a lot of sense seeing as the iPad still gives you that portable option.
This is what I have and decided to get an iPad pro 12.9 instead of a MacBook Pro.
I personally use my M1 Mini for 98% of my work. The use my iPad Pro as a laptop with magic keyboard and mouse when I need to be mobile (rare). This workflow has replaced my 16” MBP I spent $4k on and cost half as much. And it’s much faster, quieter, and lighter.
Where’d you get the desk itself?
Yes, it would be. Sell the 16” before it becomes outdated by M1X MBP 16”
I love your actual desk! Where did you get it?
Thanks. This is an IKEA build. Kitchen countertop and other parts.
I have been buying Macs for 30 years and the M1 Mac Mini is the best price to performance value Mac ever.
I like your video, but what about those speakers? You never stated what brand those speakers are or if they’re any good.
Great video, what about the audio kit you have under de monitor?
Cheers. It's an EVO 4 USB C XLR Interface.
Any recommendations for keyboard or mouse? Thank you so much for this video my old iMac exploded and my uncle gifted me the M1, but I wasn’t sure how to piece it together or if it was even a pro machine. Grateful for this video makes me a lot less frustrated about it all, although with all the essential accessories the price does go up quite a bit.
I just use the Apple Magic Mouse and Bluetooth keyboard.
Hi Kyle, I’m curious what resolution do you have your 5K monitor set at. I also just wanted to let you know videos are top notch, and look forward for new posts.
P.S. hope one day you’ll be back to TO!,
Hey, thanks for the comment! I'm running the monitor at it's default setting in the menu (looks like 2560x1440), which is retina mode I believe.
Looks very interesting. I would not have bought the first M1 though as successors come very fast after a first gen. They actually confirmed the M1X Mini is coming soon. Thanks for testing for us though 🙂
I was desperately in need of a new computer to speed things up. No regrets! I am excited to see what the M1X will be like though.
"They" and "actually". Scary words without a source. Apple would be totally stupid to do that. They are usually very lazy on the mini. Once in 5-6 years they take a leap, not after a year. It killed their complete product line: Mac Book Pro: DEAD, Mac Pro: DEAD, iMac: DEAD, Mac Book Air: DEAD. So if any model gets the M1X, it is iMac and Mac Book Pro.
@@lovemadeinjapan The source was Bloomberg's journalist Mark Gurman
@@toulcaz31 Link?
@@lovemadeinjapan I don’t think I can share a link in YT comments but if you Google his name and M1X you should find reports of him mentioning this in his newsletter.
Hi. I am also, try to buy m1 mac mini 8GB version. I mostly working adobe photoshop, illustrator ( i use both two at the same time ), and UI, UX design. Still I am not doing video editing. But i hope to learn. Is the 8GB version enough for me?
Thanks
i'm waiting for the new Mac mini soon. I wouldn't make myself a new Hackintosh
will you upgrade when the redesigned Mac mini with m1 pro and m1 max come out next month ?
Probably not as this is still serving me well.
I love grovemade stuff. I just wish they had a new UK/European distribution warehouse as it must cost a fortune to ship something that large from the states.
Hey Nick, yeah, I'm not sure about shipping costs to the UK, but yeah, you'd think it'd be expensive. Never know though. Maybe they have some sort of affordable shipping worked out. May be worth a look. Cheers.
How is this holding up after all this time? I'm considering grabbing the M2 which the price isn't too far off from this one, probably up the RAM and maybe the storage to 512GB since I have two 2TB external SSDs
I sold it and now use a Macbook Pro with the M1 Pro, but to be honest, the Mini M1 felt more stable.
Been using Adobe Premiere, but I've been reading so much about the performance improvements in FCPX on the M1 that I'm curious if I should switch. I've used FCPX before so the switch shouldn't be that big in terms of work flow... but it is worth it? A new subscription and all....
I love FCPX and hate Premiere Pro. I still have to use Premiere from time to time for some client work, and it definitely slows down my workflow. FCPX all the way for me.
FCPX any time, it even allows you to create 4K videos on a Core2Duo MacMini 2009 with 4GB of RAM. Forget about that with any other video software. I will work great with stock 8GB of RAM. Do get 10Gbit ethernet, the only upgrade you really need, and also the cheapest. You will need external storage at some point, and this allows you to put it very far away (up to 100m).
@@lovemadeinjapan I used FCPX back on my old MBP, but switched over to Premiere Pro since I was subscribed to the Adobe Creative Suite for other software. Will look into switching over since it looks like FCPX is a one-time licensing cost vs a monthly / annual renewal like Adobe. Cheers and thanks for the feedback.
Kyle, sorry for the unrelated comment, but I was wondering if you were still going to release your medium format workshop at Skillshare? No pressure, just checking in. Thanks.
Hey John, yep. Soon! I know I keep saying that, but I am actually wrapping it up this coming week. Hoping to have it up shortly.
@@KyleMcDougall Great! Thanks. I hope you know the question comes from an appreciation of your work and output and you don't receive it as badgering. :)
Hello Kyle.. I am planning to buy Mac mini m1, But I heard about the YPbPr-issue and colours which comes out of M1 mac mini are not good. Being a photographer photography true colors are important to me. But how does this affect ones color work on the m1 - what are your experiences? Please Guide should I go and buy this combination?
I actually hadn't heard of that problem. I'll have to look into it. All that I know, is from my experience, I've had no issues with colour whatsoever (web & print).
I like my old Mac Mini. The power button is so annoying though when having to turn it on. Do you have any tips on turning the computer without having to reach behind the Mac Mini?
No solution other than reaching under the desk to turn it on. Not a huge deal for me.
@@KyleMcDougall cool thanks! … by now one would think apple would think of a better solution by now, like add power on button on the keyboard or remote switch or something.
Great video, and thanks for sharing! I might need to upgrade my old Mac Mini. 😎
Are those edifier speakers? If so which model, and do you like them?
Hey Luka, yep, definitely happy with them. Especially for the price. The model is: R1280T.
I've been debating on selling my iMac and Macbook pro to pick up the new M1 macbook pro and a nice monitor and run that instead... Do you think that would work as well as the Mini?
I don't have any experience with the M1 Macbook, but I'd imagine any of the M1 Mac's are going to be comparable and only get better!
Does the Benq light fixing cover the webcam on the LG monitor? A real shame if it does as both devices are very appealing.
It does, but if you move it over an inch it's out of the way.
@@KyleMcDougall Thanks!
I was amazed someone still used an Old Film Camera.....As not many people understand why...As Film captures images with depth...As the image is burned across it, during shutter opening and closing process...Something digital can not do...it's always across a flat glass surface...
its weird because I use the same Mac mini and my LR CC is so slow now it can't be used, we are talking about 10 sec before the photo update changes. Was not like that first months so don't understand it.
Hi
What is the item for insorisation on your wall?
Thank you !
Just some cheaper product off of Amazon. I can give you a link if you want?
What is the light you’re using over your monitor? Can’t seem to find it anywhere.
BenQ Screen Bar Plus.
The Raid storage at 600 megabits/s and the Delkin 2TB Juggler at 1000 megabits/s seem a bit slow. I’m fairly sure you meant megabytes per second
🙌
Yes. Thank you.
Hello. Long time fan. Thank you for this video
Have you used Luminar Neo? My old 2015 is painfully slow. No slider gives instant previews. My wife and I would like to upgrade to this M1, 16gb and 512gb.
I notice this video is a year later. Does this computer still meet your demands. My demands are way less than yours. Shooting with A7R2 files and a Leica S2 Medium Format. Scanner went capture so can't scan my Film.
I actually just sold this computer, only to swap it for a new Macbook Pro 14" with the M1 Pro (so I could use it for travel and office work). The Mini M1 was amazing though, and so far I notice no difference in performance between the two for the work that I do.
@@KyleMcDougall which configuration in the pro did you get? In terms of SSD and RAM. I’m looking at the base pro at the moment
so you're saying if I upgrade from my 2012 Mac mini 16Gb RAM I'm gonna notice the difference?
Absolutely.
Just one question. Have you experienced the awful color beach ball with the M1?.
Cheers
Nope!
Hi, how many brush layers can you put in lightroom before it gets laggy? I use a lot of them and worry that 16gb is not enough
What did you find out?
@@Zetaphotography I dindt buy one, in fact I just ordered a mini pc from Morefine, its a Ryzen 7 5850U with 32gb of ram. Honestly my dream device.
I’m curious with your RAID setup, how do you work with your files from the RAID as I had thought Lightroom doesn’t accept RAID configuration?
I am using a NAS/RAID with LR Classic, and no issues. I think the problem is that the LR catalog cannot be on a shared drive. My catalog is on my MacBook Pro, image files on the NAS/RAID.
@@Ricardo-SW thankyou! I’ve been perplexed for such a long time thinking NAS setups didn’t work with LR at all. Makes total sense now that the LR catalogue just needs to be on the main OS drive, thanks
I've had no issues with the RAID, and my catalog is also on the RAID. Doesn't need to be stored on the OS.
@@KyleMcDougall In my case. the RAID is (on) the NAS, so the catalog can't be on it because the NAS can be a shared drive. In your setup, your RAID is not shared, just another external drive to LR. Otherwise, Adobe sells fewer subscriptions if multiple users can share the program :)
What about now you still happy with it!
You have a second computer to connect your Coolscan 9000 or you use some adapters? Thanks!
Nope, using it with this. FW400 to 800 cable, FW to TB2 adapter, TB2 to TB3 adapter.
@@KyleMcDougall thanks for confirming man. I am ordering a mac today! Best of luck and keep on sharing! Marco
@@MarcoFantin1 wait for the M1X mini if you can
@@toulcaz31 haha I needed a computer now so I just bought it. There were good discounts so I am happy!
My LG 5K is a bit contrasty compered to M1 MacBook Pro. Is yours as well compared to your iPhone and MBP15?
Can't say it is. I've found the match to be quite bang on. Although my MBP is older than yours.
@@KyleMcDougall but an iPad or an iPhone are older than the laptop. They are the same across all of them. Is there any chance you could save your profile for the monitor and send it?
It looks like you're only using Final Cut. Is that accurate? I'm curious how you find the performance in Premiere, if you've ever tested that. I'm trying to research sub-$1k 4k video editing options for a friend, but all the glowing reviews for the M1 Mac Mini seem to only hold true for optimized software. Suggestions?
I'm also using Premiere. FCPX is my go to, but I use Premiere for some client work where they need project files from me. There hasn't been a huge performance boost in Premiere. That being said, they just released an M1 optimised version which is apparently a lot faster. I haven't updated yet because I need to make sure I'm working on the same version as a client.
@@KyleMcDougall Thanks so much for the prompt reply. I think for the price point, this option can't be beaten. I appreciate how you're interacting with viewers and providing clear answers. You earned yourself a new sub. :)
M1 mac can output 5k to a monitor at 60 fps?
I calibrate every month, regardless. I How much of the Adobe color space does the monitor display?
91% of Adobe RGB
@@KyleMcDougall Thank you.
Any tips for the flickering problems?
Which flickering problem?
@@KyleMcDougall it’s a pretty well documented problem with the M1 Mac Mini’s. Especially when in dark mode, the screen will artifact or be “pulsing” in certain areas on the screen. It’s not a monitor issues either since this happens on brand new monitors all the time.
Why not run RAID 5 ? A week’s work is a lot, isn’t it ?
I use my M1 MacBook Pro more than my M1 Mac Mini, and I use my Digital Storm Lynx 3 more than my HP Envy 15t-ep000
It’s almost like an interior design sales show 🤣 But interesting.
I have be for work
16 gig
And for Everyday It’s great
But for crunching data in the indesign program
Not that great
what are your studio monitors?
Edifer R1280T
Hello from Singapore and thank you for this video Kyle (discovered you when I was digging around for Alec Soth videos). My 2013 trashcan macpro is in its death throes and you’ve made a (very, VERY) convincing case here for the mac mini. I would love to learn more about your workflow and how you manage risk vs speed. If I understand correctly, your OWC holds all active and archived projects and assets (across photography, film work as well as youtube work), you then back up the entire OWC to a slower usb3 hard drive weekly?
Also, would you consider making a video sharing your file/project/asset management method one day? Between your photography, film and youtube work it must be a tremendous amount of stuff to organize.
You got it, Nigel. The OWC has all my photography, as well as this year's CZcams. I have older films and previous years CZcams archived on drives that are stored elsewhere. And then weekly I hook up the USB 3 drive to backup the RAID. It's been working great for me. As for management of other things, I'll definitely keep that in mind for a future video.
@@KyleMcDougall Awesome. I'm gonna try that out thank you and keep up the good work! Looking forward to your next video.
Great video!
I've been experiencing some occasional cursor drag/lag with my M1 Macbook Pro 13. Anyone having the same problem?
Nothing with the M1 Mini.
No pen tablet like wacom?
Nope. Don’t have much of a need for one.
So if you were buying today do you think you would have bought the base Studio instead? I guess you would only save on the cost of the Caldigit plus but still that would get you halfway there. Any thoughts on the new apple monitor vs the LG? Great video. Thanks. It has me thinking about all my options.
I dont have mac mini, but atleast I got the same speakers. 🤣
Timestaps would be nice in the next video.