Apple has recently introduced the Mac Studio equipped with the M4 Max chip, which is turning heads in the photography community. This powerful computer is praised for its performance, especially when it comes to handling demanding tasks like photo editing. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, many users believe that the M4 Max version serves photographers better than the more expensive M3 Ultra variant.
The M4 Max chip was initially showcased in the MacBook Pro last year, where it garnered attention for its impressive performance jump compared to previous models. In the Mac Studio, equipped with the same RAM capacity of 128GB as its laptop counterpart, it showcases even better performance due to its larger cooling system. This makes the Mac Studio a much more powerful machine than the Mac mini, although it doesn’t quite reach the levels of the M2 Ultra or M3 Ultra chips. However, when it comes to real-world performance in photo editing, the differences are marginal.
Benchmark tests using Adobe Lightroom reveal that the M4 Max really shines. In two out of three tests, the Mac Studio outperformed its laptop equivalent, especially in export times, making it a faster choice for photographers. The M4 Max version significantly outdoes the M2 Ultra, especially considering the price point—$3,500 for the M4 Max as opposed to $8,500 for the M2 Ultra configuration.
Photoshop performance is another crucial area for photographers, and here too, the M4 Max excels. Although the M3 Ultra has shown some quirks in Photoshop benchmarks, the M4 Max is currently the top performer in this software. Adobe’s ongoing optimizations for its software to better suit Apple’s new chip designs will likely enhance overall performance even further in the future.
In addition to Lightroom and Photoshop, the M4 Max also performs admirably in video editing software such as Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. In Premiere Pro benchmarks, it outshines the M2 Ultra Mac Studio and comes close to matching its performance in DaVinci Resolve. This versatility makes the M4 Max suitable not just for photographers but for video editors as well. For those who might be contemplating the more compact Mac mini, the performance gap is evident, making the larger Mac Studio a better choice for serious creative work.
Testing has shown that the longevity of Apple’s new silicon, including the M4 Max, is considerably better than their older Intel-based machines. The original M1 is beginning to feel outdated, while the M2 continues to hold strong. The M4 Max is expected to have significant staying power, appealing to users looking for a long-term investment in their creative setup.
The M4 Max stands out as an exceptional computer for photographers. While the M4 Pro Mac mini could suffice for some, and the M3 Ultra Mac Studio may attract attention for its power, it appears that the M4 Max Mac Studio truly meets the demands of most photographers. With its capability to process high-resolution images and handle extensive workflows seamlessly, photographers looking for durability and performance will find great value in choosing the M4 Max over other options in Apple’s lineup.