My 2023 Post-Processing Setup for Capture One

As photographers, we spend a significant amount of our time post-processing images, writing emails, and engaging in other computer-related tasks. While we often scrutinize the gear photographers use for shooting, there is seldom an in-depth exploration of the post-production setup they employ. In this article, I will showcase my post-processing arrangement.

Computer & Peripherals

15-inch MacBook Pro

Let’s begin with the cornerstone of my setup. I utilize a 2019 MacBook Pro, which, by now, is quite outdated. Nevertheless, it has aged remarkably well, and I don't encounter significant issues when editing images and performing basic Photoshop tasks. For my needs, this suffices, although it's a weak link in the setup. A more optimal solution would be the new 16-inch MacBook Pro. If I were to acquire a new computer presently, I'd opt for the stock M2 Pro 16-inch Mac. Given that I operate from SSDs, there's little justification for paying extra for storage. A RAM of 16GB proves adequate for most photography tasks. While additional GPU power could be advantageous for potential 3D work in the distant future, the 16-inch version appeals to me more due to the extra screen real estate it provides.

BenQ SW321C

An impressive monitor that brings joy to your visual experience. Personally, I'm fond of larger screens, making the 32-inch version an obvious selection. This monitor offers an array of ports catering to diverse needs, including an SD card slot, ships with a hood, and excels at displaying images with accuracy. A minor drawback is its relatively weighty build, which might necessitate investing in a sturdy desk.

Magic Mouse

Here's an unpopular opinion: The Magic Mouse isn't as terrible as some claim it to be. I genuinely appreciate this mouse's flawless integration with the Apple ecosystem. While more ergonomic mice are available, they lack the aesthetic allure of the Magic Mouse. Furthermore, I'm among the few individuals who prefer a smaller-sized mouse. I carry my Apple mouse while traveling, as I favor it over the trackpad. Concerns about the inconveniently located charging port are unfounded. Personally, I can't recall the last instance when the mouse ran out of battery. With a modicum of organizational diligence, charging it every few months suffices.

Magic Keyboard

Continuing with the Magic lineup, the magic keyboard stands out as one of my favorite tech accessories. In short, this keyboard boasts excellent tactile response, and enduring battery life, and ranks among the finest keyboards I've used. Although it's a pricier option, it's well worth the investment.

Beats Pill+ Speaker

Quality music is paramount. I indulge in music almost around the clock, and the Beats Pill+ serves as my chosen speaker. Regrettably, it lacks the same level of Apple Magic as the keyboard or mouse, yet it delivers decent sound. Were I making the choice today, I'd likely opt for the HomePod instead.

XP-Pen Graphics Tablet

When retouching tasks come into play, a graphics tablet becomes essential. This particular graphics tablet isn't extravagantly sophisticated, but it performs the necessary tasks adequately. Truth be told, I use it infrequently as much of my retouching is outsourced. The tablet's sizable dimensions are advantageous if you possess ample desk space, yet they prove problematic in cramped conditions. For the present, I wouldn't recommend purchasing this product due to the stylus feeling rather cheap and the USB connectivity exhibiting instability.

Storage & File Management

Kingston Workflow Station

Think of it as a rack for your SSD drives. Frankly, this is one of those items that gains utility as you accumulate more drives. Essentially, it's a hub equipped with four male USB-C ports. Since it's a powered hub, there are no restrictions on the types of devices you can connect. You can acquire SD and MicroSD readers, and the station itself ships with a USB miniHub. I find the Workflow station particularly useful for SSD management. It provides four SSD slots right at your workspace without the need for extra cables or hubs. An impressive product indeed.

LaCie D2 8TB Hard Drive

These drives house my archives. Virtually every photoshoot I've conducted resides on such a drive. I typically procure these drives in pairs, as having backup solutions is imperative. The LaCie D2 stands as a premium product, and I strongly advise investing in top-tier storage. After all, your work is at stake.

Samsung T7 SSD

This was my initial experience with a genuinely excellent SSD. A while back, I reviewed this SSD and concluded that it's both exceedingly fast and dependable while remaining reasonably priced. Over a year following that review, I still rely on this SSD for my ongoing projects. Fortunately, I've encountered no issues aside from the typical slowdown that affects nearly all SSDs as they approach full capacity. With its compact size, it's ideal for travel.

Kingston XS2000

A significantly smaller and swifter SSD, likely one of the most affordable 20Gbps solutions available. From my tests, I found that this drive excels at reading numerous files but lags in writing capabilities. This shortcoming isn't a concern for photographers who might shoot tethered and write to their drives at a slower pace. I utilize mine as a video editing drive, and while it's slightly slower than other 20Gbps options for transferring data from memory cards, its size and portability make it an excellent solution. One caveat is the subpar read/write performance; be prepared to initiate a warranty claim if you notice any decline in speed or performance.

G-Drive Mobile Pro 1TB SSD

This represents my alternate work drive and is arguably my current favorite. While it's the largest among the SSDs in terms of physical size, it's also the most durable. Despite its slightly higher cost compared to competing SSDs, it compensates with superior quality and reliability. I experience minimal drops in read/write speeds with the G-Drive, unlike the Samsung and Kingston alternatives. Moreover, this SSD is robust enough to withstand drops and is even water-resistant. What more could a traveling photographer require?

EZ Quest 10-1 Hub

There's a limit to the number of ports one can have, and as a photographer, multiple external storage devices, a card reader, perhaps a monitor, and even a color calibrator demand connectivity. This is why I rely on a USB hub to fulfill my additional port needs. In the long run, a sizeable powered hub supporting higher speeds and loads might be more pragmatic. However, due to my frequent travels, a compact portable hub is a more sensible choice.

Other

Aroma Lamp

I also keep an aroma lamp within reach, considering it an indispensable component of my post-processing workflow. A pleasing aroma significantly contributes to my concentration and relaxation, ultimately enhancing my thought process and productivity.

In essence, this comprises the hardware I employ for post-processing my images. How does your post-production setup compare? Share your insights in the comments section below.