Today Apple has announced a major update to the 27 inch iMac. Faster Intel processors, more memory, better GPUs and a new option for Nano-Texture glass. The 21.5 and the iMac Pro also get updates.
When it was announced at WWDC 2020 that there was to be a move towards custom ARM silicon, Apple did mention that there were new Intel based machines in the pipeline.
They weren't wrong as today they announced a major update to the 27 inch iMac and a few tweaks to the 21.5 inch version and the iMac Pro.
Let us start with the new 27 inch iMac.
The new machine features 6 and 8 core 10th-generation Intel processors with a 10 core processor option for the first time. Turbo boost speeds up to 5.0GHz for 65% faster CPU performance. The memory can now be specified up to 128 GB
When compared to the previous-generation 8-core 27 inch iMac, the new iMac delivers:
- Up to 65 percent more plug-ins in Logic Pro X.
- Up to 40 percent faster 8K ProRes transcode in Final Cut Pro X.
- Up to 35 percent faster rendering with Arnold in Autodesk Maya.
- Up to 25 percent faster build time in Xcode.
The new iMac features Radeon Pro 5000 series GPUS. For the first time there is an option of 16GB of GPU memory. (Was 8GB).
When compared to the previous-generation 27-inch iMac with Radeon Pro Vega 48 graphics, the new iMac delivers:
- Up to 55 percent faster rendering in Maxon Cinema 4D ProRender
- Up to 50 percent faster demo fly-through in Unity Editor.
- Up to 45 percent faster performance in “Total War: Three Kingdoms.”
- Up to 30 percent faster timeline rendering in Final Cut Pro X.
The new models also feature SSDs as standard and there is an 8TB SSD option for the first time. The iMac also includes the T2 Security Chip, which is already new custom silicon from Apple.
For the display, the new iMac features TrueTone which adjusts the tone of the screen according to the ambient light. That might not be great for editing and colour correcting, but the new $500 Nano-Texture option is. It is the same non-reflective finish from the Pro Display XDR.
If all that wasn't enough, the FaceTime camera is now at 1080p, there is a better quality microphone and the speakers have had a tweak via the T2 chip.
The 27 inch iMac is available to order now and will be in stores this week.
21.5 Inch iMac and iMac Pro
The 21.5 inch is now standard with SSDs across the line, although Fusion Drives are an option.
The iMac Pro is now standard with 10 core processors, although we think Apple missed a trick by not offering the Nano-Texture option.
Both models are available to order now and will be available in stores next week.
I am the Editor-in-Chief of FCP.co and have run the website since its inception ten years ago.
I have also worked as a broadcast and corporate editor for over 30 years, starting on one inch tape, working through many formats, right up to today's NLEs.
Under the name Idustrial Revolution, I have written and sold plugins for Final Cut Pro for 13 years.
I was made a Freeman of Lichfield through The Worshipful Company of Smiths (established 1601). Though I haven't yet tried to herd a flock of sheep through the city centre!
Current Editing
2020 has been busy, the beginning of the year was finishing off a new property series (cut on FCP) for Channel 4 called The Great House Giveaway. I also designed and built the majority of the graphics as Motion templates. It has been a great success and the shows grabbed more viewers in the 4pm weekday slot than any previous strand. It has been recommissioned by C4 for 60 episodes, including prime-time versions and five themed programmes. The shows have also been nominated for a 2021 BAFTA.
Although both were postponed to later in the year, I worked again on ITV's coverage of the Tour de France and La Vuelta. 2020 was my 25th year of editing the TdF and my 20th year as lead editor. The Tour was the first broadcast show to adopt FCPX working for multiple editors on shared storage.
BBC's Snooker has played a big part in my life, I've been editing tournament coverage since 1997. I'm proud to be part of a very creative team that has pioneered many new ideas and workflows that are now industry standard in sports' production. This is currently an Adobe Premiere edit.
Covid cancelled some of the regular corporate events that I edit such as trade shows & events. I was lucky however to edit, from home, on projects for Amazon Kindle, Amazon Black Friday, Mastercard and very proud to have helped local charitable trust Kendall & Wall secure lottery funding.
As for software, my weapon of choice is Final Cut Pro and Motion, but I also have a good knowledge and broadcast credits with Adobe Premiere Pro, MOGRT design and Photoshop.
Plugin Design & Development
I'm the creative force behind Idustrial Revolution, one of the oldest Final Cut Pro plugin developers. It hosts a range of commercial and free plugins on the site. One free plugin was downloaded over a thousand times within 24 hours of release.
I also take on custom work, whether it is adapting an existing plugin for a special use or designing new plugins for clients from scratch. Having a good knowledge of editing allows me to build-in flexibility and more importantly, usability.
FCP.co
Now in its 10th year and 4th redesign, running FCP.co has given me knowledge on how to run a large CMS- you are currently reading my bio from the database! Although it sounds corny, I am pretty well up on social media trends & techniques, especially in the video sector. The recent Covid restrictions has enabled live FCP.co shows online. This involves managing a Zoom Webinar through Restream.io to YouTube and Facebook.
The Future
I'm always open to new ideas and opportunities, so please get in touch at editor (at) fcp.co. I've judged film competitions, presented workflow techniques to international audiences and come up with ideas for TV shows and software programs!
