Configuring a computer for the single pass camera is different from our three pass camera. The single pass camera recommends RAM, hard disk space, and processing speed. How much do you need? That will depend on what you shoot and how you shoot, film style.
Processing speed will be your first decision. The current development time for an S2 file with our color alias filter is on the order of 30 seconds when processed by a 233mhz G3 desktop. We plan on improving the color alias filter, adding moiré detection, and increasing the file size when the S3 becomes a releasable product. All of these implementations will add processing time to each file. How long will you be willing to wait for the development of a MEGA to TIFF file? Will that change if you have 100 files to develop? How about 300? The main question to be answered is how many images will be developed to TIFF on the capture computer? Perhaps none. Consider saving sessions to a network volume or to another computer. And always remember to save your work to two separate places because if you save once, and something bad happens, you’ll be looking at a reshoot, or worse.
So, after considering processing speed, how much RAM do you need? How many shots do you want to shoot without stopping? 140MB will run PhotoShoot™ and allow 8 shots, 170MB will allow 12 shots and 512MB will allow 40 shots. Choose the number of shots you need and equip your computer with the appropriate amount. Evaluate your computer for RAM slots. If you’ve got a desktop G3 with 3 ram slots and you’re not sure 200 megs of ram is enough, don’t buy 64MB RAM chips. That adds up to 198MB and no ability to add RAM without setting aside a 64MB chip. Instead, consider two 128MB RAM chips. That will get you the 200+ you think you’ll need but allow an additional RAM chip if you find you need more in the future. Careful consideration now can avoid a wasteful situation later.
Hard drive space. How much is enough? 100 S2 MEGA files is 800MB’s of data. Develop those files to TIFF and you’ve use up a Gig of space IF you don’t keep the MEGA file. Keep the MEGA files and you’ve used up 1.8 Gigabytes. Consider the S2 is capable of shooting a new file each three-quarters of a second and you’ll appreciate how fast you can shoot your hard drive full, even if you’ve got a giant hard drive. Be sure to acquire a 4x or faster CD burner to archive those MEGA files. Carefully consider the hard drive volume of your computer. Add an additional drive to your computer if your workload warrants it. Virtually all computers allow the installation of a second hard drive. Tower configured computers specialize in adding multiple drives. Let your conscience and your pocketbook be your guide.