Is the M4 iPad Pro Worth the Upgrade? A Photographer’s Perspective
When the M4 iPad Pro was released, I found myself contemplating whether it was worth upgrading from my existing iPad Pro. I know Apple Silicon is nothing to write off, but my previous iPad Pro was still performing well. So, is the upgrade really worth it? Let’s dive in.
iPad Pro for Photographers
As a full-time headshot and portrait photographer, I primarily use my iPad Pro as a light-duty laptop. It handles email, scriptwriting for YouTube, reading, and watching videos effortlessly (the new display is amazing). However, I don’t rely on it for photo editing. My current shooting and editing workflow makes it challenging to use Lightroom on my iPad without misplacing images.
While CaptureOne has released a solid mobile version, I haven’t found the right workflow for regular iOS use. Lightroom’s mobile app is also commendable, but transitioning from Lightroom Classic is a chore.
In the store, the new iPad Pro’s thinner and lighter design, along with the latest keyboard with a trackpad, impressed me. My old iPad keyboard lacked a trackpad, and the difference it makes is significant. The 11-inch size is perfect for air travel, fitting comfortably even with the seat in front reclined.
iPad Pro Performance and Usability
You might wonder if an M4 chip is necessary for an iPad. Honestly, probably not at the moment, but with Apple’s recent advances in AI technology (aka Apple Intelligence), this iPad is built to last several years. At the moment, it’s the only hardware with an M4 chip! I opted for a 512 GB 11-inch model with a keyboard.
In a casual test, I photographed soccer games and imported hundreds of JPGs into Lightroom Mobile. The iPad handled it effortlessly. The only limitation was the slow hotel WiFi.
As a light video editor, I’m excited to test Final Cut Pro on the iPad, which my previous iPad Pro couldn’t support. The iPad is certainly versatile, serving as a second screen for client proofing, and allowing direct shooting into the iPad, adding redundancy and flexibility in the field.
iPad Pro Practical Benefits for Photographers
For photographers like me, iPad Pro is a valuable tool. It streamlines my workflow, especially on location shoots with just a few clients. The portable setup allows for quicker job execution, saving time and money.
iPad Cost
If there are downsides, it’s price. A 512 GB iPad Pro costs around $1200, and that’s before adding a keyboard or AppleCare. Thankfully, my old iPad trade-in helped offset some of the cost. Beyond a certain price point, a MacBook Air might be a more economical choice unless you specifically need iPadOS.
Conclusion
All things considered, M4 iPad Pro offers a notable performance boost. If you’ve been holding off and prefer the iPad form factor despite the cost, this upgrade won’t disappoint.