Graphics Card on MBP too small...

[Olivero]

I have a Very new MacBook Pro 2.66 GHz, 4GB and 256MB Graphics Card. It turns out the card is too small for the camera I need to use. I spoke to Apple and they had no solution other than buying the better MPB and 'recycling' the current one (where they give you 10% off).

Any solutions that don't end up being, 'Get a Mac Pro' or 'Get a PC'.

[Zod]

Sorry, but your post makes no sense. The graphics card cannot be "too small". The graphics card processes the image displayed on your screen. The memory on the card is there to hold information eabouit each pixel in each frame. A 256 MB card in a MacBookPro is enough for any camera or video application. With 4GB of RAM, you have plenty unless you are doing demanding photoshop or video procesing work.

So, the question is, what problem are you experiencing wih camera and MacBookPro? If you explain that, we may be able to help.

[Mr_Yogi]

I'm a bit confused, when you say graphics card what are you refering to? A memory card for your camera? Surely not the actual 'graphics card' which has 256MB of RAM as that is way more than you'll ever need to manipulate 2D pictures from a camera

EDIT: too slow

Edited by Mr_Yogi on Tuesday 2nd March 16:36

[Olivero]

The camera I am using is a Hasselblad H3D-II with 50MB back. To import and edit you need to use their software - Phocus 2.0. It needs a 512MB card to function at any reasonable speed. With the 256MB card everything takes far too long or just crashes.

Using a high-end Nikon or Canon is no problem, the same with Photoshop or Lightroom. Just this program.

So, do I have to get rid of the computer and buy one with a 512MB card ?

[Mr_S]

I'll swap you my Nikon D300, problem solved

[GingerRob]

When you plug it into the mac does it not come up as an external hard drive, I've not used a mac just didn't know if it gave you that option

[Olivero]

Mr_S said:

I'll swap you my Nikon D300, problem solved

Got one already, but thanks for the offer.

[Olivero]

GingerRob said:

When you plug it into the mac does it not come up as an external hard drive, I've not used a mac just didn't know if it gave you that option

When used tethered the files/photos are transfered directly into a folder to be read by Phocus.
To use the camera teathered you have to have Phocus running.

[joewilliams]

The graphics card is not designed to be replaceable or upgradeable.

I assume yours in the 15" MBP? You may get lucky and pick up a logic board with 512Mb of graphics RAM on ebay, but the board will cost you £5-700, then you need someone to fit it, and you'll lose any hope of warranty claims.

I would say that you really need the extra processing power (and expandability) of a Mac Pro.

[Zod]

Now I understand!

[gamefreaks]

Am I missing something or is this just ludicrously crap software. 256mb of VRAM is a huge amount.

Wouldn't it be cheaper to buy a copy of Photoshop rather than a new laptop?

ETA: Re-read OP. This is a pointless post...

Edited by gamefreaks on Tuesday 2nd March 18:42

[voyds9]

Olivero said:

The camera I am using is a Hasselblad H3D-II with 50MB back.

With a camera like that you shouldn't be battering an eyelid at a more powerful graphics card