The iPad Pro has proven itself to be a powerful tool for photographers on the go, and with new models on the horizon, we take a quick look at what current models bring to the creator’s table, and what we’d like to see going forward.
The iPad Pro can be found in photography studios and photographers’ tool kits around the globe and they’re used for good reason. While I don’t always agree with what Apple does, it is hard to deny the fact that the company has the best tablet ever made as part of their portfolio. The iPad Pro took the device to new heights, and its capabilities were quickly loved by those in creative fields. Here we take a quick look at why the iPad Pro can become a photographer’s best friend, and what we would love to see in new models going forward.
It seems as though there may be some new models of the iPad Pro on the horizon. While there hasn’t been any real news about newer models, the fact that current-gen and first-gen models of the device currently have deep discounts says a lot. You can pick up a 10.5 inch iPad Pro for just $579 right now, whereas current generation models like the 11 inch iPad Pro and the 12.9 inch iPad Pro can be picked up for $749 and $1,073.41 respectively. These are huge savings, and they make the device even more attractive.
Even regular versions of the iPad have found their way into the camera bags of photographers. You can get one with pen support for just $249 now. The amount of power in iPads is crazy. It wasn’t that long ago that editing RAW images meant you had to be sitting at a computer or with a large laptop resting on your legs. Now, you can edit anywhere, at any time. The Apple Pencil support that’s baked into the new iPad and the iPad Pro models is excellent. You can transfer your RAW images to your tablet, and then download fully fleshed out versions of Lightroom and Photoshop. Editing with the pencil is a fantastic experience, and makes using the iPad Pro incredibly fun.
The new iPad OS is something else that will take the iPad to new heights as well. Apple has decided the new iPadOS will have true multitasking features, and finally allow the user to create their own folders within the OS. Users can also expect desktop quality web browsing, and support for external USB drives, SD cards, and a mouse! No longer will you be limited to onboard storage.
Of course, the iPad also gives you access to the App Store. This means that any photography related app that you could ever need is just a screen tap away. Your options are almost limitless. Want to create a slideshow to show clients their images? There’s an app for that. If you need quick access to Instagram, 500px, VSCO, and countless others, you have them with you too. Like I said, almost limitless options are available. As great as the iPad Pro is though there is always room for improvement.
There are some features we would love to see implemented into future versions of the iPad Pro. We love what Microsoft has done with the Surface, and in particular, the accessory wheel that lets you control the device. The wheel enables you to intuitively interact with software features. You can alter colors, hues, saturation, highlights, shadows, and so on. It’s a tremendous peripheral, and one that the iPad Pro is lacking.
It’s time to say goodbye to the bezels around the screen. Edge-to-edge display that can really show off the Retina screen would be fantastic. Native support for popular photo printers (not just AirPrint models) that could allow you to edit and print directly from the iPad would be great too. Apple needs to toughen up the chassis of the iPad Pro as well: they don’t want another bend-gate on their hands.
We can wax lyrical about features we’d like to see in new iPad Pro models, but the fact is that if you’re a photographer who’s always on the move, the iPad is a tool that can make your life easier. With the current versions seeing drastic price cuts, (iPad Pro 10.5 inch $579, 11 inches $749, and 12.9 inch $1,073.41) now is the best time to add one to your photography tool bag.