What type of Mac computer is good for video and film editing?

Question

iMac, the one w/ all the hardware behind the flat monitor, or the regular Mac desktop computer w/ the tower?

Thanks!

I want to get the final cut suite to edit w/

Answer 1

The main difference would be expandibility. There is also portability, and speed, and price.

As far as expandibility goes, the iMac is pretty much set, although you can add more RAM and bump up the size of your hard drive, you don't have PCI slots to add other things like video cards. This, however is not that big of a deal because a lot of the things today come available as an external device, such as a D/A converter, External Hard Drive, etc. As a semi-professional, you will do fine with the iMac, but if you are seriously thinking about taking on Film, I would recommend the Mac Pro, or the G5 tower.

I'm a semi-professional videographer, and I found myself needing portability. I had a 45 pound G5 tower and a 35 pound monitor, and i had to set everything up at remote locations to produce DVDs on the spot, as well as provide other services. The problem was carrying all of that stuff was heavy and time consuming....making at least 4 trips to the car, and then hooking everything up. I sold it and got this MacBook Pro, and it covers my needs well. i considered getting an iMac because it would be a little easier to set up, and you may have that consideration as well.

As far as speed goes, I have noticed an improvent from my G5 to my MacBook Pro, so with the iMac, you should be fine. The only difference may be if you plan on compressing a lot or you need to do it quickly for distribution on the spot, you may consider the tower. I have never done a wedding on the spot, but I know some people that do. They use laptops, and then connect to a G5 with Qmaster to compress quicker.

To me, the value of the iMacs is incredible. you get speed and a great screen to go along with it. You can then concentrate on upgrading your RAM or something like that than investing $700 or $1000 on one of Apple's displays. BTW, I would highly recommend getting an Apple display over something else, because i had a non-apple display, and I HATED it. Now I have an apple display and it is so much better!

Answer 2

Hi Brooke...it depends on which applications you will be using as some software programs are very memory intensive as well as requiring a lot of processing power. Generally, the Mac Pro is most suitable for high level audio/video editing applications such as Pro Tools, Final Cut Pro, etc. You also have the ability to easily upgrade the video card too, which is a benefit for the video/film application.