4K vs 5K iMac for video editing

[satchmo]

I'm just looking to get started with video, so my needs aren't super high at the moment.

Short 10-20 minute videos.
Probably 1080 and the maybe the occasional 4K.

Is it necessary to go with the 27" 5K iMac?
Will the 21.5" 4K iMac connected to an older 24" Dell display suffice?

I realize the 5K will future proof things, but it's also quite a bit more expensive.

 

[Lunder89]

You can edit video on a 4k iMac for sure. Just make sure to get it in either a 2TB Fusion drive or pure SSD spec. Upgrading it to 16 GB ram would also be a good idea. (Especially if you intend on using either Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro)

And if you wan't to edit 4K video, I would recommend an Intel i7 processor too.

 

[LTMstudios_Andy]

I edit 4k footage on i5-7600K 5k iMac with no problems. Seen youtube reviews on video editors editing on the base model 5k imac with no problems too. Pretty sure the 4k can handle it?

 

[peteypab2133]

You can edit video on a 4k iMac for sure. Just make sure to get it in either a 2TB Fusion drive or pure SSD spec. Upgrading it to 16 GB ram would also be a good idea. (Especially if you intend on using either Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro)

And if you wan't to edit 4K video, I would recommend an Intel i7 processor too.

wondering how the costs add up once you start adding all these additional features. my base 27" 5k with 8gb ram and 4.2i7 cost around $2300 new.

If a built 21.5 4k came in anywhere close to $250-400 difference it would be a no brainer to go 5k. you get more screen, more power and if I recall certain 21.5 4k ones dont have abilities to upgrade the ram right?

 

[deconstruct60]

....
If a built 21.5 4k came in anywhere close to $250-400 difference it would be a no brainer to go 5k. you get more screen, more power and if I recall certain 21.5 4k ones dont have abilities to upgrade the ram right?

Easily and authorized user update RAM? No. Remove screen and partially disassemble, then technically yes. If you have to pay a certified technician to do that then that eats into the $250-400 gap (same for your own time/labor 'cost'). Otherwise, Apple's higher mark up on RAM BTO upgrades also pragmatically eat into the gap also if will try to get to the 32-64GB range on RAM.

A reasonable sized SSD and a larger USB (UASP) external HDD for bulk/archival storage might make the 4K iMac work on a tight budget.

 

[Lunder89]

wondering how the costs add up once you start adding all these additional features. my base 27" 5k with 8gb ram and 4.2i7 cost around $2300 new.

If a built 21.5 4k came in anywhere close to $250-400 difference it would be a no brainer to go 5k. you get more screen, more power and if I recall certain 21.5 4k ones dont have abilities to upgrade the ram right?

You need to remember the 5K iMac needs the same adjustments as the 4K iMac. So the 5K gets more expensive too.

But correct, the 4K iMac does not upgrade RAM easily, it needs to be taken apart, the 5K iMac has a little door where the RAM hides behind, and can easily be upgraded.

 

[deconstruct60]

You need to remember the 5K iMac needs the same adjustments as the 4K iMac. So the 5K gets more expensive too.

Not as much. the current 5K models all start off at Fusion Drive. It is a relatively puny SSD but it is better than pure HDD. Essentially, there are not 5K models that do not have a SSD. In the 21.5" Apple has more component pricing pressure and drops even the small SSD assist Fusion drive configuration from the base price configuration.

With Apple default installing 10.14 Mojave and APFS on new systems the HDD in the basic 21.5" config is a performance liability. It doesn't start off the same.

Additionally, wouldn't need to move of the starting point of the 5K's GPU. In 21.5" space probably will go up config.

But correct, the 4K iMac does not upgrade RAM easily, it needs to be taken apart, the 5K iMac has a little door where the RAM hides behind, and can easily be upgraded.

If Apple BTO RAM in both then move up in "same adjustments" but if one is 3rd party RAM and the other Apple BTO RAM than won't be "same adjustments" price wise.

 

[B.A.T]

Go with a SSD drive and stay away from the fusion.

 

[Fishrrman]

If it fits your budget, get the 27" i5 3.5ghz w/8gb RAM and a 512gb SSD.

That LAST THING you will ever hear the owner of a 27" iMac say:
"Gee, I wish I'd bought the 21" version instead..."

 

[OldCorpse]

If it fits your budget, get the 27" i5 3.5ghz w/8gb RAM and a 512gb SSD.

That LAST THING you will ever hear the owner of a 27" iMac say:
"Gee, I wish I'd bought the 21" version instead..."

As long as you remember that you'll have to add RAM regardless - for example Da Vinci Resolve 15 recommends 16GB RAM as minimum. For editing, you'll need a good video card with a good amount of memory.