I'm new to macs - looking for advice

[villain612]

To start, I've only used PC's.

For the most part, my computer usage was pretty basic, which didn't require the machine to do much - surf the internet, type documents, etc. Very simple stuff.

However, I am now jumping into advanced video editing - the kind used for music videos and I need a machine that can handle that. My band's first music video was edited on a PC, and while it turned out good, it was SO UNBELIABLY frustrating attempting edit HD video on a PC.

So here I am, looking at potential macs, and I am looking for advice on what to purchase. I know I am going to need at least 4 GB of RAM - will upgrade to 8 GB if possible. I will be editing full HD video clips (1980x1020), as we are shooting with the Canon 5d and 7d.

Since I am only using the mac for video editing purposes, I am really looking to find the most bang for you buck I can with a new computer. Hard drive space will not be that big of a deal - I will be editing the files mostly off an external hard drive.

And while I would love to have a large monitor for viewing, that's also not high up on my priority list. I just need something to get off the ground with but that's also reasonably priced. I can upgrade the monitor later.

Price range Im looking at is $600-$1000.

I appreciate the help.

 

[spinnerlys]

Either the new Mac mini (maybe even refurb) or the 21.5" iMac as refurb model will more than suffice. Have you considered purchasing Final Cut Express or any other editing application besides iMovie?

And know, while the files of the Canon are quite small, they are not meant for editing, they have to be transcoded to another format (.mov) using another codec (Apple Intermediate Codec), which will give you bigger files (40GB/h), but smoother playback and less CPU intensity.

 

[villain612]

Either the new Mac mini (maybe even refurb) or the 21.5" iMac as refurb model will more than suffice. Have you considered purchasing Final Cut Express or any other editing application besides iMovie?

And know, while the files of the Canon are quite small, they are not meant for editing, they have to be transcoded to another format (.mov) using another codec (Apple Intermediate Codec), which will give you bigger files (40GB/h), but smoother playback and less CPU intensity.

I apologize. I left that part out in my original post.

I will be editing on Final Cut Pro...... which, as far as my understanding goes, doesn't require any transcoding from the canon (correct me if Im wrong).


Nonetheless, I am totally fine going with used or refurbished.
Whatever gets the job done.

 

[C. Alan]

I will be editing on Final Cut Pro...... which, as far as my understanding goes, doesn't require any transcoding from the canon (correct me if Im wrong).

My experience has been that Final Cut works best with .MOV files. However, you may want to go ask this question in the video forum.

 

[spinnerlys]

I apologize. I left that part out in my original post.

I will be editing on Final Cut Pro...... which, as far as my understanding goes, doesn't require any transcoding from the canon (correct me if Im wrong).


Nonetheless, I am totally fine going with used or refurbished.
Whatever gets the job done.

The Canon produces files using the H264 codec, which FCP can edit with, but you will be constantly rendering your timeline. I don't know if the Log & Transfer window detects the Canon and imports the footage and transcodes it though, but it is best to use the less compressive codec when editing to save CPU power, which can be used for faster editing and more tracks and what not.

Anyway, take a look at the FCP manual online and see for yourself, what FCP likes and what not.
And MRoogle is a good tool to search these fora for already existing threads about the same issue and may answer your question.