M1 on a budget for basic video and photo editing

[james*b]

Hi,
I am looking at buying a first generation M1 mac mini, macbook air, or imac - probably refurbished or used due to cost restrictions, probably a base model with 8gb RAM.
My current 2014 Macbook Pro (Core i5, 8gb RAM) is really struggling and cannot handle editing 4k video etc.
Could someone give me some advice about choosing between these first gen options - for example are they all roughly the same speed for video etc? The heavy lifting will be mostly home use - 4K videos, RAW photo editing etc - but is a priority for me.
Thanks in advance!

 

[wyrdness]

They'll all be pretty much the same speed. For lengthy encoding tasks the Air might be slightly slower, since it doesn't have a fan, so may thermal throttle. However, the difference won't be huge. If you already have keyboard, screen and mouse (and don't need a laptop) then Mini might be the best choice.

 

[rm5]

M1 MBA owner here. RAW photo editing (24 MP) is a breeze, and 10 heavily processed RAW images export in around 30 seconds.

Video editing is also quite fast. I can edit multiple streams of 4K HEVC video off my server, and I can even throw on some tough effects in Resolve. The ONE instance where my Mac Pro 5,1 with a W5500 video card has been faster than the M1 is if you add a defocus effect specifically, to a clip. It renders the clip in around half the time the M1 would take, although the GPU's fan is very loud, if not at the max RPM.

Mainly what I do video-wise is interviews, commercials, etc., so nothing too heavy, though I know I have the extra power for when I need it most.

As far as which one, I'd HIGHLY recommend the M1 iMac, just because you get that nice big 24-inch 4.5K display, and a fan (or two).

Hope this helps!

 

[Toutou]

Yes, all the M1 machines are roughly the same speed. The Air will slow down a little after a few minutes of going full throttle, but it's barely noticeable unless you count every second. RAW editing is a total non-issue for me (a few 24Mpix snaps here and there).

At this point I'd recommend looking really hard if you can get a 16GB RAM machine. You could get by with a 8GB one, but you'd probably sometimes hit yellow or red memory pressure working with multimedia.

So I'd say you're mostly choosing between the form factors -- laptop, all-in-one, a computer-box.

 

[james*b]

M1 MBA owner here. RAW photo editing (24 MP) is a breeze, and 10 heavily processed RAW images export in around 30 seconds.

Video editing is also quite fast. I can edit multiple streams of 4K HEVC video off my server, and I can even throw on some tough effects in Resolve. The ONE instance where my Mac Pro 5,1 with a W5500 video card has been faster than the M1 is if you add a defocus effect specifically, to a clip. It renders the clip in around half the time the M1 would take, although the GPU's fan is very loud, if not at the max RPM.

Mainly what I do video-wise is interviews, commercials, etc., so nothing too heavy, though I know I have the extra power for when I need it most.

As far as which one, I'd HIGHLY recommend the M1 iMac, just because you get that nice big 24-inch 4.5K display, and a fan (or two).

Hope this helps!

Yes, thanks
Can i ask one more naive question - with the M1, is the basic version of Resolve still free, and what happens to my old Lightroom 4 license - will it run in some form of emulation?

 

[Fishrrman]

With m-series, 8gb of RAM is not "enough".

Get 16gb.
If you get 8gb, "down the road" you're going to regret the decision.

 

[rm5]

1. Yes, Resolve is still free, and runs natively on M1
2. I don't know much about Lightroom, so I can't answer that unfortunately—but I would assume that it runs under Rosetta.

 

[1BadManVan]

With m-series, 8gb of RAM is not "enough".

Get 16gb.
If you get 8gb, "down the road" you're going to regret the decision.

Im confused why you're specially calling out the M series chips and 8gb of ram not being enough as the M series specially is much more efficient with 8gb of ram vs older intel models. Thats been proven many times since they've been released

 

[1BadManVan]

Hi,
I am looking at buying a first generation M1 mac mini, macbook air, or imac - probably refurbished or used due to cost restrictions, probably a base model with 8gb RAM.
My current 2014 Macbook Pro (Core i5, 8gb RAM) is really struggling and cannot handle editing 4k video etc.
Could someone give me some advice about choosing between these first gen options - for example are they all roughly the same speed for video etc? The heavy lifting will be mostly home use - 4K videos, RAW photo editing etc - but is a priority for me.
Thanks in advance!

Do you have a monitor already? as thats and extra cost for the mini if you dont, especially if you want a high res colour accurate screen for editing. Do you value portability? I assume thats not as big of a deal if you're considering all those options. If you have a good monitor, the m1 Mac mini is probably one your best bets.

If your budget fits an m1 iMac though, you could probably find a 16gb Mac mini in the same price range and that would easily be the best option overall for your kind if work load

 

[FSMBP]

Do you have a monitor already? as thats and extra cost for the mini if you dont, especially if you want a high res colour accurate screen for editing. Do you value portability? I assume thats not as big of a deal if you're considering all those options. If you have a good monitor, the m1 Mac mini is probably one your best bets.

If your budget fits an m1 iMac though, you could probably find a 16gb Mac mini in the same price range and that would easily be the best option overall for your kind if work load

I agree with this...If you're on a budget, reuse your keyboard/mouse/display (and speakers), get a refurbed M1 mini with 16GB RAM. I think I saw $829 on Apple's site for 256GB/16GB option refurbed.

You can always upgrade the accessories later as your budget allows. Also, you can get an SSD for additional storage for less than $80 (to store your videos/projects/etc).

Normally, I'd push the iMac but it may be too expensive and I think they're hideous.

 

[darngooddesign]

Hi,
I am looking at buying a first generation M1 mac mini, macbook air, or imac - probably refurbished or used due to cost restrictions, probably a base model with 8gb RAM.
My current 2014 Macbook Pro (Core i5, 8gb RAM) is really struggling and cannot handle editing 4k video etc.
Could someone give me some advice about choosing between these first gen options - for example are they all roughly the same speed for video etc? The heavy lifting will be mostly home use - 4K videos, RAW photo editing etc - but is a priority for me.
Thanks in advance!

My recommendation is to get the 16/512 Mini, but if you cant reach for that you should get the 16/256 instead of the 8/512 because attaching an SSD to a desktop is easy. Also, keep an eye on the refurbished store or Amazon sales which are often announced on this site.

 

[MysticCow]

Do you need an attached monitor? This will answer your question for what you need.

If yes, get an M1 Air with 16 GB of RAM.

If no, get an M1 mini with 16 GB of RAM.

If no, but you want to laugh, get an Intel "high end" mini (LOL).

 

[james*b]

Thanks. I am in Europe and 16gb RAM is so much more expensive
230 Euros to upgrade from 8gb to 16gb on the Apple site, new, across all models.
Refurbished..
MBA M1 8gb 256gb ssd is roughly the same price as MacMini with 512gb sdd.
MBA M1 16gb 256gb ssd, and MacMini with 512gb sdd (currently out of stock), both about 50% more.
I do not have a good second monitor.
Hard choice right now

 

[rm5]

SUPER IMPORTANT:

Storage you can upgrade (add external SSDs, etc.), RAM you can not. Despite being expensive, upgrading to 16 GB of RAM is a REQUIREMENT for video/photo editing!

You can get some good deals on decent IPS panel 1080p monitors, which are enough for basic use. So, if you get the Mac mini, you can buy one with 16 GB of RAM for around $700-800 used/refurbished. THEN, grab an external monitor that's at least 1080p, and you'll be all set.

 

[PauloSera]

Hi,
I am looking at buying a first generation M1 mac mini, macbook air, or imac - probably refurbished or used due to cost restrictions, probably a base model with 8gb RAM.
My current 2014 Macbook Pro (Core i5, 8gb RAM) is really struggling and cannot handle editing 4k video etc.
Could someone give me some advice about choosing between these first gen options - for example are they all roughly the same speed for video etc? The heavy lifting will be mostly home use - 4K videos, RAW photo editing etc - but is a priority for me.
Thanks in advance!

Considering what you're coming from, look for any of the many deals on M1 MacBook Air. Amazon had it today for $799.

 

[1BadManVan]

Thanks. I am in Europe and 16gb RAM is so much more expensive
230 Euros to upgrade from 8gb to 16gb on the Apple site, new, across all models.
Refurbished..
MBA M1 8gb 256gb ssd is roughly the same price as MacMini with 512gb sdd.
MBA M1 16gb 256gb ssd, and MacMini with 512gb sdd (currently out of stock), both about 50% more.
I do not have a good second monitor.
Hard choice right now

Ok but how much was the iMac you were considering? That’s why I suggested a 16gb Mac mini, I couldn’t imagine that being more then an m1 iMac

 

[theorist9]

Since you're getting it for 4k photo/video editing, unless you already have a nice monitor, I'd seriously look into the 24" 4.5k iMac. You'd need to check with others who've used it for doing 4K, but I'm wondering if it could be configured to display 4K photos and videos natively, with the remaining 0.5K used for the app interface (that's how many use the 5k iMac). Or if that's not enough space for the interface, maybe you could display the photos/videos natively at 4k on the iMac, and then buy a cheap 1080p monitor to display the app interface.

 

[james*b]

Since you're getting it for 4k photo/video editing, unless you already have a nice monitor, I'd seriously look into the 24" 4.5k iMac. You'd need to check with others who've used it for doing 4K, but I'm wondering if it could be configured to display 4K photos and videos natively, with the remaining 0.5K used for the app interface (that's how many use the 5k iMac). Or if that's not enough space for the interface, maybe you could display the photos/videos natively at 4k on the iMac, and then buy a cheap 1080p monitor to display the app interface.

Ok but how much was the iMac you were considering? That’s why I suggested a 16gb Mac mini, I couldn’t imagine that being more then an m1 iMac

Thanks. The refurb iMacs with 16gb RAM are nearly double the price of the base MBA (8gb, 256gb ssd) - or maybe 30% more than the 16gb RAM Mac mini :/
However the lower specced, refurbed 16gb models seem to be rare.. or just sell fast.

I have no idea how much a cheap, used monitor costs anymore (after-all, it is not for pro use)? I have a way too old Mac monitor somewhere in storage but it is only good for a second screen for interfaces or email.

 

[theorist9]

Don't know where you're located, but I've found you can often get better deals buying local on Craig's List than on Ebay. And if you do go used, trying finding one with Apple Care+

 

[CapitalQ]

I recently bought an open box Mac Mini M1 8GB from Amazon Warehouse for $450 and I'm using it now as my main work machine.

It flies in performance for web development (compiling heavy vue-cli applications in seconds), and video and photo editing with Premiere Pro and Photoshop 2023 editions. Don't believe the worries about 16GB.