The Right Machine for Audio/Video/Anim

[jamison]

I am out of the loop, but want to get a Mac to work on projects of Audio Recording and Editing, Movies, Animation, and Photo Editing/Manipulation.

My projects are for personal use, with the intent of developing potfolios of my work to eventually becoming pro. If I become pro in a few years, I can upgrade, so I don't need the ultimate stuff right away. But I am fairly advanced in scope and don't want a slow or inefficient machine.

I also need some reccommendations for appropriate software. I would like to use software that is compatible with pro stuff so I can make the appropriate transfers when necessary.

Cost is a factor all-around, and I'm not against buying used gear.

 

[Mac_Freak]

I would suggest that you get an iMac 17" or favorably 20"

 

[trainguy77]

If you want used this thing might be what you want, it may be a little to pricy but would last you for awhile. It looks like a good machine:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ULTIMATE-POWER-...810061652QQcategoryZ51036QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It has some pro software with it. It might be over kill.

Edit: or something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/APPLE-MACINTOSH...808840188QQcategoryZ51036QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[7254278]

Or a refurb low end G5 powermac, they can be upgraded a lot so it will last for a fair amount of time.

 

[mduser63]

Others have given you good suggestions with regard to hardware. If I were in your position, I'd try to get a dual G5 Power Mac, but an iMac G5 is also a good way to go.

As for software, I recommend that you go with Final Cut Studio if you can afford it. If you're a student, you can get the whole package for $699, otherwise I think it's $1299. The applications in FCS are professional, and are used by professionals, so you should have no problem doing what you want to do with them, and you'll have a good head start on going pro if you master the use of them. If you don't quite have that much money, take a look at Final Cut Express. It's got the same interface as Final Cut Pro, but doesn't have all of the professional features. It may be fine for what you want to do. I personally use FCP, and use several features that aren't present in FCE often.

For photos, you'll definitely want Photoshop. I'm not really sure about animation, as that's not something I do.

Audio editing is a little harder to answer. If you're looking at doing music, there is TONS of software available for the Mac for that purpose. There is probably more music software for the Mac than any other kind of software. However, if you want to do stereo audio editing, the best program IMO is Adobe Audition, and that's unfortunately only available for Windows. The closes Mac equivalent is BIAS Peak, but I'm don't really have a high opinion of Peak, and can't say that I recommend it. You can download a trial at BIAS's website and find out for yourself whether it will do what you need.

 

[jamison]

Best Places to Buy?

Thank you for the reply.
Any suggestions for where to purchase the equipment and software?

 

[mduser63]

If you're a student, buy the hardware from your school bookstore or the Apple store (online or physical). You can't get discounted software from brick and mortar Apple stores, for that you have to go to your school or Apple online.

If you're not a student, I'd recommend a local Mac reseller or Apple Store. http://www.apple.com works fine too. I personally much prefer to buy from local stores, partly to support them, but also because I don't have to pay for/wait for shipping.