Video Editing Device

[Fisherking2]

Good Afternoon all,

I am looking to get into video editing. I will be capturing video with a few Sony cameras, a few gopro's, and an insta360. I am doing an outdoor channel with videos ranging between 20-30 minutes long. I shoot in 4K, but most of my content is only going to be on YouTube.

I am on a budget and I am looking to find the right computer to make my video editing as painless as possible.

I am looking at a 2017 27" imac with 3.4 Ghz, Pro 570 4 GB and 40 GB memory, 1 TB Flash drive, for $750 US.

Would this unit work for my needs? If not what would you suggest?

PS- I have found that my older 2015 macbook air will not play my gopro video without choppiness.

Would I be better off with a newer M1 chip 8 core imac with 8GB memory and 256 SSD (around $1000 open box)?

Thank you in advance.

 

[tensixturtle]

In terms of future-proofing, getting any Intel iMac today, let alone one that is 7 years old might not be a very good idea in my opinion. I am not sure which country you are in, but in the United States, the M2 Mac mini (8GB/256GB) is $700 new from Apple. For $200 more you can make that 512GB. So spending $1000 on an M1 Mac mini doesn't seem as good of a deal.
The nice part about the iMac is that it comes with everything (keyboard, mouse, and of course display) whereas with the Mac mini you'll have to get those parts separately if you don't already have them. So the cost can add up. However, Apple is really moving away from Intel so if you have the option, I think you would be glad to get any Apple Silicon Mac because they perform so much better.

 

[Feek]

I am looking at a 2017 27" imac with 3.4 Ghz, Pro 570 4 GB and 40 GB memory, 1 TB Flash drive, for $750 US.

Do not buy an Intel Mac now.

 

[Fishrrman]

Agree with others about not buying an Intel Mac now.

What you need is either:

A. M2Pro Mini, at least 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD (or larger).
or
B. Mac Studio with M2x inside, 32gb is stock, 1tb SSD (or larger).

And (better get used to this reality), it's going to cost you somewhat more than $750.

You might lower costs by buying Apple refurbished, such as m1pro Mini or Studio...