Hd Video Editor For Mac
If you own a Mac and want to use the video editor that will make Windows users jealous, then check out Apple’s Final Cut Pro X. This is a serious suite of video editing tools.
I'm looking to buy a Mac to edit HD video from my Canon HV20 (HDV format). I would like to run Final Cut Express. Right now I'm trying to decide between machines. Portability is nice, but not necessary. IMac 20-inch 2.4Ghz 1GB RAM 320GB Hard Drive ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB memory + $199 Final Cut = $1,698.00 Macbook 13-inch 2.2Ghz 1GB RAM + $150 1GB RAM- optioned up to compensate for no video memory + $199 Final Cut Express = $1,648.00 So, I can save $50 (not really a big deal) if I buy the laptop, even with it optioned up to 2GB RAM. And the laptop is more portable!
But I get 7 inches more screen and 256mb video memory if I go with the iMac. I get a measly.2Ghz more processor speed, and half the RAM. The portability of the macbook is nice. Rom hex editor for mac.
But can I edit on it? But will throw in my 2 cents. If you NEED portability, then the answer is obvious. If you really don't need it, the iMac will be much more palatable. In either case, you can add an external monitor for more square footage during editing (I think you will want that - especially if you are using FCP. Either machine will edit the video - once it is imported - with no problems. The first issue you will encounter is during the import, then comes transitions and titles/credits or any other activity where video rendering is required.
Free Video Editor For Mac No Watermark
And last, the export (to a QuickTime, AVI or MP4 file - or burning a DVD - in each case, it is that rendering that is really CPU intensive. Two additional considerations: If you go the iMac route, get the RAM up to at least 2 gig (more is better if/when you can afford it). You can install it yourself, so no need to pay premium prices from Apple. Internal hard drive space will get eaten pretty quickly. In addition to the Operating system and installed apps and possibly other documents/files (iPhoto, iTunes, etc.), 1 hour of imported HDV will take up ~40 gig of hard drive space.
Yes, you will be editing and removing projects when done - but there may come a time when more than one project is being worked simultaneously. External Firewire drives work fine.
And actually, if you have power available, the iMac is not that big of a deal to move since there are really only 3 pieces to it. The CPU/monitor, mouse and keyboard. So if you go into a coffee shop, just sit by the wall with the power. I guess a protective case of some sorts would be beneficial. Pretty tough to sit in the middle of the park (no power) and edit, though.
(My perspective: I've been editing HDV from a Sony HDR-HC1 for a couple of years - and mostly on my 17' iMac flatpanel 2GHz, 2 gig RAM, G5.). Thanks for your perspectives. It's also encouraging to hear that I can put in the ram myself- I've done it on a PC, but the Mac looks built tighter and I wasn't sure if that was doable.
I don't have plans to buy an external monitor, and portability is not paramount, merely a convenience. I'll go with the iMac. And, just FYI, I have a 500GB Iomega external HDD with firewire 400 & 800. (I can't wait to use the 800! Right now I'm stuck on 400 with my PC.) I'll be moving this HDD around, rather than my computer (why I was considering a laptop) This is a little off-topic, but hopefully it's ok to ask. What is the most dirt cheap way to get Windows on a Mac using Bootcamp?
XP or Vista is ok, even Vista home basic is fine. I just don't want to spend a bundle if I can help it.