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Home: Video University Forums: HDV:
Anyone using iMac for HDV editing?

LarsCA
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Nov 5, 2007, 10:26 AM

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Anyone using iMac for HDV editing?	Can't Post

I'm just curious if the latest generation iMacs can handle it, and if they can if they handle it well? I need a new computer, badly, but I do so little video work per year I can't justify the expense of a Mac Pro + monitor. But I also realize that I probably will have to move to HD in the not so distant future, or the little work I do is going to get ever farther in between. So, will an iMac work, or would that be like trying to enter a F1 race with a minivan?

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So many toys, so little time. And no money so it doesn't matter anyway...

JackHutchinson
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Nov 29, 2007, 1:14 PM

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Re: [LarsCA] Anyone using iMac for HDV editing? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi,

I'm using an iMac from May of 06 (2Ghz Intel) with 2GB ram. I shoot and edit in SD, but I've experimented with HDV to get a feel for the workflow. I captured HDV footage from a Sony HC3 and tried editing HDV native. I found that the iMac was not powerful enough by a longshot to do native HDV editing in the FCP timeline, but after converting the footage to Prores first, the iMac could edit Prores footage in the timeline much faster. Now, filters take longer to render, and you have to have the computer spend a long time (overnight) to export the footage to DVD, but that's better than having to wait everytime you make an edit.

From my LIMITED experience I'd say the latest iMacs can handle HDV, just not real-time for a whole lot. Remember, my imac is 18months old too, so you'd be better off than I would be. I am considering sticking with my iMac when I first go to HDV and then getting a new Mac Pro later on.

Jack

Timothy Harry
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Nov 29, 2007, 1:42 PM

Post #3 of 10 (2728 views)
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Re: [LarsCA] Anyone using iMac for HDV editing? [In reply to]	Can't Post

for basic work you should be fine. ProRes would be the way to go here. You might also look at the AJA IO or MOTU firewire solutions for more horsepower.

Tim Harry

Bandwagon Media
Odessa, TX

chucksav
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Dec 8, 2007, 12:02 AM

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Re: [LarsCA] Anyone using iMac for HDV editing? [In reply to]	Can't Post

The fact is that today's slowest iMac is considerably faster than the high end machines (PPC G5) of just a couple years ago. You will have no problem working with native HDV & FW 400 or 800 drives.

AbracadabraTV
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Dec 14, 2007, 7:23 AM

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Re: [chucksav] Anyone using iMac for HDV editing? [In reply to]	Can't Post

ChuckSav....I am considering getting a 24" iMac for HDV editing and photoshop. I'll be using the latest version of FCP. iMac, 2.8GHZ, 4GBB ram, external 750 laCie drive. I really welcome your opinion as I have been told by mac store sale people that I would be much better off with the MacPro...of course at a much higher price. Is the iMac that I've described that much of a slug that it won't edit HDV in a professional environment? I am coming from a dual 800 G4 and need to upgrade, I realize that a Mac Pro would be a good choice, but I also need to purchase a monitor at this time and I am hoping the the iMac described will do the trick.
Any thoughts?
Thanks, Craig

MLiebergot
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Dec 14, 2007, 10:18 AM

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Re: [AbracadabraTV] Anyone using iMac for HDV editing? [In reply to]	Can't Post

It won't be a slug. But the reason that you would want a Mac Pro to run Final Cut Studio, is that the Mac Pro with let you install more RAM, better graphic card (especially useful for Motion and Color), as well as considerably more hard drive storage space (not a problem though if you use external storage), than an iMAC.

Michael

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Software: I am learning...
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Computer: MAC BABY!

AbracadabraTV
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Dec 14, 2007, 3:40 PM

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Re: [MLiebergot] Anyone using iMac for HDV editing? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for that feedback. I don't use motion, but would do some minor color correcting. DVD authoring. Also Sorrenson Squeeze. Most of our work are short 3 minute promo videos that are cuts only with 4 stereo audio layers. We would also use it for dreamweaver and photoshop. Would the iMac extreme with 4GB ram work out? Yes, all lacie firewire 500 GB externals.
Or should I spend for a quad core 2.6GHZ pro and a 24 inch monitor....about another thousand.
Best, Craig

Timothy Harry
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Dec 18, 2007, 10:13 PM

Post #8 of 10 (2472 views)
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Re: [AbracadabraTV] Anyone using iMac for HDV editing? [In reply to]	Can't Post

honestly I think you would be better suited with the mac pro. but that s just my opinion. the machine you are wanting would work, but I think you will get more mileage out of the mac pro.

Tim Harry

Bandwagon Media
Odessa, TX

Kenneth
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Dec 23, 2007, 7:40 PM

Post #9 of 10 (2374 views)
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Re: [LarsCA] Anyone using iMac for HDV editing? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I use a new 20" iMac for a few things like encoding and peicing together a reception, but I would never use it for editing. The stock video card is not powerful enough. Lots of redraw problems.
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chucksav
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Dec 27, 2007, 11:56 AM

Post #10 of 10 (2278 views)
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Re: [AbracadabraTV] Anyone using iMac for HDV editing? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Bigger & faster is always better, but my feeling is that the iMac would be more than adequate. So here is what I would do - take an external FW drive loaded with a current FCP project down to the Apple store and plug it into an iMac and see how it performs. Then let us know your decision.