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Home: Video University Forums: Mac Video:
Can I get away with an iMac for editing???

glitterfilm
User

Dec 27, 2006, 5:57 AM

Post #1 of 9 (1238 views)
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Can I get away with an iMac for editing???	Can't Post

it's the end of the year.....which means I need to write off some more gear but I can't go totally crazy. The 24inch iMac is very tempting as an occasional edit system at a great price. Anyone editing off of these on here? For the investment is it better to just spend more and get a Quad? I haven't upgraded to the Intel chip computers. Would love some advice on what to expect.
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Lesson #29 on being discreet: For outdoor weddings I normally wear camouflage paint on my face and then strap a tree or bush to my body and wrap the camera in plastic flowers. And yes, I do that wearing headphones. "

(This post was edited by glitterfilm on Jan 4, 2007, 3:54 AM)

Christopher
User

Dec 27, 2006, 12:45 PM

Post #2 of 9 (1224 views)
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Re: [glitterfilm] Can I get away with an iMac for editing??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I use a 20" iMac G5 (with the pre-Intel chip) for all my editing. For native HDV editing it's a little slower than I would prefer, but for editing normal DV footage I'm very happy with the speed of renders and compression for DVD.

I do recommend spending the extra $$ to max out the RAM, though. It really makes a difference.
---
FX1, HC1, iMac G5, Final Cut Studio
The Signal - in theaters October 23, 2007

glitterfilm
User

Dec 28, 2006, 6:32 PM

Post #3 of 9 (1201 views)
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Re: [Christopher] Can I get away with an iMac for editing??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Great to hear! Thanks Chris.

Anything is an upgrade to my current system at this point, it's amazing how fast the Mac's are nowadays. Do you run Motion, DVDSP or Magic Bullet on it as well?

I'm just at that point where I'm ready to upgrade and overhaul my systems next year and I've been doing some research, but it's interesting hearing and seeing everyone on these boards with thier different systems.

Which makes me wonder:

Is there an 'industry standard' of Editing hardware and software for our industry (for those on FCP)? Are most of your using Raid systems, dual monitors, same software graphics programs? I'm noticing a more uniform look on all these HDV videos, they look great, but they all seem to be utilizing the same or similar effects and transitions. Just curious if I missed the 'must have gear' memo.

Smile

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Lesson #29 on being discreet: For outdoor weddings I normally wear camouflage paint on my face and then strap a tree or bush to my body and wrap the camera in plastic flowers. And yes, I do that wearing headphones. "

Julie Hill
Enthusiast

Dec 28, 2006, 10:51 PM

Post #4 of 9 (1200 views)
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Re: [glitterfilm] Can I get away with an iMac for editing??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Kristen,

Saturday is almost here!!! Yay! (inside joke... they are actually VERY pleased with everything which is very very very good!)

Anyway, we have a 24" intel imac among all the other macs in our office... I love it! it's fast (compared to my dual 2ghz G5) and gets the job done.

I have noticed a bit of quirky behavior w/FCP (make sure you have the universal edition... I think apple extended the upgrade offer until Jan. sometime) but not enought to stop using it. :)

WHAT'S NEXT you ask? http://reframecollective.squarespace.com/blog

glitterfilm
User

Dec 28, 2006, 11:08 PM

Post #5 of 9 (1199 views)
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Re: [scalvidgal] Can I get away with an iMac for editing??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Quote

I have noticed a bit of quirky behavior w/FCP (make sure you have the universal edition... I think apple extended the upgrade offer until Jan.

In Reply To

the universal edition? not familiar.....what other choices are there? I still don't have FCP Studio and was just thinking of biting the bullet and just going all out. i've been stuck in a wedding cave filled with monogramed napkins and bad renditions of Earth Wind and Fire for the past 3 yrs.
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Lesson #29 on being discreet: For outdoor weddings I normally wear camouflage paint on my face and then strap a tree or bush to my body and wrap the camera in plastic flowers. And yes, I do that wearing headphones. "

Julie Hill
Enthusiast

Dec 28, 2006, 11:58 PM

Post #6 of 9 (1194 views)
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Re: [glitterfilm] Can I get away with an iMac for editing??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've been stuck in my cave with Sade and Israel Kamakawiiwo'ole

Universal just means it's programmed for the intel macs AND the G5's (etc.) The regular version won't run on an intel mac.

here's the info on upgrading to studio:

http://store.apple.com/...6csU/3.0.21.1.0.8.12

WHAT'S NEXT you ask? http://reframecollective.squarespace.com/blog

glitterfilm
User

Dec 29, 2006, 2:13 AM

Post #7 of 9 (1192 views)
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Re: [scalvidgal] Can I get away with an iMac for editing??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Lady!

looking forward to getting together sometime in the new year! Wink

Christopher
User

Dec 31, 2006, 2:58 PM

Post #8 of 9 (1159 views)
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Re: [glitterfilm] Can I get away with an iMac for editing??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I use DVDSP 4 and have been very happy with the speed of it. I usually have my assets compressed in the .m2v file format, so they're pretty much ready to burn and DVDSP doesn't have to do any additional compression.

I have Motion, but have not really messed with it yet. One of my goals in 2007 is to buy the Apple Certified book and learn how to use it. (I was very pleased with what I learned in the Apple Certified books for FCP 5 and DVDSP 4.)

Good luck with your purchase!
---
FX1, HC1, iMac G5, Final Cut Studio
The Signal - in theaters October 23, 2007

gl
Veteran

Jan 13, 2007, 11:05 AM

Post #9 of 9 (1045 views)
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Re: [scalvidgal] Can I get away with an iMac for editing??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Actually, they extended it until March 31 so, you have a lot more time.

-gl

�Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.� ~ Abraham Lincoln