View Full Version : anyone doing video editing?
metronycguy
10-07-2005, 12:08 AM
i bought a cam camera and want to play with video , i have a pc and was trying with pinnacle 9.4 and find it pretty hard to editing out what i want ,
is movie with a mac that much better? power book that much better.
garvey
10-07-2005, 10:31 AM
Just want to say that I've heard that video editing is a good reason to buy a Mac!
LaoziSailor
10-07-2005, 02:32 PM
What you really want to ask is how deep do I want to go?
If you already have a PC and Pinnacle, you are already on your way, it may not be the most user friendly and that is why I suggested my question above.
Keep in mind that you probably want the hardware to support it.
Off the bat I'd suggest your CPU is at least equivalent to a 1.30 gigahertz AMD Duron (...if your PC is slower, you may get bored waiting for stuff to happen, ...click again on something you have already clicked -- not good).
Hard disks, ...you should probably look at the deal Steven is still debating about in 52825 and there's (it's 2003, and I think still applies) an article Storing Your Digital Video Masterpiece at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/expert/dunn_03august11_hd.mspx you may want to look at.An hour of DV quality video will take up around 13 GB, and that's just for the capturing—you'll need that much space again if you're going to be outputting a final project without editing too much of the video out. So, for an hour of video you'll need 26 GB minimum. But hard drives are about more than just size, so we'll also delve into why performance is important.Graphic card?, I'd be looking at an e-GeForce FX 5500 256MB DDR (256-AB-N313), which you can probably get for a very reasonable price -- the new stuff is already out!
Software, ...if you really get the bug, I'd suggest you start off with http://www.videohelp.com/newbie, ...that'll keep you busy for a while. It really becomes a very big thing!, ...might even consider going to college to pick up a course.
If you don't expect to be too serious about it and have the means to go for a 2nd computer, I would definitely recommend going with the Macintosh approach.
Somewhat related is 13294, may want to check it out.
Cheers!
Metro, I have heard that Pinnacle Studio 7 is good but, Studio 9 is "terrible." You would be better off using Adobe's Premiere Elements (http://www.adobe.com/products/premiereel/main.html) at $99.
I would wait for Apple to release the Mac's with the Intel chips before buying a new computer.
mingo
10-09-2005, 08:06 PM
Give http://www.arcsoft.com a try. I get good use out of ShowBiz DVD. There is a demo.
metronycguy
10-09-2005, 09:10 PM
Metro, I have heard that Pinnacle Studio 7 is good but, Studio 9 is "terrible." You would be better off using Adobe's Premiere Elements (http://www.adobe.com/products/premiereel/main.html) at $99.
I would wait for Apple to release the Mac's with the Intel chips before buying a new computer.
does that apply to the g4 power book? that the one i was looking at..
i hate to spend any more money on software, i have the pinnacle 9.4.3 i believe, i see the 10 is out, however i read that it has problems too
now i have a dimension 4550 ,2524 Mhz 1 gig of ram.
videocard= GE force FX520
does that apply to the g4 power book? i see the 10 is out, however i read that it has problems too
Mike, not really sure if it applies to the PowerBook. It's my understanding that Pinnacle used to be good but not anymore. Time to let the members chime in on this issue.
metronycguy
10-09-2005, 09:36 PM
thanks paul, i am an apple newby, so know nothing about terminology, except i looked at g4 power books.
i saw this at amazon, 2.0 premiere and 4.0 elements for 99 after rebate http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/software/B000AP89W6
now i have a dimension 4550 ,2524 Mhz 1 gig of ram.
videocard= GE force FX520
I think you have plenty of horsepower and Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 plus Premiere Elements 2.0 looks like a good deal!
If you don't expect to be too serious about it and have the means to go for a 2nd computer, I would definitely recommend going with the Macintosh approach.
Somewhat related is 13294, may want to check it out.
Cheers!
I would say more, if you EXPECT to be serious (ever heard of FinalCut Pro?), then go for the Mac, but a PowerMac since a PowerBook will do for some video editing but it will be much faster on a PowerMac with a G5 in it. I have a 17" PowerBook by the way, just using the free iMovie software for small editing.
metronycguy
10-10-2005, 02:34 AM
the reason i like the power book is for the portability, i get bored real quick being home in winter, so if i can get a power book and head out to a coffee shop, i get some need change of scenery and do some editing .
i have a relatively new dell laptop that i only have used a couple times, i should see if that can work for editing also.
in nyc soho they have free classes at the apple store on lots of this stuff
LaoziSailor
10-10-2005, 07:07 PM
I would say more, if you EXPECT to be serious (ever heard of FinalCut Pro?), then go for the Mac, but a PowerMac since a PowerBook will do for some video editing but it will be much faster on a PowerMac with a G5 in it. I have a 17" PowerBook by the way, just using the free iMovie software for small editing.You are correct. I was looking at a different context, which is the second scenario you refer to, i.e. iMovie and somebody that has just purchased a Camcorder.
To bring in FinalCut Pro and US$1300 is not what I would see a beginner use. After seing Metron's last post that he can get free classes, I would certainly see the product in his future and by then he would be SERIOUS.
No disagreement with you, it was just a different point of view -- 20 years ago my brother-in-law asked me if he should buy a Mac or an IBM (I retired from IBM after my 30 years) and I recomended he buy the Mac ;)
Cheers!
Scott Pruett
10-10-2005, 08:34 PM
Mike -
I have a Powerbook & a Dual G5 Powermac, and do primarily photography junk on 'em. I've toyed around w/ iMovie HD (included w/ OS X) a few times & it's a stupid easy program to use, but doesn't allow for a lot of flexibility.
The recommendations to go w/ Final Cut Pro are probably wise, but I compare that to Photoshop of the video world... it'll do anything you need, but there's a *huge* learning curve. If you're dead serious on learning this stuff, you'd be better off taking a semester-long class at a community college or something & buying software at academic price (Final Cut Pro 5: $499, Final Cut Studio: $699... vs. $999 & $1299 non-academic, respectively).
If you just want to play & learn on your own (and take this w/ a grain of salt b/c I have no experience w/ this software), buy a Powerbook, fill it w/ as much RAM as possible (cheaper to buy elsewhere than straight from Apple), and dump $299 into Final Cut Expresss HD (http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/). Thats what I'd do at least.
As for the class offerings at the Apple store(s), if they're free, check them out... but 10 to 1 says they're for sales above anything else.
Anyway, yeah, a mac is a safe bet. My opinion is not to get wrapped up in specs, but lean towards the professional line of machines & dump a lot of memory into whatever you end up getting. RAM will make a much greater difference than any of the variants in current processor speeds.
AFAIK, there are some good video programs out there for Windows as well, but I'm out of touch w/ that realm.
Just my $0.02.
~ scott
Mike -
I have a Powerbook & a Dual G5 Powermac, and do primarily photography junk on 'em. I've toyed around w/ iMovie HD (included w/ OS X) a few times & it's a stupid easy program to use, but doesn't allow for a lot of flexibility.
The recommendations to go w/ Final Cut Pro are probably wise, but I compare that to Photoshop of the video world... it'll do anything you need, but there's a *huge* learning curve. If you're dead serious on learning this stuff, you'd be better off taking a semester-long class at a community college or something & buying software at academic price (Final Cut Pro 5: $499, Final Cut Studio: $699... vs. $999 & $1299 non-academic, respectively).
If you just want to play & learn on your own (and take this w/ a grain of salt b/c I have no experience w/ this software), buy a Powerbook, fill it w/ as much RAM as possible (cheaper to buy elsewhere than straight from Apple), and dump $299 into Final Cut Expresss HD (http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/). Thats what I'd do at least.
As for the class offerings at the Apple store(s), if they're free, check them out... but 10 to 1 says they're for sales above anything else.
Anyway, yeah, a mac is a safe bet. My opinion is not to get wrapped up in specs, but lean towards the professional line of machines & dump a lot of memory into whatever you end up getting. RAM will make a much greater difference than any of the variants in current processor speeds.
AFAIK, there are some good video programs out there for Windows as well, but I'm out of touch w/ that realm.
Just my $0.02.
~ scott
Everything Scott said is very clear and true. There is a special event from Apple on Wednesday where they will announce new stuff, wait and see (excited here)!
metronycguy
11-07-2005, 02:38 PM
awaiting fed ex for my powerbook arrival, there is a sale and i saved about 500 off the power book 17 with super drive..
i havent touched the video editing since my problems with the pc, i need the right tools for the job..
i had bought a on sale panasonic video camera for about 300 after rebates, i didnt want to invest in a good one until i learned what i wanted and needed.
i see how that i want the ability to hear the audio the camera is recording.
also the lens cap on the panasonic is alway coming off, and that is one feature i do not like.
i keep the camera in a messenger bag for easy access, and less of a visual la theft target.. lens cap is always popping off in the bag
Sandi's Daughter
06-08-2006, 05:35 PM
i have Powerbook G4 and the lower grade Final Cut: Final Cut Express. It's swell, not terribly tricky--if you have the manuel, and you just have to pay the difference to upgrade to Pro. I suggest starting w/Express. think it's $300ish.
Don't forget iDVD for burning your dvd.
mr_coffee
06-08-2006, 07:35 PM
Just want to say that I've heard that video editing is a good reason to buy a Mac!
I never quite understood this, do they make special software for mac only or what? I video edit all the time on windows with TMPGEnc and don't seem to have any issues. I always thought its the hardware that counts, not the OS. To encode a DVD at full speed i know it takes close to 100% of my 3.4 intel.
lurch
06-08-2006, 08:07 PM
I spoke to the local Mac dealer and told him of my desire to get into video editing and that i was prepared to spend the money to get into a professional machine . He told me to wait until september when the new intel macs are supposedly coming out here in oz. Also I asked him if the stock makes itself available if he could set me up with a second hand system that has the grunt to make movies. In the meantime I just yesterday picked up a firewire card for my dell laptop and will probably start playing around with the free windows movie maker ,though I think I can get a student deal on Adobe premier pro from my uni.
JustinB
06-09-2006, 12:31 PM
regardless of what platform you use for video editing (personally mac G4 and final cut express), get one of these (assuming digital dexterity): http://www.contourdesign.com/shuttlepro/.
The drivers contain profiles for most video editing programs on the Mac and PC, and it makes a lot of editing tasks far faster, easier, and more fun.
-- JB
Broknwing
06-09-2006, 08:52 PM
I never quite understood this, do they make special software for mac only or what? I video edit all the time on windows with TMPGEnc and don't seem to have any issues. I always thought its the hardware that counts, not the OS. To encode a DVD at full speed i know it takes close to 100% of my 3.4 intel.
Cory-
Mac has always had better software available for video editing. Especially if you are planning on getting into professional level/quality. The hardware is also a factor, the rate that the processors handle the software makes a big difference when you are under pressure to meet a deadline.
metronycguy
06-09-2006, 09:11 PM
i too am awaiting the release of the Intel power tower macs.
either i will buy a used g5 dual core than , since the price should drop or the new tower.
Mike, you may want to wait for the release of the Intel Tower Macs.
don't cry about Apple moving to Intel
Leo Laporte/PodZinger (http://www.podzinger.com/results.jsp?q=Leo+Laporte+MacBook+is+the+fastest+c omputer&col=en-all-pod-ep&il=en)
dan_nc
06-11-2006, 07:16 AM
Isn't TMPGEnc just an encoder? I think video editing's something different. :D
LaoziSailor
06-14-2006, 11:32 AM
Dan,
While you are correct in calling it an encoder, I would have included TMPGEnc as one of the things in my toolbox to do editing. Granted we might fall into a semantics trap.
Maybe this will settle the question?: DivX Licenses Video Technology to TMPG/Pegasys (http://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=302758) and also this search in VideoHelp.com may shed some further light on the ramifications of TMPGEnc (http://www.videohelp.com/tools?toolsearch=TMPGEnc&Submit=Search&s=&orderby=Name&hits=50&convert=&dvdauthorfeatures=&listuser=) (just scroll down the window).
Cheers!
mr_coffee
06-14-2006, 05:17 PM
Isn't TMPGEnc just an encoder? I think video editing's something different.
Dan,
TMPGEnc isn't just an encoder, it also has DVD AUthor and DvD creator and tons more as you can see from LaoziSailor's post, where you can do video editting. You can also check here: http://www.videomaker.com/scripts/news.cfm?id=1611
metronycguy
07-04-2006, 06:42 PM
rumors were that the Intel tower was to released today, but nada...maybe tomorrow?
crazyskiier83
07-04-2006, 08:40 PM
I enjoy Macs for editing. I did a little video editing in high school, and we used iMovie and Final Cut Pro. IMovie was definitely enough to do what we wanted. Final Cut Pro was extremely complicated and tough to use without a manual, but it has just about anything you would want to do in video editing.
rumors were that the Intel tower was to released today, but nada...maybe tomorrow?
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Woodcrest to power Apple's next-gen Mac Pro desktops
By Kasper Jade
Published: 09:00 PM EST
Apple Computer has selected dual-core Xeon server processors from Intel Corp. to power its next wave of high-performance professional Mac Pro desktops, AppleInsider has confirmed.
The 64-bit chips -- formerly code-named "Woodcrest" and officially unveiled by Intel last month as the Xeon 5100 series -- pack a 4MB L2 cache and run at speeds of up to 3.0GHz on a 1333MHz front-side bus.
Though the chips are almost architecturally identical to Intel's upcoming line of Core 2 Duo Extreme desktop processor (code-named "Conroe"), they differ in that they'll utilize the company's new Land Grid Array (LGA) 771 socket and also allow for multiple processor configurations.
Apple plans to take advantage of Woodcrest's multi-processor capabilities by offering versions of its upcoming Mac Pro professional desktops that will sport two of the dual core chips, people familiar with the Mac maker's plans have said. The new systems, which will succeed the Power Mac G5 at the forefront of the company's product matrix, will also be available in a single processor configuration for a substantially reduced cost, those people have since revealed.
AppleInsider (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1877)