Computer for avcHD editing

A

Albano

Member
Hi,

I'm looking to buy a new computer to edit my avchd files, what do I need to have a good working flow and enough power to edit HD sequences?

I want to go with mac and I will use Final Cut Pro.

What are the system requirement (Ghz, RAM, Memory), and what would be the best deal?

Thanks
 
Native editing in CS4?

8-core MacPro Nephalem with the fastest processors you can afford.

Also, best to BTO with ATI 4870
 
I was more looking for a 1000-1500$ price range, will it be enough to work with HD editing?

Maybe could I just upgrade some part of a computer to get more power?
 
I built a $600.00 dollar system that can edit native AVCHD (Cuts only no FX) using Premiere Pro. I imagine an 8 core Mac can do CC and transitions using AVCHD.
 
Is there a way I can hope to get by with 1500$ for a system able to edit with Final Cut AND make basic fx with After Effects?
 
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Bit natively.

You'll need to convert to pro res, which requires more HDD capacity, but any core duo 2 should work fine with the conversion.
 
PP CS4 can edit the native mts file. It might be wise to try the trial version of PP CS4. Keep in mind that if you edit AVCHD I imagine the client will want copies on Blu-Ray discs as oposed ot standard DVD format. Does FCP support Blu Ray?
 
I use a 24" mid-2007 iMac for FCP and a bit of effects and it's OK. If I was a pro, I'd want a Mac Pro, but for my purposes, this is fine.

I've lost track of iMac prices, but that ought to give you a benchmark. But factor the cost of a large (500GB or greater) external drive (Firewire). You'll need it
 
I too have questions regarding AVCHD. I have a Power PC Dual 2.0 ghz G5 with 8gb Ram. NVidia 6600le card.

I played around with VoltaicHD and downloadable clips, and it worked fairly well.

But... now, using an AVCHD camcorder I acquired... switching the clips to Apple Int Codec takes forever and a day, but could live with that.

It's in Final Cut that I'm really frustrated. I cannot view on the canvas and external monitor at the same time. On the external HD monitor it lags during playback sometimes, different places all the time. It makes me constantly worry that the footage is corrupt. Cannot apply any filters without having to do a full render. Also had my first computer freeze ever. I let it go to sleep and it wouldn't wake up. And this is after playing around with a handful of clips. I was planning on shooting short films and maybe even a feature. Now not so sure.

Any idea how I can make it work better with my existing system? Would upgrading the graphics card help?
 
Albano said:
Is there a way I can hope to get by with 1500$ for a system able to edit with Final Cut AND make basic fx with After Effects?
Click to expand...


It all depends on how much lack of 'real time' capability you are willing to put up with. I've edited with FCE and added effects with After Effects on my now aging iBook. But I was not able to 'play real time' for anything by a couple of seconds of a cut or effect. Sometimes I'd have to render to something the iBook could play, as it was not able to play uncompressed material at all...

I currently use a Mac Book Pro predominantly, and even then the AVCHD support sucks. CS4 Premiere cacks, FCE doesn't support it direct, but requires transcoding to AIC. Once in AIC, FCE was fine for editing HD.

If your budget is 1000-1500, then you may want to contemplate using a PC, and the Adobe product suite... I don't think Apple as a computer system in that price range, at least new computer, that would really do what you want.
 
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