Decent Setup?

S

Smithhouse

Well-known member
New Dvxer looking for advice on editing systems...

Looking at getting:

Mac G5 dual 2.0ghz / 2 gigs of ram / 2 x 250 hd's /
Final Cut Pro
After Effects 6.5
Magic Bullet

Would this be all that I would need to start with if I were shooting music vids, shorts, and possibly features?

Is there any other software that you would consider a must have?

Which video card would you recommend if i am wanting to have dual monitors along with a production monitor?

should I get the dual 2.5ghz Mac - I hear the liquid cooling is a concern for some?

Any help or input will be greatly appreciated. I really want to get started on the right foot.

Thanks to all,
Trey
 
Re: Decent Setup?

The only software I'd say you must have along with that is DVD Studio Pro.  Of course, on the graphics card, get the most you can afford, although it's not essential to have the best.  And running a production monitor won't draw off of your video card.

Oh, and you may want to look into some of the higher-end compression software.  Compressor works great (included with FCP), but there are better out there.

Also, if you plan to work in 24p, you may want to look into Twixtor or Boris Continuum Complete for their slow-mo filters. I use Boris Continuum's Optical Flow filter, which works nicely (although it does NOT rival overcranked film as proported by some) but renders slowly (although with a G5, it may not be so bad). I've never used Twixtor (available for Mac??), but some like it as well.

Chico
 
Re: Decent Setup?

Thanks Chico... Can you give me a recommendation on the graphics cards? There are so many of them out there, I just want one that works well, you know. Any suggestions?
 
Re: Decent Setup?

[quote author=Smithhouse link=board=FCP;num=1099815588;start=0#2 date=11/07/04 at 00:36:23]Thanks Chico... Can you give me a recommendation on the graphics cards? There are so many of them out there, I just want one that works well, you know. Any suggestions?[/quote]

The 5200 that comes stock with your system should be fine. However, if you want do start using motion or anyother app like that, I would looking get either the Radeon 9600/9800 or the nVidia 6800 (the best right now)
 
Re: Decent Setup?

Thanks Utah, I do want to use motion so I guess I'll look into the Radeon... Would you get the dual 2.5 ghz Mac if you could or stick with the 2.0... I understand some people have a problem with the whole liquid cooling issue.
 
Re: Decent Setup?

One small thing to keep in mind is that your system drive does not have to be as big ar your other drive. Do not put any media, or render files, back up files on your system drive and you will have a much happier computer. Use that money you save on a good external drive(lacie's O find are great) and you would not believe how much a ext drive comes in handy.
 
Re: Decent Setup?

Excellent point prairieboy, I didn't even think of that. Thanks...

Can you answer me this.

Is having FCP HD / After Effects / Motion / DVD Studio / Magic Bullet / Boris Red / Boris Continuum overkill?

I mean, is having one of these things make having something else unnecessary. Know Whatta mean. (For example if I by motion, there would be no need for Boris red.

Thanks

Trey
 
Re: Decent Setup?

[quote author=Smithhouse link=board=FCP;num=1099815588;start=0#5 date=11/07/04 at 21:23:56]I understand some people have a problem with the whole liquid cooling issue.

[/quote]

Macs are bound to have some problems, but a water cooling problem should be the least of your worries. I haven't heard of a single 'leakage' or anything of that sort.
 
Re: Decent Setup?

[quote author=Smithhouse link=board=FCP;num=1099815588;start=0#7 date=11/08/04 at 11:56:01]Can you answer me this.

Is having FCP HD / After Effects / Motion / DVD Studio / Magic Bullet / Boris Red / Boris Continuum overkill?

I mean, is having one of these things make having something else unnecessary. Know Whatta mean. (For example if I by motion, there would be no need for Boris red.

Thanks

Trey[/quote]

Im not exactly sure of the boris things, but the first 5 things are a must if you are going to start working on movies. If your not sure about the boris thing, get the first five on that list, then decide if you really need to boris ones.
 
Re: Decent Setup?

Thanks Utah... I was just about to ask if you would comment on that. Your suggestion makes perfect sense.
 
Re: Decent Setup?

Trey,

Just wanted to remind you that you can get all the apple products in the "Production Suite" and save a little money.

And as far as the graphics card. The Radeon 9800 is a great one for motion. I've heard of some issues with the nVidia card when using FCP and Motion. Also, Motion totally takes advantage of your graphics card for it's realtime ability. It's much worth the upgrade to the 9800.

Also, another reminder, Motion suggests 4gigs Ram to run smoothly. And believe me this is very much true. I've got 5 gigs currently in my dual 2.0 G5 and it still causes choking after applying a number of effects. Let's just say that Apple built this program with even more powerful machines in the future to be able to run it. I bought 4 gigs from Fry's Electronics on a sale recently. I believe I spent $280 after tax for 2GB(1GBx2). So $560 total. It was a great deal.

Also, if your budgets allows, it's always nice to have a MiniDV deck connected to your computer and then to a TV. So that you don't have to use your camera for importing as well as while you are editing and color correcting. JVC makes a MiniDV/ VHS deck that is probably the cheapest option at around ~$900(guessing). Then again, and cheap MiniDV camera would be much cheaper.

Have a fun time with everything!
 
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