Mac recomendation?

Strobe Media

Strobe Media

Well-known member
So after i've been tooling the internet as usual, OF COURSE, i randomly download some **** and get another virus, i'm pretty sick of it and nearly sick of PC's in general.

My main question is, if i switch to mac, what's a recommended computer for editing AVCHD? Right now i'm working with an AMD Athlon 5600+ processor, GeForce 9800+ video card and 3gb of ram, is there something in mac world that compares?
 
I'm guessing that the Mac Mini will handle AVCHD well enough, and overall it will seem like a faster computer.

So in short, probably any new mac will do it.
 
well i don't want to drop some money and realize that i can't seem to edit any of my footage because i didn't go big enough.
 
The Mini may be enough, but as of yet there's no way to edit AVCHD natively on the Mac platform so you're relegated to transcoding to a codec of your flavor: AIC, Pro Res, DNxHD, Cineform, etc. Suffice to say they all result in massive file sizes. Apple just released updates to their desktop line: Mini, iMac, and Mac Pro and without a doubt, if your budget allows, get a Mac Pro for the obvious reasons including internal storage capacity. I'm curious as to how those new processors handle AVCHD since they're supposedly leaps and bounds better than the older ones.
 
well i figured the computer i have, if i sell, i can get about $1,250 for with everything, so that's what i have to work with
 
You're not going to get a Mac Pro for $1250 . The new Mac Pro line that came out today starts at $2,500 . You might check the Apple site for refurbished Macs . I've bought them that way and they have a full warranty . I bought the Apple care protection in addition but never used it . I've never had any issues with refurbs . Still going to cost more than $1,250 though . Why don't you just keep your editing machine off of the internet and get a super cheap PC to use on the web . I'm editing AVCHD converted to Pro Res on a Macbook pro . Works fine .

Dave
 
im not really interested in a lap top, nor spending $2,500, i'm sure people here have found a happy medium here?
 
well a quick question

if I transcode with some program on a mac to a native editing file, well then wouldn't it be as easy to edit as any other SD or HDV codec? Do I need a $2500 computer?
 
I'm buying the Mac Pro soon. And have looked at other Mac options. Ultimately, you budget will decide. I've read people using MBP to edit HDV. The new ones should speed up that process even more. But you're looking at either the baseline Mac Pro, for top of the line MBP (if screen size matters.) I would actually look at the previous model of the Mac Pro or refurbished, or even used. One thing also to consider, is that this computer should last you a while. You can upgrade the crap out of a pro. Spend your money right the first time than regret it during the second.
 
I edit HDV and now transcoded AVCHD footage on my 2007 MBP(2.4GHz Core 2 Duo, 4GB Ram) with no problem. An iMac will more than suffice, but you will need an external hard drive(s) to accommodate the large files. You can look at the entry level newly released iMac or possibly find a refurbished unit or previous generation iMac for cheaper. Of course there are no options to upgrading an iMac outside of RAM and possibly the internal hard drive if you're feeling brave and don't mind risking voiding your warranty should you brick your computer. The Mac Pro obviously is more flexible although it does come with a higher price tag.
 
I have the same MBP as Gymnut except mines from 2008, dont think there is an actual difference though. I barely go over 2gb of RAM being used, which makes me wonder why I purchased 2x2gb RAM cards, but it was only like 60$ so well worth it. I also have no problem doing pretty much anything. I would just recommend getting a good External Hard drive since 200gb internal is not enough. I would suggest if you can pretend (or if you really are) you are a student and get student discount, they rarelly ever actually check if you order online, they really don't care. FCP went from 1,300 down to 699 and it knocks about 200$ off the MBP. I love my mac and will never go back
 
shop smart! you can get refurb mac pro 2.66 quad for $1699 from apple with 1 year
warranty. a problem you are going to run into with using an imac for processor intensive
operations is heat. i have a 2.66 tower, and have no issues having it crank footage all night,
it is very fast and very upgradeable.
 
Gymnut808 said:
I edit HDV and now transcoded AVCHD footage on my 2007 MBP(2.4GHz Core 2 Duo, 4GB Ram) with no problem. An iMac will more than suffice, but you will need an external hard drive(s) to accommodate the large files. You can look at the entry level newly released iMac or possibly find a refurbished unit or previous generation iMac for cheaper. Of course there are no options to upgrading an iMac outside of RAM and possibly the internal hard drive if you're feeling brave and don't mind risking voiding your warranty should you brick your computer. The Mac Pro obviously is more flexible although it does come with a higher price tag.
Click to expand...

I have a MBP 2.4GHZ Core 2 Duo, 4GB Ram - and I havent had any problems with my HMC footage. The log & transfer works nicley, which shocked me because of all the problems I've heard other Mac users having.
 
Get a MacPro or a MacBook Pro. Buy the latest and the fastest machine you can afford and you will NEVER regret it. Just getting by is never enough because things change quickly. I edit on a MacBook Pro 2.16 Intel Core Duo and in June it will be 3 years old and time for it to go in place of something with more processing power, probably another MacBook Pro due to the nature of my work. You don't need something with 8 cores however, they are more useful for effects procession like Maya etc. A good quad core is what you should look at and I agree that there are great deals to be had in MacPros that are a year or so old.
 
BrianMurphy said:
Get a MacPro or a MacBook Pro. Buy the latest and the fastest machine you can afford and you will NEVER regret it. Just getting by is never enough because things change quickly.

A good quad core is what you should look at and I agree that there are great deals to be had in MacPros that are a year or so old.
Click to expand...

Well said. Think of it as an investment too– if you drop some cash, it should last for several years easily. If you buy something used, you won't get as much life out of it.

I work on a G5 Dual Core form 2005 at home, and it still runs pretty well (bought new for $2000 at the time). You can get one used for about $700 I would imagine, but I wouldn't recommend it. Get something that you can barely afford... you don't want to skimp on something like this. A used/refurb Mac Pro would be my suggestion.
 
Right now the older Mac Pros will be going on a sale. I'd advise to get a tower for expansion capabilities and also... to be able to buy an intensity card and capture and monitor just about anything for 400 bucks...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top