New Camera, What Computer?

A

AlpineSteez

Active member
So I finally got away from standard def. I loved my DVX but it was time to get a new "toy". My HPX should be coming sometime this week.

Currently I edit in Sony Vegas 8 Pro, but I want to move over to a Mac to edit p2. I'll be using Final Cut Pro which should be pretty interesting coming from Vegas.

Now here's my question. What kind of "specs" do I need to handle the p2 workflow? I don't have much money after buying the HPX:laugh:. I don't need a portable computer so I was thinking about an iMac.

So tell me. Will this be fast enough (with maxed out ram)?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/656539-REG/Apple_MB950LL_A.html

It's the "lowest" grade imac, but I feel like I can get away with it.

If it's not fast enough, let me know what I need.

Thanks,

Steve.

EDIT: I have an external and I'll buy another eventually, so hard drives are not a concern here.
 
yeah, that machine will be great!

the dvcproHD/P2 workflow isnt real demanding. i have a 7 year old 1.0ghz mac laptop that i used for years in the field.

the only drag with an imac is that it doesnt have pci expansion slots. so you wont be able to enjoy the benefits of expansion (like adding faster eSATA (or other type) ports)

reason i mention this is that at this point in the game, data transfer and drive speed will give you a more direct noticeable performance gain than a faster processor or maxed out ram will
 
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Noel Evans said:
So if your'e going to max out the ram on that imac whats your total $$?

If your going to hit around the $1500 dollar mark Id consider the 27" version

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/658685-REG/Apple_27_iMac_Desktop_Computer.html

Should be enough for now - but can go upto 16gb ram and a 512mb graphics card should you want to upgrade a bit in a year or so. And that extra screen real estate is well worth it.
Click to expand...

Well I'd just keep it at 4 gigs to start. I'm extremely strapped for cash right now so I'd add the RAM later.

So that iMac should be fast enough? I'd rather put the money into more p2 cards and storage (externals) if the computer can handle p2.

Thank God I got the HPX over the HMC (AVCHD headaches).
 
Well the one you pointed out to start with will handle p2 without any issues. DVCProHD is one of the most computer friendly codecs there are. The one I linked will work with your p2 workflow with the standard 4gb for some time, with some room to grow with you.
 
Thanks man. Honestly I'm broke right now but my current PC won't handle HD I'm pretty sure. The first iMac posted is probably what I'll go with. Thanks again for the advice guys. I love this site.

-Steve.
 
if your computer can edit DV it can PROBABLY edit dvcproHD... what is your machines spec?
you may need to upgrade your software. but your existing machine may be fine. id try it before buying a new machine...
 
wgzn said:
if your computer can edit DV it can PROBABLY edit dvcproHD... what is your machines spec?
you may need to upgrade your software. but your existing machine may be fine. id try it before buying a new machine...
Click to expand...

This bad boy is a crappy (in my opinion) HP Windows Vista machine.

"AMD Athlon X2 Dual Core Processor 2.60GHz." With 2 gigs of RAM.

Honestly it struggles with my DVX footage sometimes. I'm not happy with it. It needs to be cleaned up, but it never has been "fast" by any means.
 
You DONT want the integrated 9400m Nvidia card, you do want a dedicated graphics card like the ATI4750 in the second posted machine..... you might wanna look into a hackintosh if your trying to save money. Or maybe a used mac.
 
Jimmy Moss said:
You DONT want the integrated 9400m Nvidia card, you do want a dedicated graphics card like the ATI4750 in the second posted machine..... you might wanna look into a hackintosh if your trying to save money. Or maybe a used mac.
Click to expand...

My uncle builds computers. He mentioned building me a Mac Pro (hackintosh?), but I'm not sure how that would work out. I could always save up more money and get the iMac with the dedicated graphics card.

On another note, I'm reading up on p2 workflow and it seems to be pretty complicated with a mac? Do I connect with firewire and use P2CMS? Maybe I'm just confused because I don't have the camera to experiment with. I'm sure I'll have a better understanding once I can try it myself. No more capturing stupid tapes atleast..........
 
screw the hackintosh thing. thats just asking for headaches. save for what you need or buy a used one. there are nearly always a few for sale here on the forum marketplace. i buy and sell here all the time.

I'm reading up on p2 workflow and it seems to be pretty complicated with a mac? Do I connect with firewire and use P2CMS? Maybe I'm just confused because I don't have the camera to experiment with.
Click to expand...

its not complicated at all. there are 3 or 4 primary ways to go about it, depending on your needs. it can be as easy as - create new folder, open, select all, drag, done.

you might have to download a P2 driver for your computer (very easy)
you might, depending on camera age and P2 card size, have to download and install camera firmware using an sd card (ive done that once in 3 years)
you might CHOOSE to download a free OR purchase a retail P2 transfer utility. i have them, but rarely use them.

its really cake. dont let the stickies scare you
 
and jimmy, what would be the issue with the integrated 9400m Nvidia card?
is it a "doesnt work" or an "isnt as fast" situation?
 
So I'm about to buy my iMac soon. Can somebody explain to me why I need the dedicated graphics card? I understand it will be "faster", but do I NEED it. This is a 300 dollar difference between the models (it also gives me 1TB of HDD space instead of 500GB.)

Thanks for the help guys.
 
Assuming you will be using Final Cut Pro, the graphics card is important because many filters and plug ins use the GPU for rendering.
 
Okay guys. My HPX170 comes tomorrow (man am I stoked!) and I need to pick a computer SOON.

Apparently the new imacs have just been released.

The older models have been lowered in price.

Should I go with:

1) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/656540-REG/Apple_MC413LL_A.html

Which is the older model with a dual 3.06gHz processor and a 216mb graphics card.

or

2) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/723267-REG/Apple_MC509LL_A_21_5_iMac_Desktop_Computer.html

Which is the new imac with a Dual 3.2gHz processor and a 512mb graphics card.

I'd love to save the 200+ dollars and use it towards P2 or other accessories of I could, but I want to make sure I get a computer that is fast enough.

Sorry for all the questions guys.

Thanks!
 
that amount of processor jump (3.2 as opposed to 3.0) wont make ANY noticeable difference in performance. like a 4 minute render might be cut down to 3 minutes and 52 seconds

what will be noticeable is the 2x increase in video card

so i say 2
 
wgzn said:
that amount of processor jump (3.2 as opposed to 3.0) wont make ANY noticeable difference in performance. like a 4 minute render might be cut down to 3 minutes and 52 seconds

what will be noticeable is the 2x increase in video card

so i say 2
Click to expand...

Yeah I think I may go with computer # 2.

BIG problem. I have my DVX and HPX side by side. The HPX is EXTREMELY grainy. I'm afraid there is something wrong with the HPX (since I bought used). Gain is off (obviously) and I did an ABB. I have detail coring up and detail at -1. It is not a "user" issue as far as I can tell. Is the HPX really THAT much noisier? :(.
 
Oh jeez. I always thought the HVX200 (original) was terrible with noise, but the new HVX200a, HMC150, and HPX170 had ugraded chips that were less noisy....especially considering the DVX is super old. I'm kind of dissapointed now..... There was a shot Barry posted awhile back that compared the DVX to the HMC and the HMC had very little noise (even at 18db of gain). This leads me to believe that the grain I'm seeing is something wrong.
 
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