I’m looking to get a new computer that will be used for video editing and encoding. Currently I have a pretty high end PC but lots of people have told me to get a mac? Who here uses mac or pc or both? and which is better.
Cheers
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
hmmm… think about it… are you editing with a computer or with software… get a piece of software you are comfortable with and that fits your needs - IMHO a much better approach than looking for a hardware platform and then for software to run on it.
What software do y’all use to edit video?
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
I use premiere pro and export as mp4 h.264.Then I use either hand break or iskysoft to make the file size smaller if needed. Ive just been told that macs encode faster just because there macs… Not sure if its true or not.
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
If you really want a high end video editing system then you will want a Mac. But my definition of high end maybe different than yours. When you say your PC is high end what does that mean exactly? If you go to a site like Dell and spec a high end machine for video editing and then go to Apple and spec out a similar machine; Apple usually beats Dell in price and will most likely be faster at video editing.
With Apple most use Final Cut Pro.
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
I used to hate on Mac pretty hard. I liked that PC would allow you system tweaks and control and insight into what was going on, and that there was much more independent development for small scale apps.
However I had to start using Mac on the job when I was a photo assistant and I have not looked back since then. I find that the creative applications like FCP and PS are FAR more comfortable to use in a Mac UI. I think that the difference is that Macs have a task-based workflow which means that you get in, focus on your work, get it done, and get out. With Windows for example, I felt like I was constantly having to babysit the OS and having to work THROUGH it’s UI at every turn. Once I experienced the difference, there was really no question about what the right choice was for me. (in photography, youd get laughed off a set showing up with PC gear; Macs are MUCH more reliable in the field, and nothing will get you not-hired again faster than wasting a client’s time while you fiddle with drivers and other crap to get the job done, or god forbid you cant get the content off of the camera’s media).
As for the tweaks and stuff with Windows it was like there was this constant mis-giving that your OS was not optimized, and you were always after this ‘secret access point’ that would make it run like a dream machine. Frankly Id rather not be bothered with the details. I just want to get my work done and have a nice graphic or a good video to show for it. I also remember something from art school about Mac handling fonts better, but that was ages ago so I dont know if it still applies (bit of an aside).
I think many of the high-end apps are written for mac with this in mind, so (might be reaching here), using them on a PC is really not the 'native environment for said apps - you’ll run into problems.
I cant really speak for system resources and efficiency, but I would assume that the power (speed, resources) are also handled more efficiently.
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
i use pc. what program will you be using? that makes a big difference. i’ve used sony vegas, sorenson squeeze, camtasia and a bunch of others. i wouldn’t use adobe premiere with a pc because it’s such a system hog (don’t know how it is for macs) and i haven’t found it to get better results so i don’t bother with it.
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
When Apple bought the infant Final Cut from Macromedia in around 1998, it was for the purpose of having a reason (software) to build hardware that had a purpose. Over the past 10+ years, the software has driven the evolution of the hardware, which in turn has opened more opportunities for more powerful software. As Simon described, the MO worked.
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
But Apple hasn’t done anything with Final Cut Pro in years… and that’s because all the MAJOR TV and Holywood producers switched to Avid. Apple are now about iGadgets for the iDiot (!) and not about creating software for industry leaders. As for what makes a machine reliable, well, that’s down to its hardware and Apple uses the same hard-drives and graphics cards as PC’s.
I don’t doubt that the Apple operating systems of today are more stable than Windows… but an Apple machine is built with the same components as PC’s and thus are just as likely to die when you least need them too.
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
Adam,
A major upgrade of FCP is coming out in June -
http://fcp.co/final-cut-pro/news/332-welcome-to-the-new-final-cut-pro-x-on-the-app-store-in-june-for-299
One of my friends in NYC works as a producer for a major ad agency that films commercials. All they use are Macs. Not really sure what all the major Hollywood and TV producers are using; but ad agencies are using FCP.
As far as the same components. That is true to a point. What makes the Mac a more stable platform imho is that Macs are built so that everything works together. The 12 core Mac Pro is a beast of a machine. And when you get to the high end machines like that Apple is actually cheaper than “attempting” to build one from other vendors. When I say “attempt” I mean just that…
As far as the OS. It based on Unix and the upcoming Lion has some features that are making those that use a Mac go - “wow!”.
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
You know…
I always say to those that are having a tough time deciding between a Mac and a PC is to buy a damn Mac. Grab a copy of your favorite Windows OS and use BootCamp. You will be running Windows at full speed and will still have the Mac OS. (I paid $99 for an OEM W7.) I rarely boot into Windows 7 anymore on my Mac. I am actually thinking of finding XP and installing that instead. Much better OS imho.
As far as Sony Vegas I despise that program with a passion.
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
At the moment when buying a new computer a Mac is very clearly the way forward, from my own personal experiences a Mac is far more stable, secure - does virtually everything a PC does anyway + more. At university I helped a friend research the power consumption of different computers, we found that on average a Mac consumed less power than an equally powered PC - So you can lower your CO2 emissions as well!! - Everyone is jumping on that bandwagon these days!
Avoid Dell like the plague - itâs over powered under engineered rubbish or if you do buy one get the additional cover + phone contract with plenty of free minutes as my god your gonna need them!
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
[QUOTE=zbuckz_lloyd;93092]If you really want a high end video editing system then you will want a Mac. But my definition of high end maybe different than yours. When you say your PC is high end what does that mean exactly? If you go to a site like Dell and spec a high end machine for video editing and then go to Apple and spec out a similar machine; Apple usually beats Dell in price and will most likely be faster at video editing.
With Apple most use Final Cut Pro.[/QUOTE]
Yeah it is supposed to be the best for video editing.
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
Ashton, if you’re shooting in HD or have any plans to in the future, don’t listen to the Mac-heads… stick with a PC. If you’re using the CS5 version of Premier Pro you already have the best software for editing HD video footage. That’s because with certain NVidea graphic cards and a powerful PC you can edit HD video in REAL TIME (no rendering). Last time I checked Avid and Final Cut can’t do this yet. It’s because of the “Mercury engine” that Adobe put into CS5.
I also recommend that you either build your own PC or buy one from a company that builds PCs to specs. I got mine from Cyberpower last summer. It cost about $1,700 and screams when it comes to HD video editing.
Visit the Adobe Premier user forums for suggestions on the best specs for the perfect editing PC.
Good luck!
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
Hi
There is a great danger of a Mac v Windows thing getting going 
Or maybe an Avid v FCP thing
Well regardless of what hardware or software you use to get good results you must shoot first with a view to having good material for editing. I’m sure Ashton is very well aware of that so now I will move on to the question in hand.
I use Final Cut Pro on a Mac. I have used Macs for many years, in fact since they first arrived in 1984.
However my loyalty to the Mac OS is not one of sentiment, I have found it to be a very much better OS for my purposes, it was in the old days of what we now call the “Classic OS” and it is even more so with the current OS X.
I use Final Cut Pro because I find it to be simply a joy to use. It has such a easy to understand GUI.
TV companies tend to use AVID for the very good reason that AVID systems are better for the kind of multi-camera work that TV companies edit a great deal of. This is of course studio programmes with three of four cameras and sporting events which could have six or more cameras. You really can’t use FCP easily for that kind of thing.
If you are making documentaries, drama (including full feature films) or porn films then FCP is really a superb editor.
BTW FCP will do the kind of multi-camera work that you might have in a porn movie, the second camera kind of thing, it will do that very well, it just isn’t particularly designed for the “real” multi-camera stuff that the AVID systems are so good at.
If it is possible to find someone who has a good Mac/Final Cut setup then it might be an idea to check that out and play with it for a while.
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
It is very easy to edit multi-camera video in FCP. The hardest part, tho, is when you forget to put a audio and video clacker at the start, as a starting point sync reference. You stack all of your multi-camera video on top of each other, and switch back and forth, using keyboard shortcuts (1 2 3 4 etc).
The most obvious difference between Mac OSX and WIN is if you have a problem with your Windows, or software compatibility running on Windows, you call a phone number in India, and argue with someone who doesn’t speak English, reads from scripts, and otherwise does everything to confuse and nothing to help.
With a Mac, you walk in to the Apple Store, and they fix it themselves, while explaining the steps to you as they succeed.
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
I hope Apple keeps the commercial or professional side of their business…however that has been slowly eroding away in favor of public retail end.
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
The Professional side is marketed much more quietly.
Final Cut X was previewed at the NAB (National Assn of Broadcasters) annual meet in Las Vegas a month ago. If you are a video editor, or music composer, you already know about FCP, Soundtrack Pro, Logic, ProTools, from your association with others in the business, or trade schools.
The Apple Store does have hands-on workshops, which are for the basic tier of software (the OS), and Consumer Applications for OSX or iOS, iLife’s iMovie and Garage Band, which then lead into the Pro Apps (Final Cut Studio - Final Cut Pro and SoundTrack Pro).
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
Ok thanks for all your input. All my videos are HD, I shoot with 1080p but then scale back to 720. I can edit in real time using cs5. I hope if i get a mac I can do the same thing, im pretty interested in trying 1 out now
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
Hi, well I shoot with HDV 1080i and this will go straight into FCP with no problem. I use a Sony camera with Mini DV tape. If you want to capture a smaller size this is just a matter of changing the settings in FCP. I’ve just had a look now and I see that there is an HDV 720 size readymade “Easy Setup” setting.
Maybe there is an Apple store near you where you could try this out?
Another thing to look for is a Mac User Group that covers your area. There might be someone who has a Mac with FCP living nearby who will be happy for you to have a look at it.
Re: Mac that much better for video editing?
It’s a tough call when you are deciding on an editing system. For some the deal breaker is the money. If you are looking at a $1500-$2000 editing system then the PC is probably the way to go. Once you start to get into the high end systems, Macs are actually cheaper in many cases. Intel Macs also run Windows at full speed via Boot Camp. I like Final Cut Pro. I feel comfortable in Final Cut Pro. FCP on a 12 core Mac screams. But, if my budget was $1500-$2000 I would probably be using a PC solution. As for the new FCP there is no rendering as it does it using every CPU cycle. Apple got “behind” on FCP as the last updates were not that exciting. The new version launching in June will be a major upgrade. Here are some of the features -
What I would do is schedule a session at an Apple store on FCP.
http://www.apple.com/retail/onetoone/
Compare it to what you have now and see which one you like best.
I personally like the fact that I have about five Apple stores all within about a 10-20 minute walk from my house where I can get help and training. Even the store that is open 24/7 at 4 am in the morning the sales people that are there seem to be more helpful than Dell’s customer service during the day.
Now, if you just hate FCP then this is not a benefit to you at all.
Lloyd
p.s. That 12 core Mac screams…