Just a shot in the dark - I noticed the other day that some posters are involved in various multi-media projects, so I thought I'd see if anyone has quick answers to these questions...
1. Which platform is preferred - Mac or PC?
2. What is/are the popular packages for filmmakers?
3. What are the hardware considerations for this type of set up?
Short and quick is good - a point in the right direction, or links to online resources would help.
Thanks.
1. Mac
2. Macbook Pro with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite to start.
3. Hardware in terms of video recording? If so, a video camera (DSLRs are great for video and photo, especially for short films etc.) Many more equipment depending on final project.
Knicksfan wrote:1. Mac2. Macbook Pro with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite to start.
3. Hardware in terms of video recording? If so, a video camera (DSLRs are great for video and photo, especially for short films etc.) Many more equipment depending on final project.
How about things like RAM, processor? Do we have to max out everything on the Macbook, or can we make do with a standard configuration? In choosing between a faster processor and more RAM, which would you recommend? Also I'm sure the 17" screen is best, but can you work with the software on the smaller 15" or 13" screens?
Thanks for the help.
I think I read somewhere that the new FCP X needs a minimum of 4GB, but not sure. Even so, new macbook pros let you upgrade up 16 GB so you have lots of room and possibilities. The difference between processors in new models (for instance, 15" i7 2.0 and 2.2 GHZ) isn't much to be worried, so focus on having enough RAM.
Software works on either model (13,15 and 17). I have recently bought a 13 to be my main mobile editing machine and I love it. Usually people recommend the 15" because its small enough to move and big enough to get a clear display and work either video editing or graphics in the screen. Of course, you can connect an external monitor to get more screen space if you need it.
And I never recommend deciding on a computer because of hard drive space as you can easily and economically buy external drives.
Knicksfan wrote:I think I read somewhere that the new FCP X needs a minimum of 4GB, but not sure. Even so, new macbook pros let you upgrade up 16 GB so you have lots of room and possibilities. The difference between processors in new models (for instance, 15" i7 2.0 and 2.2 GHZ) isn't much to be worried, so focus on having enough RAM.Software works on either model (13,15 and 17). I have recently bought a 13 to be my main mobile editing machine and I love it. Usually people recommend the 15" because its small enough to move and big enough to get a clear display and work either video editing or graphics in the screen. Of course, you can connect an external monitor to get more screen space if you need it.
And I never recommend deciding on a computer because of hard drive space as you can easily and economically buy external drives.
Okay, I'll check out the Final Cut RAM requirements. Thanks again.
BasketballJones wrote:Knicksfan wrote:1. Mac2. Macbook Pro with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite to start.
3. Hardware in terms of video recording? If so, a video camera (DSLRs are great for video and photo, especially for short films etc.) Many more equipment depending on final project.
How about things like RAM, processor? Do we have to max out everything on the Macbook, or can we make do with a standard configuration? In choosing between a faster processor and more RAM, which would you recommend? Also I'm sure the 17" screen is best, but can you work with the software on the smaller 15" or 13" screens?
Thanks for the help.
Max out the specs on RAM, CPU, etc. It's not a requirement, but it will give a longer life to your investment for relatively small bump in price. VERY worth the expense for the improvement in your workflow/productivity.
Moonangie wrote:BasketballJones wrote:Knicksfan wrote:1. Mac2. Macbook Pro with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite to start.
3. Hardware in terms of video recording? If so, a video camera (DSLRs are great for video and photo, especially for short films etc.) Many more equipment depending on final project.
How about things like RAM, processor? Do we have to max out everything on the Macbook, or can we make do with a standard configuration? In choosing between a faster processor and more RAM, which would you recommend? Also I'm sure the 17" screen is best, but can you work with the software on the smaller 15" or 13" screens?
Thanks for the help.
Max out the specs on RAM, CPU, etc. It's not a requirement, but it will give a longer life to your investment for relatively small bump in price. VERY worth the expense for the improvement in your workflow/productivity.
Yeah, will try to do, depending on what the kid's budget is.
Folks always forget that Macs with Intel processors using OSX 10.5 (Leopard) and newer have been able to have a Windows/PC partition on the computer, which allows you to run PC programs that you might normally have lost when changing over to a Mac (assuming that you have a Windows based OS to put on the "Bootcamp" partition.
I always thought of it as a major selling point. You can use Final Cut on the Mac OS, and still have a computer to run the PC apps you are using for non-filmmaker purposes. Best of both worlds.
Paladin55 wrote:Folks always forget that Macs with Intel processors using OSX 10.5 (Leopard) and newer have been able to have a Windows/PC partition on the computer, which allows you to run PC programs that you might normally have lost when changing over to a Mac (assuming that you have a Windows based OS to put on the "Bootcamp" partition.I always thought of it as a major selling point. You can use Final Cut on the Mac OS, and still have a computer to run the PC apps you are using for non-filmmaker purposes. Best of both worlds.
Or use [url="http://www.parallels.com/"]Parallels[/url] to run Windows in a VM.
BasketballJones wrote:Paladin55 wrote:Folks always forget that Macs with Intel processors using OSX 10.5 (Leopard) and newer have been able to have a Windows/PC partition on the computer, which allows you to run PC programs that you might normally have lost when changing over to a Mac (assuming that you have a Windows based OS to put on the "Bootcamp" partition.I always thought of it as a major selling point. You can use Final Cut on the Mac OS, and still have a computer to run the PC apps you are using for non-filmmaker purposes. Best of both worlds.
Or use [url="http://www.parallels.com/"]Parallels[/url] to run Windows in a VM.
Put Parallels on the girlfriend's computer... nice to be able to move back and forth without a restart.
Have not ever used it, but I think a program called VMware Fusion is another similar program.
I have always preferred the Mac OS systems since the original MacOSX came out, and the ability to have a Windows partition is just another reason to go with a Mac, IMO.
On the other hand, they have "Hackintosh" operating systems which allow you to put a Mac OS on certain PCs. Have never tried it, but I hope to see it on a PC someday. Don't know how compatible it is with a high end video application like Final Cut Pro, though.
In terms of RAM vs CPU, if you are short on cash I would maximize the CPU since you cannot replace that and then go aftermarket for RAM (Crucial is really good and cheaper than what Apple sells the RAM upgrades for).
Also, you will get a log of bank for the buck out of a Solid State Hard Drive but I would do that aftermarket as well.
16MB RAMm for a Macbook Pro runs about $1500, last I checked. Better off getting a new iMac for less than the cost of the MBP and 16MB for it runs a shade over $200.
Video likes at least 4 cores. You might look into a refurb Mac Pro w/ 6 to 12 cores. Apple also offers educational discounts, but truth be told, if you buy mail order out of state (macmall, clubmac, etc,) the savings in sales tax will beat it.
BBJ, unfortunately video editing is one of the most demanding computational tasks, so it's hard to lowball it. One bottleneck for a Laptop or iMac will be file storage. Video creates huge files requiring fast disk access which you wont really have using the firewire external drives iMacs and Laptops will utilize. Thunderbolt accessories may alleviate the problem down the road but the anticipated early costs will be high. High enough to outweigh potential savings vs a Mac Pro, which can take several internal drives and fast external eSATA RAIDs.
I don't know the video landscape well enough to know if you really need to go Mac (vs PC). But if you do decide to go that route you'll probably want a Mac Pro. I wouldn't say so if we were talking about anything less demanding than video, but being what it is the cost of bringing anything else up to spec would probably yield diminishing returns.
Edit: On second thought, that's for a demanding pro environment. Students probably don't require state of the art, and size and convenience might outweigh speed.
Thanks. Yeah, it's a student, and he's not even really a film student. I think this is something more along the lines of something he wants to try out, so maybe his folks shouldn't go to crazy on the $.
I had a friend who was a digital media major who used final cut slot. She said everyone used macs. The PCs just couldn't handle it. This was like 4 years ago though.
Knicksfan wrote:1. Mac2. Macbook Pro with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite to start.
3. Hardware in terms of video recording? If so, a video camera (DSLRs are great for video and photo, especially for short films etc.) Many more equipment depending on final project.
If you were a filmmaker you'd probably want a dedicated video camera. Dslrs can't change focus automatically which is huge especially if you change the zoom and distance of the subject.
nykshaknbake wrote:Knicksfan wrote:1. Mac2. Macbook Pro with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite to start.
3. Hardware in terms of video recording? If so, a video camera (DSLRs are great for video and photo, especially for short films etc.) Many more equipment depending on final project.
If you were a filmmaker you'd probably want a dedicated video camera. Dslrs can't change focus automatically which is huge especially if you change the zoom and distance of the subject.
Actually there are AF Video DSLR's, sort of. One is my favorite, the Panasonic GH2. It's got a lens that is specially made for silent Autofocus. The lens is the 14-140 which is offered as one of the kits. That and a good wide like the 20mm f1.7 or the more expensive but awesome Voightlander 25mm F0.95. I believe the whole package runs about $1,500.00
A cheap alternative which is AWESOME is the Sony HX100v, which is a point and shoot, but has great image quality in it's video mode. You get 1080/60p!!! There's a manual focus ring too. but you can't change lenses. The lens is a good one tho. Zeiss 27mm-810mm zoom.
As for the Mac or PC. Get a Mac!!!! The main reason is that you get the best of both worlds. In fact you can load any OS you want on it. Linux, Umbuntu, MacOS, Windows. I've had Macs for 20 years and they all still work! My G4, G5, Mac Pro, Imacs all in service no issues. I use them at MAX Load all day everyday. The thing is get as much ram and Processor as you can afford. Don't buy the ram from Apple and you can save a ton. Get highly rated ram from a reseller that can help you select the best match.
Oh also another great Video cam is the Canon HF G10 or the XA10. If you're willing to spend a bit more i'd get the Canon XF100 for about $3,000.00. It's a great little cam and will give you most of the pro features and look you need.
nykshaknbake wrote:Knicksfan wrote:1. Mac2. Macbook Pro with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite to start.
3. Hardware in terms of video recording? If so, a video camera (DSLRs are great for video and photo, especially for short films etc.) Many more equipment depending on final project.
If you were a filmmaker you'd probably want a dedicated video camera. Dslrs can't change focus automatically which is huge especially if you change the zoom and distance of the subject.
Depends on the project you want to make and the budget. Great video cameras for filmmaking are really expensive. Of course they are the way to go, but DSLRs have grown in popularity because of the interchangeable lenses and also because for people looking for multitasking its great to have a camera that offers you great photos and videos.
For a student filmmaker, there are great options at camcorders with 24p options for the cinema feel. DSLRs are still a great alternative and many filmmakers are using them now so they are certainly an option, especially for controlled situations like in filmmaking when manual focus is used instead of autofocus.
In terms of image quality bang for the buck DSLR's really offer a great value. Sure they have some issues in terms of functionality, but you can do some amazing things with them.
If you're willing to spend a little more the Camera makers have caught on to the DSLR craze and now offer some very interesting combo cameras. The Panasonic AF100, Sony NEX FS100 and the yet to be released RED SCarlet are all in the $4,800 to $6,000 range. The functionality and flexibility of these cameras is AWESOME. The things they offer for the price is unheard of. I'd kill to get my hands on RED or SONY FS100!!! It's worth saving up for one of these cameras.
