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HD on IMAC
Hi
I have recently bought a 24inch 2.8 Ghz intel core 2 Do Imac, and have also upgraded to 4gig.
I, ve only really ever edited with SD and a little HDV, but Im looking at buying a nice HD cam like the Sony XD EX3.
Questions, how will this computer handle caturing and processing the footage? (presumably via a memory card reader)
Can/should I use codecs like pro res, or does the imac not support these codecs?
Aside from having comp/HDMI in/out etc what is the advantage of having say a Blackmagic capturecard on on say a G5 as opposed to my Imac?
Thanks.
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6 Replies
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The computer can handle it without problem. The problem is you’ll want to work in ProRes and for that you’re going to need drives that will support it. A good fast RAID you can connect with FW800.
All the best,
Tom
Class on Demand DVDs “Complete Training for FCP6,” “Basic Training for FCS2” and “Final Cut Express Made Easy”
Author: “Final Cut Pro 5 Editing Essentials” and “Final Cut Express 4 Editing Workshop” -
I’ve been using HD (HDV & XDCAM) on a lower spec 24″ iMac than yours and it’s been fine, even with mixed format timelines (6.0.4). The only issue is that you’ll have to start rendering much earlier on to get smooth playback once you start adding filters or laying in multiple video tracks. I also concur that if you’ve got the time and inclination it’s better to transcode everything to ProRes to begin with.
On a recent project I also experimented with uprezzing DV footage to ProRes (using compressor) to mix in with native HD (primarily for better results at the color grading stage) and I’ve got to say I was really impressed with what compressor achieved : significantly sharper picture at HD resolution that simply scaling up in FCP….
Terry
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Thanks mate.
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Thanks mate,
so is is better to capture in pro res or simply capture in say DV OR HD and then use compressor to convert to prores before starting your project? -
Thanks mate,
so is is better to capture in pro res or simply capture in say DV OR HD and then use compressor to convert to prores before starting your project? -
[peter crawford] “Can/should I use codecs like pro res, or does the imac not support these codecs?
“We’re editing a feature documentary right now on both a Mac Pro and a 20″ iMac. The iMac handles ProRes beautifully through our Ethernet based SAN. I’m actually considering setting up 2 to 4 new edit suites built around the 24″ iMacs now. Solid editing machine for both 1080i and 720p ProRes.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author.
Credits include multiple Emmy, Telly, Aurora and Peabody Awards.
Owner, Biscardi Creative Media featuring HD Post
Biscardi Creative MediaCreative Cow Forum Host:
Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion, Apple Color, AJA Kona, Business & Marketing, Maxx Digital.
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