IMac vs Powermac for FCP

I am debating between an iMac and PowerMac for FCP editing. I am primarily a shooter but would like to offer editing to clients as well. Don't anticipate anything to graphics or effects intensive. For fairly simple editing does the PowerMac have a huge ($1500) advantage over the top of the line iMac?

iMac:
DV, HDV, DVCPRO HD (possibly) and maybe AVCHD only. Those are the ONLY formats you can edit. I say possibly with DVCPRO HD because the ONLY drives you can use on an iMac are firewire drives. Those are fine for DVCPRO HD (Firewire 800 required), but only for working with P2 DVCPRO HD...nothing from tape. You only have one firewire bus, so capturing using that bus for the camera, AND for the drive is sketchy. Will work most of the time, but not all of the time. Forget Uncompressed SD or HD...not gonna work. The ONLY thing you can upgrade is the RAM...that's it. So Motion will work fine, but not optimally with the graphics card already in place.
Mac Pro: great expandibility
YOu can install different graphics cards, install capture cards for working with uncompressed HD and SD...and can install eSATA cards for working with faster drives. It comes with 4 internal drive slots, three empty, so that you can install fast drives internally that will work with uncompressed SD and DVCPRO HD and ProRes (ProRes on the iMac will be iffy).
Mac Pro is a professional machine, and iMac is a consumer machine. If you work with DV and HDV only, and only need firewire drives, it should be fine. But that's about all you can do with it.
Shane

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Trade iMac G5 for Dual 1.25 MDD PowerMac for FCP??

Hey guys, I've gotten an offer to trade my iMac G5 for a MDD PowerMac G4. I'll show you the specs comparing the 2.
iMac G5
1.8 ghz
17'' Screen
1 gig of ram
Tiger
SuperDrive
80 Gig Drive
for
PowerMac G4 (MDD) (WIND TUNNEL)
Dual 1.25
1 gig of ram
Panther (I think)
SuperDrive
100 gig drive
Geforce4 Graphics Card
Not sure if he will include a display..
Is this a downgrade? I have a problem with the expandability of the iMac, I've grown weary of it. I like the all-in-one design, room for it, but no room to put stuff in it. For FCP, the iMac's been doing a pretty good job, but I want to be able to put extra internal drives in, etc. Either direction I go, I'll end up replacing the computer in a year or 2.

iMac:
Bigger screen
Fast processor
Newer machine
Newer, faster SuperDrive
Self contained
Better video card
Cons: no way to add a second internal hard drive or second firewire bus
G4:
Internal expansion for hard drives
Can upgrade the video card
Can add a second firewire bus
Large hard drive
Can add more RAM
Cons: older, slower, getting older.
It's your call. It depends on what you intend to do with the iMac or the G4.
Unlike everybody else, for video editing, I prefer an expandable cpu

New mac mini and imac vs powermac G5 running FCP studio

I want to compare running the FCP suite on the new max minis and imacs that came out today vs what I am currently using:
Currently I am running FCP Studio on a Powermac G5 dual 2GHz with one gig of ram. I believe the frontside bus is 1GHz. I believe the stock video card isan ATI Radeon 9600 Pro (AGP 8X Pro) video card with 64 MB of DDR SDRAM.
With this being said, is it safe to assume that the new entry level mac mini would surpass my G5 in terms of performnce in both video (NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with128MB or 256MB of shared DDR3) memory processing (intel core2 duo 2GHz)?
If not would the two low end Imacs (using NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256MB of shared DDR3 memory) and processing power handle FCP studio better than my current powermac G5 setup listed above?
I am wondering because I spoke to a apple sales person who transfered me to a system engineer that said I'd have a slow time rendering video on FCP with the mac minis as well as the 2 low end imacs. This may be but Im wondering if it is still better than what I am using
I appreciate your opinions, but please only answer if you really know,
Thanks!

For FCP/FCS I would not save on anything but will get the max what my budget allow. You will be always doing more and the workflow in FCS will entice you to open almost all apps in FCS concurrently to make use of the advanced features. I think that the new iMac are powerful enough to handle FCS, but once again, the extra dollars will save you alot of pain. FCS is a pro app and is not to be underestimated. Good luck.

New iMac suitable for FCP and/or Avid?

Hi all,
I'm a digital filmmaking student currently using FCP on my MBP (whilst minding my Ps and Qs, OK? LOL).
Next month we'll be learning Avid - no idea if I'll end up buying a copy of that, but it's quite possible.
I'm planning on buying a 24" iMac to also use for video editing, and most likely some music production using Logic Express as well.
I know the iMacs aren't considered "Pro" machines, but I really don't want a Mac Pro (for reasons of space, $$$, etc.).
I don't mind having to wait a bit longer for rendering, etc., but are there any other drawbacks to getting an iMac for this purpose? i.e. issues with the video card or anything...
Also, considering how I'll be using it, would it be worth the extra $500 to get the 2.8 GHz processor? Will there be a very noticeable difference?
TIA for your opinions-
-Dennis

Any of the new iMacs would be fine for FCP or Avid. FCP ran fine on Core Duo machines with a lot less horsepower than the new iMac. Nobody knows how much more powerful the new Core2Extreme is than the 2.4GHz Core2Duo in the base 24" configuration, because Intel hasn't made it generally available yet. If I were you, I'd buy the regular 24" iMac and buy some third party RAM to upgrade to 4GB (should set you back under $200), and get a large external Firewire/USB2 hard drive or two.

Support for FCP 4.1 on iMac (Latest)

I have successfully loaded FCP 4.1 but when I go to start it it tells me "AGP graphics card" is missing. Do I have to upgrade FCP? I hope not as my pocket is empty just now.

The man in the apple store quite explicitly stated that my machine was the right one for FCP so heads are going to roll.
Just to check, did you tell him that you wanted to run Final Cut Pro 4? Or did you just ask about "Final Cut Pro" without specifying a version? I ask because your iMac will indeed run Final Cut Pro 5.1 or the new Final Cut Pro 6 (from Final Cut Studio 2), but FCP 5.0 and earlier are not supported on the Intel-based Macs at all. If you did indeed say FCP 4 when you asked, then you have a legitimate beef with the guy in the Store. But if you just asked about "Final Cut", then what he told you was correct, if not covering all possible cases.

Best computer for FCP

Greetings,
I have been editing feature films and video projects on my PowerMac G4 867Mhz for 5 years. I use FCP 5.1 and DVD Studio Pro mostly.
To replace my computer, I would like to buy a 24" iMac with a 7200rpm Hard Drive for smooth handling of HD footage. Does anyone know how this model performs with Final Cut Studio apps?
Also, I gave some thought to a MacPro, but it just seems like too much power for what I usually do.
I was thinking of buying a MacBook Pro, since I mostly do straight cuts and little 3D effects. Also, being mobile is a plus, but the price is a bit steep.
In addition to the iMac, I would like to buy a MacBook, where I could do simple cuts on the go (I know it is not supported, but many collegues have said FCP works fine on MacBook).
Any advice/ experience stories are appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

While some use the iMac for FCP, it is not an ideal solution as you can not add any additional internal disks for scratch drives nor add a pci firewire card or to isolate the camera from the external drive it is highly recommended you have. In addition, if you do decide to work at higher datarate formats, there is no way to add a pci esata card or an HD card either.
All in all, not a 'best computer for fcp'.
Go with a MacBookPro 17" which has a large enough screen to edit with on the go or a MacPro desktop. Both allow for expansion of capabilities.
good luck.
x

Which Mac for FCP budget-minded

I'm really excited to join your group...being a current user of "other" brands of PC and editors and want to switch to FCP.
Heading to the Apple store today so I can start using FCP. Which Mac is recommended for FCP to edit small features, shorts, music vids, et al.
Choices =
iMAC 24 fully config'd (great screen, but not really portable)
Macbook Pro 17 (portable but smaller screen)...and if so, the 100gb 7200 disk or is the 160gb 5400 disk ok for a boot drive.
Can't afford a Mac Pro.

If, despite all advice to the contrary, you still go for the MacBook Pro then I'd recommend the base 17” MacBook Pro (MBP) configuration, with 160GB 5400 RPM hard disc option, and an additional 1 GB RAM (to make 3 GB total).
Why the 17” model?
Because when editing you need as much screen space as possible. Yes, it is bigger and heavier than the 15”, but I think that it’s larger and higher resolution display is worth that sacrifice.
Why the bigger but slower 160GB 5400 RPM hard disc option?
Laptop drives already have a much smaller capacity than their desktop cousins and those little drives, inevitably, fill up quickly with all your stuff!
And of course, you're planning to get an external media drive too, right? If you don’t have one then your internal disc will be eaten up by clip media in no time (especially if you opted for the smaller faster internal disc).
Why 3 GB RAM?
Well OK, thats an expensive option, but seriously, if you can afford it the money is well spent.
I'd also strongly recommend the extended AppleCare Protection Plan.

*** What is the bare min. iMac to buy for editing HDV footage

Just wondering if someone could give me feedback on their editing experiences with a new iMac, HDV footage, and Final Cut Pro. I'm hiring an editor that will be working regularly with HDV footage. I'm currently on a PowerMac DP 2.7 G5 but there isn't the budget to give him a Mac Pro at this time. Just wondering if people think a 17" iMac w/ superdrive would be enough for that person to comfortably edit the HDV footage I give them. I'd be running a 19" monitor along side the iMac, so that's why I am not really considering the 20" at this point. Can anyone let me know if they think the iMac's can handle this kind of footage? I have a last generation powermac G4 tower, but I'm assuming that would be slower than a new iMac.
Thoughts?

I'm currently on a PowerMac DP 2.7 G5 but there isn't the budget to give him a Mac Pro at this time.
While the iMac will work for you, personally I'd stick with what you've got and save your pennies till you can afford what you want. You'll be happier in the end with a machine that you can expand.
Remember that your computer can render when that lazy editor of yours goes home to sleep. (;
rh

Create a SAN file for fcp?

i could not find any way to create a SAN file for fcp in the WLAN. i always get the the popup... for this disk there is no support for this file format ... a

Hi Tom,
u are right.
do u know how i can create thus SAN locations?
all the time i get the message that the VOLUME DOES NOT SUPPORT THE FILE FORMAT. any idea to this problem.
i use imac, macpro, external harddisks, 2 capsules. no one of this is accepted as "SAN VOLUME"
greets

Camera for FCP

I want to get the best camera for my money to create movies in FCP. I do have a limited budget though! I got to stay around 2,000 any suggestions? I am using a new iMac btw.

2k for a great camera to make MOVIES? Well... I could go into the technicalities of sensors, usability, lenses, compression(hence another world of migrane), durability, 'the look' blablabla, but IMO for overall practicality (and cost) I'd probably go the DSLR route and get a Cannon 7D(you might need to shop around to find it under $2200... other than that, I really want a AG-AF100drool
Check youtube and Vimeo for some footage reference on the 7D.

Low cost Mackie control surface for FCP 6?

Could someone recommend an inexpensive control surface for FCP 6? Perhaps a bit more expensive than the Berhinger but cheaper than the Tascam.

I've had nothing but grief since installing the FW-1082 and sure could use some help when you return. Here is my current situation (copied from my post on the TASCAM forum which yielded zero responses):
I know the instructions say that the FW-1082 should be plugged directly into the computer interface and that nothing should be plugged into it. Unfortunately my Intel iMac only has one FW400 and one FW800 port. There are other FW400 peripherals such as HDD's and camcorder video capture. With only one FW400 port, it means either I plug the FW-1082 directly into the computer and then connect the FW400 hub to the second FW-1082 port, or plug the hub directly into the computer and the FW-1082 into it. Which ever approach I use, it results in very unstable operation. Sometimes the 'Firewire' LED never lights. Other times the FW-1082 keeps reseting itself every few seconds. Unfortunately I no longer have the option of returning it, so I must find some way to use it with my existing hardware.
I just installed V1.06 of the Mac drivers and 'Fix for Mac OSX 10.4.10 FireWire' from the TASCAM website, restarted the computer, and now the Firewire LED on the FW-1082 never lights. The 'fix' mentioned above rolls back the extension 'AppleFWAudio' to V2.0.1. to resolve a problem with the OSX 10.4.10 update. Unfortunately, I don't know how to restore it to its previous state. Help!
(I apologize for posting this in the FCP forum, but this is the only place I've been able to find fellow FW-1082 users.)

Networking my iMac and Powermac 8600 thru ethernet

Hi,
Yesterday I was able to connect my iMac and PowerMac to my Belkin wireless router and then use file sharing to share files plus I could access the internet. My iMac runs OS X 10.3.9 while my PowerMac runs OS 9.2.2. I cant get my PowerMac to do anything anymore. Its reconised by the router but it wont go online, or fileshare.
Please help!!
Thanks

Find the IP of the iMac in system profiler, under network, it should be something like 192.168.1.100 or something like that. Write that down as you will need it for the 8600.
On the 8600, in 9.2.2. Open the TCP/IP control panel.
Configure it using manual.
Based on the iMac's IP number you found ( I'll use the default of 192.168.1.100 for the iMac)
The 8600 will need the IP of: 192.168.1.101
The subnet is usually: 255.255.255.0
The router is sually: 192.168.1.1
Apple talk must be active on both computers.
There is an Assist Me at the bottom of the network prefs pane in OSX. It can help you find things automatically, but you need to make sure the 8600 is etherned and has Apple Talk on.
Good luck

Have a 3.06GHz intel core 2 duo for FCP?

I all... I have a 3.06GHz intel core 2 duo IMac that I'm using for FCP.
At 3+ years old, I'm wondering if it's time to invest in a new Imac?
GHz speeds haven't gone up by a lot but I have to believe that speeds have?
Are render times in FCP or Compressor substantially improved to justify this purchase?
Thanks so much for your help!
- BK

If you want flexibility then consider moving up to a mac pro, that'll give you a solid base for a performance boost. Unless theres anything wrong with your current machine, you might want to wait a month or so and see what kind of horsepower the new version FCPX plays best with.
cheers
Andy

DVD Footage for FCP Edit - how to tell if NTSC or PAL?!

Hi all, apologies if this seems like a stupid request but I have a job at the moment calling for me to extract footage from a DVD, edit in FCP, add a few bits from Motion etc., but I can't work out if the DVD is NTSC or PAL!
I intend to extract the video (no issues with copyright) via DVDxDVPro but am unsure if the DVD has been encoded in NTSC or PAL. The footage it contains is from both the States (NTSC) and South Africa (PAL) so how do I tell? I don't want to go through a standards conversion if I can help it.
I am keen to try to retain as much quality as possible (client can't provide tape) so also any thougts on the best output from DVDxDVPRo for FCP editing?
Thanks all,
Best wishes
Michael

Hi Thomas, that's it!
Thanks for this - it clearly shows the TV standard and the resolution plus 4:3 etc., so everything I needed for confirmation.
Glad I cheked because it was in Pal - thought the conversion in DVDxDVPro looked a bit ropey.
This realy baffled me - seemed so simple but couldn't find a way to tell the standard. Learn something everyday...
I am using DVCPro for export from DVDxDVPro - anyone thoughts on a better option?
Thanks again for the answer - and so quick on a Sunday too!
Kind regards
Michael

HT4480 I have redemption codes for FCP from my university - how many machines can I install on?

I have redemption codes for FCP from my university - how many machines can I install on?

Do you have these codes because this will be your app? Or is this a "loan" from the school to install on your machine? Do you use your own Apple ID to redeem the code and install the app?
If it is your app, then you may install it on as many Macs as you own or have in your control.

IMac vs Powermac for FCP

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