Digital video on a Mac
For general information on digital video, go to the DV gateway page.
All Macs are supplied ready for digital video, with Firewire sockets and iLife, a suite of creative applications includig the iMovie HD video editing program.
Buying a Mac
Even if you're only a part-time lecturer or student, you may be able to qualify for Apple's lower education prices.
Rather than getting the fastest model, get a slower one and spend the money you save on extra memory and hard disc space.
iMac and Mac mini
There are several configurations available at different prices. The size of the hard disc and the amount of RAM are more important than the processor speed.
The new Mac mini is the cheapest option if you already have PCs: it's a computer only, which you can use with a standard PC screen (VGA) and USB keyboard and mouse.
The latest iMac has an adjustable flat panel LCD screen (available in 17 and 20 inch versions). It also comes with the option of a Superdrive - for CD and DVD writing - which will be useful for backup and archiving large projects as well as for DVD authoring.
There is an entry-level version with a reduced specification for education only.
Desktop
If you are a demanding user, you may want a Mac Pro desktop computer where you buy the monitor separately. They are exceptionally fast, very expandable (eg you can fit an analogue capture card), and unlike the iMacs you can get them built to order with the specification you need.
Professional users recommend two or more separate hard drives: a relatively small drive for the system and software, a much larger drive for capture, and possibly a third drive for rendering.
Laptops
MacBooks, with 13 inch screens, are good choices for mobile digital video. Unlike their predecessor (the iBook) they have a line input for connecting a microphone. It's worth buying a mouse, as children (and many teachers) struggle with trackpads.
If you're using professional programs like Final Cut you might want to consider the larger MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro
For using professional programmes such as Final Cut Pro on the move, the 17" aluminium alloy MacBook Pro has the biggest screen available in a laptop, though the 15" model is adequate. These are more resistant to scratching than iBooks, though it is possible to dent them if you're careless.
Memory
You can run iMovie with just 256Mb of RAM, but it will work better with 512Mb or more. You need at least 512Mb for Final Cut Express.
Travel
You need at least a neoprene sleeve to protect your Mac laptop. For travelling with sets of laptops, we use the lockable, wheeled Peli range of cases with customised interiors (available from hofbauer.co.uk).
Which software should I use?
iMovie - which comes free with every Mac - is remarkably capable for such an easy-to-use programme. Many teachers find that it's perfectly adequate for A-level coursework, and it's easy enough for primary age children to use. It’s very well integrated with the other iLife applications, such as Garageband which you can use for scoring your movie.
If you want more flexibility and power you will need a programme which has the standard two-window professional interface. The more professional programmes will take a considerable amount of time to learn. Adobe Premiere is no longer available for the Mac, so the market is dominated by two Apple programmes - Final Cut Pro (part of Final Cut Studio) and Final Cut Express.
Final Cut Pro or Final Cut Express?
Final Cut Express is a much cheaper version of Final Cut Pro, which has the same interface but lacks some professional features which may not be relevant unless you're teaching a vocational course.
Both programmes now come with Soundtrack, which enables you to compose a soundtrack from a bank of music loops and effects.
Tom Barrance
© 2006 Media Education Wales
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