A high quality editing suite?

[Mods]

I'm soon getting a nice wad of cash to spend on something to help me edit shorts and features made with a DV camera.

I can't decide whether to get a PC or an Amiga, and then find software for each.

I mean, Adobe Premiere is nice but it can be combersome somtimes and I've heard that Amiga's do the tasks a lot quicker, easier and with less chances of running into errors and problems.

Does anyone have a decent spec PC? Are there PC's specifically made for "multimedia" purposes (i.e. video cards already installed)...

I'm curious. I certainly ain't spending a thousand quid on a Spectrum...!

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Mods

[redlum]

www.google.com , alternatively: www.google.co.uk

[twister!]

You might find this website a little more useful http://www.dvdoctor.net/

Click on the 'DVdoctor interactive message boards' link and then 'Computer Video Magazine' You will then be shown a list of forums which should be able to help you - they're pretty good.

[miker]

?1000 will *easily* get a PC that's up to the job, esp. if you are only doing DV stuff.

editing software is down to personal preference, but let's face it, Grokster has loads to download and try ...

I don't find Premiere6 cumbersome at all, esp. with DV which is a software codec (= rock solid stability assuming Win2k/XP)

an Amiga? did I miss something? Next you'll be considering BeOS, or Linux ...

why not consider a Mac? only consider ;-)

[Mods]

LoL ta guys. Redlum you used to be a useful member of this forum [img]wink.gif[/img]

Mods

[deanl]

Hey there.

If you pick up a copy of Computer Video magazine every other page is an advertisment for computer editing systems. Im not sure if there the cheap or not but some of the systems are sweet. There are all kinds of systems for all kind of budgets. I just had a look in the last issue and here are a few links.

www.smartdv.co.uk

www.sub.co.uk (this place lets you configure the system you want)

www.evesham.com

www.planetdv.net

Check em out.

Despin out.

[Generic Skinhead]

May I recommend a G4 with Final Cut? Top notch it is. Real slick and fun to use, all my mates in the editing buisness swear by it. Untill you can afford lightworks at any rate.

[tim.callaghan]

Hi,

I just wrote a review for Computer Video Magazine on the new iMac G4 superdrive. That model may be above your budget, but the lower end model may suit you a treat. Genny Skin is definately on the right track with FCP 3 being **** hot, that is if you can afford it.

Most new PC's are up to the job of DV editing, just depends on how many effects and transitions you are going to want to render. Premier is good, but IMO not up to the standard of FCP. For starting off, consider looking at Ulead or Pinnacle software, as they are taking over the market as the best entry level editing packages.

I'd still go with the Mac, as it's out of the box editing, with no arsing about. Anyway pick up a copy and read the review yourself.

Tim

[redlum]

I'm quite ignorant when it comes editing software but what the search engines don't tell me is - why are some better than other. I mean, unless your are George Lucas, all you really want to use are simple cuts, disolves and ftb's. In my opinion the coolest transition being a swish/whip pan can be achieved completely by just using the camera. More 'showy' stuff just ends up looking like a powerpoint presentation - useful if you edit SM:TV.
If its stability you're talking about, why not just do a dual boot on Win2k, and use one boot soley for video editing, 3d modelling etc. Man, if only film weren't so expensive - I hate computers.

[Generic Skinhead]

Its not just about cuts red. Colour corecction can be important for one thing. I've used a lot of video filters in my time, and I for one find them very useful for getting my point accross and also for visual experimentation. Ease of use is another point, and nothing beats Final Cut Pro in that area.

Obviously there are ridiculous things as well like "star wipes" but hey-they can be quite funny if you're just messing around. Overkill with transitions screams "student video."