This is a Floating World

[thetokyobombdisaster]

Recently, I've been thinking more and more about getting my own personal computer editing system (just a PC) and I was wondering a few things.

1.)What is the best Windows OS for video editing?
2.)What's the difference between a Firewire cable with 4-6 prongs then one with 6-6?
3.)The following list is a few things that I think are ideal for a computer editing system, please let me know if I'm wrong or give me some more suggestions:

40GB HD
AMD Athalon 1-1.5GHZ processor
65MB of video
Geforce 2-3 video card
512 DDR RAM
Firewire
DVD/CD burner
motherboard???

I have no idea about motherboards, and I don't trust computer people at retail stores...so could somebody please enlighten me.

Also, I'm looking at the Canon ZR65MC as my digital beginners camera, so if there are any suggestions, comments, about that, please let me know. Thank you very much

[Scarlet Origin]

Get a mac (the new G5 is quite nice), and final cut pro, for editing I don't think there is anything better.

I used to be all about PC's but I am now a changed man. PC's have their possitives too, just not for what I am doing.

[twister!]

I'd suggest Mac too. PCs.... ugh

[miker]

Whether you get a PC or a Mac, get an additional harddrive with at least 200GB if you want to do anything over a few minutes ...

I don't know what your budget is but 'out of the box' I would say the Mac's iMove/iDVD vs XP's MovieMaker/no way to burn a DVD, makes the Mac a better proposition if your needs are turnkey. But then on the PC, Nero is not very expensive ...

As for video card memory, that's only really important for 3D work. You can happily edit video on a video card with 4MB video memory - the Matrox Mystique and Rainbow Runner Studio circa 1997 - ah the memories of MJPEG. - but sure, get as much video memory as you can afford.

[thetokyobombdisaster]

I use a G3 Mac at school with Final Cut Pro 3-4. The reason for a Windows based system is because I know the OS much better, and I do like Premiere. There is no way I can afford a G5, and then all of the extra items, that would take months to possibly a year to save up, and right now, I'd rather get experience, both technical and creative, by just getting a beginners digital video camera and building my own little editing deck. What is the best OS on Windows for video editing, or the most suitable? Thanks.

[Abbath_Doom_Occulta]

although ive yet to try the latest version of premiere, sony vegas 4.0 is the one i would go for. I think its alot easier to pick up than premiere, just as powerful in many respects, and even more powerful in others (full 5.1 surround sound out of the box for example).

[Kigo]

Do you want to know what Operating System (OS) to install on your new machine? If so then XP because it initially runs your most used packages quicker than any PC OS before it. Are you looking to buy a new PC or build one? To be honest, the prices are so low these days that anything with a DVD-RW built will probably do you. They generally have 120GB hdd and a 128MB graphics card. Any new P4 will do with 512MB Ram. I wouldn't worry about MAC or PC at the moment as from what you said you just wanna use Premiere anyway, and you can do that with a PC. Try to get a hold of After Effects and Audition to enhance the capabilities of you new editing suite!!!