Buying advice for editing

[Allen_Wentz]

I’d say that you probably don’t want anything less than a pro or max, but m1 m2 or m3 is less important. I have a max 32GB ram MacBook and it’s been great so far, just a few slowdowns on intensive filters in Davinci. I think you could probably manage with 16, but why not do 32. Everything else is up to you. Mini, studio, MacBook Pro, they’re just different containers. I think if you’re good with a desktop, then why not get a mini 2 pro or max with a 5 k monitor. If you need a portable, then it’s not such a penalty like it was in the past. Get the MacBook Pro and find an external 4 or 5k monitor. Grab a good set of headphones for audio monitoring as well.

Agreed that "they’re just different containers," but only if only the lower end pro chip is used. Max chip and RAM choices vary a lot with the different containers.
EDIT: Also note M2 Max chip is much stronger than M3 Pro chip except perhaps for 3D-type work.

 

[danwells]

Unfortunately, the iMac tops out at 24 GB of RAM... This iMac is literally You'll be waiting significantly longer for a less-constrained iMac than for an M3-series Mini or Studio...Apple may or may not be working on an iMac that offers something beyond a base-level processor and the RAM limits of the MacBook Air, and if they are, it probably won't arrive until October or even next year.

The other problem is that you may not like the price. Apple has specifically denied rumors of a 27" iMac coming, which means that anything they ARE working on is larger than that. My best guess on a larger iMac is that it will be a Max/Ultra machine, leaving the Pro chips out completely (too hot for the base model, not fast enough for the 30"/32"/whatever they come up with). If it is a Max/Ultra, think Mac Studio pricing PLUS $1500-$2500 for the display...

Another possibility is that a big iMac will be a content consumption machine. You may get your Pro chip, but it will come with a 55" OLED TV. The present iMac is aimed at kitchens and bedrooms - I can easily see Apple aiming it's big brother at the living room...

 

[profcutter]

Agreed that "they’re just different containers," but only if only the lower end pro chip is used. Max chip and RAM choices vary a lot with the different containers.

Yeah for sure. But I mean a max studio isn’t necessarily faster than a max MacBook Pro. The ultra is a different story. That said, I have a 4K monitor and a 5k monitor attached to my MacBook Pro when I’m working, so the Max was essential. My point was more that for the work suggested by the OP, the form factor doesn’t make that much of a difference anymore.

 

[danwells]

I don't think RAM and storage options actually vary between boxes if you have the same exact chip (unless one of the two machines is an iPad - and even there, they don't vary much - iPad RAM is dependent on drive option, while Macs ). They CAN vary between 2 M3 Maxes, the 14/30 model and the 16/40 have different RAM options(or between 2 base M3s, if one has more GPU cores than the other - only the 8/10 model gets the 2 TB drive option).

I would expect the 14/30 M3 Max in a Mac Studio to come with two RAM options at 36 and 96 GB, and with drive options ranging from 1 TB to 8 TB. The 16/40 M3 Max will come with 48, 64 and 128 GB of RAM and the same drive options. The only question is whether the 512 GB drive option is supported. On the MacBook Pro, 512 GB doesn't show uo as an option when you choose the M3 Max - but it's actually there - it's a hidden option accessible only by picking an M3 Pro chip as your base model, then CTOing the M3 Max. If you start with an M3 Max, your drive options start at 1 TB, but if you CTO it from an M3 Pro, you can see 512 GB.

 

[picpicmac]

I wrote that I would do at most one video edit a week, realistically though I think it will be less.

Beware of people who will want you to over-spec (and hence over-spend) on a computer for your uses.

You've already mentioned that you tend to flip computers fairly often, so no need to "future proof" a machine.

Also, many of us expect Apple to announce the rest of the M3 lineup Real Soon Now. Perhaps in as little as three weeks.

And if you want to sit on a couch or floor or wherever, that means a laptop.

The new M3 MacBook Air models will likely be announced Real Soon Now. You may prefer the 15" display (and larger palm rest/trackpad) of said size of laptop.

I'm looking at the soon-to-be-announced (we think) M3 Mini, but I will only use this at home, in one spot in one room. If I had your requirements I would simply buy an M3 MBAir (with bump in RAM and SSD for your 4K video editing) and be happy. Then two to three years later flip it for a new M4 or M5 model.

 

[jacet10]

Agree with profcutter.
Forget all the tests, all the numbers, all the discussions about the differences between M1, M2, M3.
I'm in quite the same kind of situation as you. I shoot in 4K with, depending on the shoot, different encodings ranging from 60MB/S to 280MB/s. I then edit (with Première Pro) films between 3 minutes and 50 minutes with timelines that can range two video tracks to six tracks, with slow motion or acceleration, multiple images, cropping, stabilization (once on a 50 minutes handheld sequence shot while walking). Then I calibrate, I mix, I export (including a version in 4.4.4. without compression which serves as a master for other exports when necessary).
I do all this without NO problem with an MBP M1 Max with 64GO of RAM and a 2GO SSD.
The only thing you need to pay attention to is the RAM. Knowing your budget, buy what you can (M3, M2, M1 it doesn't matter, the difference is only the saving of a few seconds) but with 32GO of RAM (or 64GO or more if it fits in the budget) and a hard drive of 512GO minimum for your softwares (in all cases it is much safer and more efficient, less risk of image loss during reading and exports, to have your rushs on a disk different from the software disk).

 

[OllieOxenFree]

Good morning everyone,

Very undecided about buying a new Mac, I hope someone can help me decide.
I will make a long introduction (sorry for that), but it is the only way to explain my needs and type of use.

Just as a point of reference, I use this system both at home and at the office for professional video editing with FCP & Premiere Pro without issues:

MacBook Pro M1 MAX 16” 32g 1TB

Monitor 1 - DELL U2720Q (still available on sale on Amazon occasionally)

Monitor 2 - Old HP LP2465 (via HDMI)

Twelve South BookArc or Twelve South Curve (with no second monitor) or other brand of stand

Various brands external SSDs in 2T and 4T sizes (use Camel Camel Camel to find them on sale)

OWC Drive Dock and some reasonably priced 4T or 8T platter drives (for back ups) (use Camel Camel Camel to find them on sale)

Small desktop speakers from the likes of M-Audio, Presonus, Audio Engine etc… (use Camel Camel Camel to find them on sale)

I edit in 1080 2K & 4K. As always it’s usually a good practice on most systems to edit very long and complicated 4K projects in Prores proxy and res up to native for final output, but short and simple 4K projects can easily be done in Prores formats at native size.

My suggestion would be to look for sales of an M1/M2 MacBook Pro/Max or M1/M2 Mac Studio Pro/Max with the same configuration listed above and look for a decent 4K monitor on sale on amazon or elsewhere. In your case the only real benefit of a brand new M3 will be a little more longevity in terms of system updates, you will barely notice the performance difference given your workload. An important aspect of these systems is that they have ample I/O connections and are portable enough to be able to pick them up and take them to the office, the cottage, a friend’s house and will keep you going for many many years.

The iMac is not what it used to be, hopefully Apple will decide to make an M3 (Pro/Max) 27” 5K version in the near future…

Just my 2 cents. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[NorthStar_IT]

First of all, thanks again everyone for your useful feedback.

I have done a bit of consideration and math, checking offers and discounts of various kinds in my country.
These are the best settings I found within my budget (The budget I had in mind was around €2000/2200 maximum).
Unfortunately all the other options, models and upgrades discussed above, but which I do not mention below, raise the cost too much.

Option 1
iMac M3 8-10 core 24gb 1t = 2300€

Option 2
Mac mini m2 pro 10-16 core 16gb 1t = 1600€
With a good monitor/ speakers = 2500€

Option 3
MacBook m3 pro 11-14 core 18gb 1t =2150€

The MacBook Pro option, although I am definitely oriented towards a desktop and have no portability needs (I know it may seem strange to some, but in the end it's all a question of lifestyle, where you live and habits), I continue to consider it as I can get it at a strong discount.
Obviously I would also have to consider adding an external monitor, which would put me out of budget, but I could adapt to the 14" for a first period, purchasing the monitor later.

Based on this, what do you suggest?

 

[NorthStar_IT]

Beware of people who will want you to over-spec (and hence over-spend) on a computer for your uses.

You've already mentioned that you tend to flip computers fairly often, so no need to "future proof" a machine.

Also, many of us expect Apple to announce the rest of the M3 lineup Real Soon Now. Perhaps in as little as three weeks.

And if you want to sit on a couch or floor or wherever, that means a laptop.

The new M3 MacBook Air models will likely be announced Real Soon Now. You may prefer the 15" display (and larger palm rest/trackpad) of said size of laptop.

I'm looking at the soon-to-be-announced (we think) M3 Mini, but I will only use this at home, in one spot in one room. If I had your requirements I would simply buy an M3 MBAir (with bump in RAM and SSD for your 4K video editing) and be happy. Then two to three years later flip it for a new M4 or M5 model.

I have been reflecting on the fact that most people here have suggested higher and more expensive configurations than I said I could afford. This is ok from a certain point of view, I understand that when talking about computer configurations and when saying the words "video editing," more is always better ideally.

Coming back down to earth for a moment, however, I honestly wonder if these suggestions were made considering the actual use and needs I explained I had, or perhaps unconsciously thinking more about their uses and workflows, probably more demanding than mine.

Don't hate me for saying this. You have all given me very useful advice and made me think a lot and I thank you very much!
I realize on myself, though, that I unconsciously tend to do this when I have to give advice on something that is my field, that is, I tend to consider maybe situations, critical issues and limitations that I have had, but that most people will not have, except when they get to my level.

 

[profcutter]

Yeah, I mean this is more what I was imagining, though obviously it would be your local equivalent:

Apple MacBook Pro MK1A3LL/A (Late 2021) 16.2" Laptop Computer (Refurbished) - Space Gray; Apple M1 Max 10-Core CPU; - Micro Center

Get it now! The most powerful MacBook Pro ever is here. With the blazing-fast M1 Pro or M1 Max chip - the first Apple silicon designed for pros - you get groundbreaking performance and amazing battery life.

www.microcenter.com

 

[profcutter]

First of all, thanks again everyone for your useful feedback.

I have done a bit of consideration and math, checking offers and discounts of various kinds in my country.
These are the best settings I found within my budget (The budget I had in mind was around €2000/2200 maximum).
Unfortunately all the other options, models and upgrades discussed above, but which I do not mention below, raise the cost too much.

Option 1
iMac M3 8-10 core 24gb 1t = 2300€

Option 2
Mac mini m2 pro 10-16 core 16gb 1t = 1600€
With a good monitor/ speakers = 2500€

Option 3
MacBook m3 pro 11-14 core 18gb 1t =2150€

The MacBook Pro option, although I am definitely oriented towards a desktop and have no portability needs (I know it may seem strange to some, but in the end it's all a question of lifestyle, where you live and habits), I continue to consider it as I can get it at a strong discount.
Obviously I would also have to consider adding an external monitor, which would put me out of budget, but I could adapt to the 14" for a first period, purchasing the monitor later.

Based on this, what do you suggest?

I would stay away from the iMac, it’s really the least powerful of the group. Is there no place you can get an older model machine with an M1 or M2 for a significant discount? I’m not sure what country you’re in, but is there an apple refurbished reseller?

 

[NorthStar_IT]

I would stay away from the iMac, it’s really the least powerful of the group. Is there no place you can get an older model machine with an M1 or M2 for a significant discount? I’m not sure what country you’re in, but is there an apple refurbished reseller?

The question I keep asking myself after these discussions is this: that the iMac is the least powerful of the bunch is a given, but for my specific use that I have described, would I feel the need for something better in the medium term?
What are the real limitations I would see in the workflow I have described?

 

[danwells]

Can you get exactly the M3 Pro MBP you suggest, but with 36 GB of RAM? Even possibly trading down to 512 GB of storage to avoid the constrained RAM (depending on whether your applications (etc.) will fit in 512 - your video files can go on an external SSD)? I like your suggestion of using the internal monitor for a while (the MBP's is excellent) to save on the short term expense.

Alternatively, a refurbished M2 Max (or even M1 Max) Mac Studio should be just about the same price as your Mini - an M1 Max might be cheaper - and the Studio starts with 32 GB of RAM.

 

[NorthStar_IT]

Can you get exactly the M3 Pro MBP you suggest, but with 36 GB of RAM? Even possibly trading down to 512 GB of storage to avoid the constrained RAM (depending on whether your applications (etc.) will fit in 512 - your video files can go on an external SSD)? I like your suggestion of using the internal monitor for a while (the MBP's is excellent) to save on the short term expense.

Alternatively, a refurbished M2 Max (or even M1 Max) Mac Studio should be just about the same price as your Mini - an M1 Max might be cheaper - and the Studio starts with 32 GB of RAM.

Yes, I could bump the ram, maybe maintaining 1t of SSD and the idea is to use in any case the SSD.
Again, the real question here is: do I really need that power, or can I save almost €1,200 (considering the external monitor) and live happily anyway for a few years with the iMac?

 

[profcutter]

Yes, I could bump the ram, maybe maintaining 1t of SSD and the idea is to use in any case the SSD.
Again, the real question here is: do I really need that power, or can I save almost €1,200 (considering the external monitor) and live happily anyway for a few years with the iMac?

I really think at the end of the day, only you can decide. The Pro and Max versions of chips are far faster than the m3 standard for graphics intensive jobs. If you’re staying amateur like you described, no, it’s not going to be the end of the world. It will be faster than your old iMac 27”. I think the issue is that Pro or Max is so much faster and more flexible. The iMac you’re listing is 24GB, which seems to be the most of any of your options, so at least RAM wise you’ll be OK, but I’m not sure that will make up for the lack of cores compared to the MacBook Pro you’re talking about. Again, I’m not thinking if you choose the iMac it will prevent you from editing, I just think the ideal option would be better for a graphics oriented system: M1, 2, or 3 Pro or Max, 32 Gig RAM or more, and 1 tb drive.

 

[danwells]

Yes, I could bump the ram, maybe maintaining 1t of SSD and the idea is to use in any case the SSD.
Again, the real question here is: do I really need that power, or can I save almost €1,200 (considering the external monitor) and live happily anyway for a few years with the iMac?

That is the ONE weirdness in the "Apple Silicon is ALWAYS faster than Intel" statement that should really be "Apple Silicon is ALMOST always faster than Intel". Since the iMac has slid so far down the relative performance ladder, it's not always faster. The 27" iMac was one of the best performing Intel Macs, outrunning everything EXCEPT two relatively rare models (iMac Pro and Mac Pro).

The Apple Silicon iMac is the single lowest performing Mac in the range (when the chips are equally updated - an M3 iMac will be a bit faster than an M2 MacBook Air). It has the power of a MacBook Air, but it's managing that big display, pushing a lot of pixels around. The M3 iMac is not much faster (10% in Geekbench 5 Multi, 25% in the more Apple Silicon-friendly Geekbench 6 Multi) than a late-model 27" iMac.It'll feel faster than your 27", primarily because you had a Fusion Drive, and anything new will be pure SSD.

The Apple Silicon iMac is quite literally an iPad running MacOS. The specs, except for the screen, are identical to the iPad Pro of the same generation (the M3 iPad Pro isn't out yet, but will be in a few weeks).

I'd wait a few weeks if you don't want the MacBook Pro. The M3 Pro Mac mini of your dreams may well show up at the March intro. Either buy the M3 Pro or pick up a well-priced M2 Pro Mac mini after the M3 Pro comes out (or get a MacBook Pro, but you seem to be trying to justify NOT getting an MBP).

 

[picpicmac]

I honestly wonder if these suggestions were made considering the actual use and needs I explained I had

My observation is that many commenters make recommendations to others based more on what the commenter wants rather than what the original poster specifies.

You do not have high demands for a computer in 2024. Your stated uses can be had with any of those machines in your budget that you listed.

Again, all it comes down to is whether you will find yourself wanting a laptop because you don't want to have to sit at a desk.