I just ordered an 20-inche 2.66 imac. I just learned there might be an upgrade version coming out soon but i wouldn't worry to much about it if the current one gives me what i need. There are two things that i definitely want to be able to do: 1) Edit HD footage from my canon vixia hv30, 2) Run Final cut studio at a later time. Maybe when we finally get the so mentioned stimulus package. NONE of this two would be done for living so I guess I could afford not having the perfect performance as long as I can get it done with out getting frustrated.
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Can I edit HD footage using an iMac 20-in 2.66?
- Thread starter taino
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You should be fine. I'm editing HD on a first generation intel iMac with no problems. I also have a macbook pro that is more powerful than my iMac but not as powerful as the one you're buying. HD is fine on that too.
I used to run FCS2 on my 2.16 iMac editing HDV footage from XL-H1 and HV30s all the time. I also edited XDCam EX HD footage without problems. I just sold the machine after it had served me for more than 2 years
For HDV, you'll be fine with a single-drive external connected with FW800.
If I'm not building my own drive arrays, I like G-Technology and CalDigit the best (they typically use better hard disks and chipsets) but they're on the upper end of the price scale. If you're on a budget, the WD MyBook Studio and the Seagate Free Agent Desk - both Mac formatted out of the box with FW800 interfaces. Also check out the LaCie D2 series.