iMac for 1080p/1440p 60FPS video editing + Motion Graphics

[Bobilicious]

Hello,
I would like to ask about minimal model of 21.5" iMac for being able to use FCP X and Motion 5 in smooth work. I want my iMac for 1080p/1440p 60FPS video editing + dive in Motion Graphics, I want zero problems but in relative cheap AND 100% most comfortable to use product. I am currently waiting for refresh for iMac to choose what machine I would like to buy but for reference I want to ask what is minimum, I know the requirements from site but want a words from people who actually are working on those projects on older models.

 

[ColdCase]

Typically, when working with FCP proxy media, it doesn't take much computer. Its rendering and export time where computer power makes the biggest difference. Using SSD for libraries will help with timeline scrubbing performance.

Motion I dunno.

100% comfortable and cheap is subjective.

 

[The_Lord_of_Apple]

My experience currently is with Davinci Resolve 16 on a 2015 Macbook Pro. At the moment I am producing smaller videos around the 90 second mark which is bearable to use and not adding a lot of visual effects i.e noise filters etc.

Editing on a 24 inch monitor is painful, I find it too small especially if want my scopes big. My recommendation would be to opt for a larger screen. I'm hanging out for whatever the top tier 27" intel iMac is going to come out later this year.

Cheap & minimal just adds to the frustration.

Something to read:

Can You Use the Cheapest 2020 13" MacBook Pro for Video Editing?

A look at the speed and performance of the baseline 2020 MacBook Pro 13" for editing videos in 4K.

www.4kshooters.net

How Does the Brand New 16" MacBook Pro Handle 4K Video Editing?

One of our most trusted and reliable sources for reviews is undoubtedly Max Yuryev, so here is his first test of the latest 16"MacBook Pro.

www.4kshooters.net

2019 i9 iMac vs iMac Pro - Video Editing Comparison

Max Yuryev has taken upon him to conduct such a test, let's see the results.

www.4kshooters.net

 

[Bobilicious]

I am talking about "smooth" workflow, where I don't waste too much time on rendering and my video is working without any stuttering, slows or lags. I am also talking specificly about FCP and Motion rather than Resolve or Resolve Studio. This require good cpu or gpu that I have in my PC already (i9 9900k and RTX 2060). I was to specificly work on Apple's product. Also in near future I wont be working on 4k projects, becouse standard for gaming is lower than this.

 

[The_Lord_of_Apple]

Well in a way you answered your own question. If you don't want to wait around then get the quickest machine - no compromises. Otherwise hit a few FCP forums and see what you find.

edit:
This from Larry Jordan might shed some light for you
https://larryjordan.com/articles/configure-a-2017-imac-for-video-editing/ - the article has been updated to reflect 2019 iMac range.

 

[Bobilicious]

No means I will do it professionaly so I think I should not aim for a high end machine, that's why I think I will just choose MacBook Pro 13" or 21.5" iMac with ARM. From a tests everybody says those lower end Intel machines are capable of video editing but I don't know about Motion 5's motion graphic creations.