[RBP2005]

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum but not new to the glorious world of Mac's. I am currently in the process of opening my own video production business, I currently have a G3 middle of the line (back in 2001) Ibook so I figure it is time to upgrade lol.

I have been eying up the top of the line G-5 tower with the following specs:

Dual 2.5 ghz
2GB DDR400 SDRAM (PC3200)-4x512
2x 250GB Harddrives
ATI Radeon 9800XT w/256mb DDR SDRAM
Apple Cinema Display x2 20 inches
Airport Extreame Card
Bluetooth Module
8x Superdrive

Total: $6,601.00 + Production Suite $1200 = $7,801.00 plus tax


So My question is..... Is this going to be enough for professional grade video editing and eventually image and webdesign...is it going to be 2 much (if there is such a thing lol)? Another question I have is, what are some of the best MiniDV cams that connect really well with a Mac, or do they all work well and it should not matter as long as I have USB 2.0 or firewire?

Canon Powershot A95, 5.0 megapixel Digital Camera
Canon Optura XI Mini DV Camcorder x2

Does anyone know anything about these models, how close to professional grade are they (since they areare rather affordable)?

Thanks a lot everyone.

[EnVoy]

Plenty for photography/image editing.
More ram and more hard drive space for video editing. Consider a RAID Array.

Is this going to be enough for professional grade video editing...

You will need to move up to higher end video camera if you want professional grade. Same with the still camera. Consider at least the Canon 10D, the 20D would be better to start (for still). Not too sure about a specific video camera.

Also, for a precise color workflow (in still at least) you should consider a CRT monitor instead of flat panel. Something like the LaCie Electronblue 22in, and a color calabrator like the Spyder from Pantone.

[dlefebvre]

you should consider a Canon GL2 for a DV camera. It has 3 CCDS and offers a very good price/quality ratio. It works very well with FinalCut and produces nice images. If you want better than that, you will have to spend a little more for a Panasonic AG-DVX100 or a Sony PD-170.

[Steve SpotOn]

Depends on your 'business' profile.

If you are looking at editing for other people make sure you can cope with what they will bring in (could be anything from VHS to digi Beta). If it's just for your own stuff then you can be a bit more selective.

For cameras I would also look at Sony's HDV ... it might be more future proof in that it can shoot/output DV as well as HDV. Also invest in a good tripod and external microphone + lights etc. etc.

I would also consider a input/output box that will convert analogue to DV and back again (Canopus do some, higher end ones from Black Magic, AJA) - handy for when client turns up with a tape he wants shots from, also handy for VHS copies of your final edit.

Definatley get a good external TV monitor and speakers for your edit set up - you need to be absolutely sure that your output is good.

Above all experiment and learn what your set up is capable of... and have fun (business and money isn't everything).

[Randman]

Don't get the ram from Apple (overpriced) and get more than 2GB. You can get that in a PowerBook. Video will need more. Also, video eats up space so you're going to need more room. A few good-sized external HDs will come in handy.

The other suggestions are all good. What you're thinking of doing can be done on the cheap but results will show. You'll have to be willing to spend some money to get the good stuff that will separate you from any average Joe with a video camera and a decent computer.

Also, a 5-megapixel camera isn't going to cut it. The 8s are coming out, opt for one of those.

[willab]

If I were you I'd get something more like this:
Dual 2ghz G5
stock +
• ATI Radeon 9800 XT w/256MB DDR SDRAM
• AirPort Extreme Card
• Bluetooth Module
no modem
$2949 zotzdigital.com can do custom orders without tax

additional 2gb RAM from Crucial $320

2 x 17" Sony SDM-S74 2 x $320 at newegg.com these have DVI inputs = $640

1 terabyte Firewire 800 Lacie hard drive newegg $899

Maxtor 250 gb SATA drive newegg $192

This should be more than fast enough. I edit in FCP with 2 Sony SDM-X73s and those screens are supposedly nicer, so it should be a great editing experience. You'll find out very quickly that storage is the most important factor with video as far the computer setup goes. That is a total of $5000

The cameras you chose are not professional quality. Depending on your needs and how much you're willing to pay I'd buy the Sony VX-2100, the Canon GL2, or the Panasonic DVX100. The DVX100 is a great camera. It is my top choice if you can afford it. For stills I'd go with the Nikon D70.

[dlefebvre]

I wish I had that setup...