[Andrew Stephens]

What would you use to run FCP (producing 1080p video in 30 minute chunks) an 8 core Mac Pro or an 4 core iMac?

I'm leaning for the Pro as it's got more HDD storage and a higher RAM ceiling, but the quad core iMac is pretty fast.

[imitchellg5]

If it was my job, I'd pick the Mac Pro. If it's an occasional thing, I'd just get the iMac.

[Veltliner]

But not the 4-core Mac Pro.

Even an iMac is faster than this lame duck which doesn't have the same quality CPUs the 8-core Mac Pros have.

If you are on a budget, the i5 27" iMac would work, too. It's just that those iMac are sooner outdated than a workstation. For long term planning on professional use the Mac Pro is the better option. You are also able to get a display that is not reflective, like the high end NEC 25.5" or 30". The Apple 30" cinema display is outdated and overpriced. As far as I know, it doesn't even have hardware color calibration built in. It's about 35% too expensive.

[Spheric Harlot]

If you're not in a hurry, I'd wait for the next-generation Mac Pros that should be coming within the next two months or so, and see how the playing field levels out.