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How much does a computer's processor affect AVCHD decompression? i.e. should I upgrade my Mac Pro?

12 years, 5 months ago - Tory Dunn

Hi,

Low-to-no budget shooter here... I've been working with a GH2 and Zoom H4N, both of suit me well for lightness and unobtrusiveness. I edit in Final Cut Express on a 2008 Mac Pro Dual Core with 12GB memory (the graphics card on my machine is not to spec to run FCX, which is why I'm still using FCE).

I've have been considering upgrading the Mac and software, but haven't been rushing to do so as my current Mac runs ok. However, I am starting a new project, and was wondering: if I upgrade and use FCX, will I be getting better quality footage once I transfer it off the camera?

I know that if I do I will also be able to use various plug-ins, which I can't at the moment with FCE.

Is it worth it to upgrade asap?

Thanks.

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12 years, 5 months ago - Tory Dunn

Thanks, Paddy!

Response from 12 years, 5 months ago - Tory Dunn SHOW

12 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

The quality will not change, the time it takes to do anything will. Renders will be faster (or so you'd hope) but frankly 12GB of RAM suggests it's not the physical spec of the machine that's holding you up, but the software running on it.

As an experiment you might like to try Avid's 30-day trial, it's a bit of a learning curve, but if you're looking to upgrade anyway it may be interesting to compare the two. Personally I'd never go back

Response from 12 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW