Will my computer handle HD video editing?

MTsquared

MTsquared

In about a month I'm planning to buy a Panasonic GH2, and with it film and edit HD footage. I was wonder if those who have worked with HD footage (I've only used SD previously) would be able to tell me if my computer would be able to handle it.

2.5GHZ Intel Dual-Core
4 GB of RAM
768MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460
600 GB of storage space

I use Premiere Pro CS4, and I have access to Adobe media Encoder and Handbrake.

Also, what would be the best format to edit in? Thanks for your time.
 
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Its a bit on a weak side, but still workable.
The trick is to create a proxy of your original footage (google "Proxy for premiere").

forget about after effects for now. Your cpu is a bit too slow. But for simple cut n splice - you'll be OK.



mmm... proxies...
 
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I used after effects on my last short. Was a campy action short for youtube. It was filmed in SD but Action Essentials was only 720p, and eventually it would lag out and crash after a while of editing with 30+ layers. I plan to stay away from cgi for a while anyways. I realize that without quite a bit of practice, action scenes (for me at least) look.... uh, 'lame' is a good way to describe it. Other than blood spray and muzzle flashes, I can do every other effect as a practical one, and it seems I need to now that i'm upgrading to HD. Thanks for the input.
 
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I just ditched a paperweight with similar processing power.

As long as you shoot with a resolution no higher than 720p 30FPS it'll just barely gaggle along.

How is your patience? And how long are the majority of your pieces going to be?

You'll best be off only running Premier alone with no other programs up and running.

If you want to add effects you're best off editing for time all the dozens to hundreds of edits together, save as a finished file, open a new project, import that one piece and add effects to that.
IF YOU TRY to both edit a dozen to hundreds of edits together - and - throw in a layer or two of effects on top of that - or - open up another program like an audio editor or even a web browser your system will likely go... slow... as... dirt... if... it... does... n't... out... right.... cra... sh. :rolleyes:

Forget about editing even a short in 1080.
It'll take five days to edit and render a 2min short. :lol:
 
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I hope for my sake you're at least partially wrong. Due to the fact that I'm buying the equipment, I can't afford a new computer right now. I also can't buy a new processor because the motherboard is incompatible. I'll probably settle for 720p until I can upgrade my computer.
 
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Really guys? I've been using a MacBook Pro with similar specs for nearly four years now, and while it isn't exactly fast compared to newer models, it's been more than adequate. I've managed to edit and grade a feature length film, several music videos and short films on it (primarily Final Cut Pro and Color), as well as doing VFX work for many other projects (After Effects and Photoshop)… all in 1080p.
 
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Oh I know what computer I want. I've had it "built" for some months now. Just waiting on Newegg as a collection of parts until I can get enough money for it. I also have 2TB of space, just 600GB left.
 
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chilipie said:
Really guys? I've been using a MacBook Pro with similar specs for nearly four years now, and while it isn't exactly fast compared to newer models, it's been more than adequate. I've managed to edit and grade a feature length film, several music videos and short films on it (primarily Final Cut Pro and Color), as well as doing VFX work for many other projects (After Effects and Photoshop)… all in 1080p.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I edited my feature on a PC with similar specs. But just cuz it can be done doesn't mean it should be done.

RAM and storage space are both super-cheap. MTsquared, I think you should get 8GB RAM, won't cost you very much more, and try to get more like a minimum of 1TB, maybe even 2TB.
 
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It does not have a blu-ray player attached, so I'm not sure.

And the RAM is a good idea I guess. It's just that my mother board is so outdated that any RAM I get won't be compatible with my new board when I build a new computer. So It's almost like throwing money away. Oh well, if I need it, it's cheaper than a new computer.
 
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If you put an HD or Blu-Ray disc in the drive, can it play the disc?

What is the OS OR VERSION OF WINDOWS YOU ARE RUNNING ON YOUR COMPUTER?

WIDNOWS Vista and newer support HD. Windowws XP and older does not support HD.

My Imac uses OS 9.1 and is an Imac G3 400 Mhz with Final Cut and Adobe Premiere. It DOES NOT support HD. It plays DVDs. But, only NTSC discs.

I have a Sony VIAO runnning Windows Vista with a Blu-Ray drive a Dual Core 2 with 3 Gigs of RAM and 4 Firewire external hard drives attached to it. This computer has an HDMI output port, Firewire, and USB 2. This computer is made for HD. It edits and plays back in HD.

What logos are on your computer for Windows, Mac OS, DVD drive, Video card, etc?
 
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MTsquared said:
It does not have a blu-ray player attached, so I'm not sure.

And the RAM is a good idea I guess. It's just that my mother board is so outdated that any RAM I get won't be compatible with my new board when I build a new computer. So It's almost like throwing money away. Oh well, if I need it, it's cheaper than a new computer.
Click to expand...

You don't need more RAM. I edited a feature, 1080p, with 4gb RAM, and it sounds like chilipie has as well. But editing with 8gb is a world of a difference, and if it fits in your budget, I highly recommend it. But if it means getting a new motherboard, and the cost is getting to be more than you can handle at the moment, you can edit with the system you described.
 
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The only problem is viewing the edited product in HD. When I burn HD DVDs of my production, only my Sony portable workstation can playback the HD DVDs. My Windows XP desktop, Imac DV, and DVD players attached to my televisions cannot play the DVDs.

The software drivers are only available for Windows Vista and newer computers.
 
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I have Vista 32 Bit. Sounds like your computer, MDMP llc, is similar to mine. So from what it seems, my computer will handle it, but be kind of slow. Maybe I'll stick with 720p until I get a new computer.
 
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Two things:

1. If you can, please rid yourself of the complete abomination that is Windows Vista. Windows 7 is the tits. I'd even take an old-ass version of XP over Vista. Seriously, that would be money well-spent. 7 is SO stable.

2. MDM, I'm sorry, I really mean no disrespect, but you're just doing something wrong. There is absolutely no reason why MTsquared wouldn't be able to view his finished product in HD. He won't be able to burn it in HD (because he doesn't have a blu-ray burner), but he'll be able to view it in HD, and post it online in HD.
 
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CF, read the details of what I am posting.

He can kiss HD good-bye if he down-grades to Windows XP. He needs Windows Vista or newer for HD software driver support.

If he can upgrade to Windows 7 or 8, that's even better. However, and Windows upgrade like that wipes out everything on the computer.

Windows Vista and HD are buggy. Windows Explorder has issues of freezing and locking with HD files.

I have computers at work configured for Windows XP that are Dual Core 2 and other computers with Windows 7. So, I need to be sure what version of Windows he is using to better answer his questions.
 
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