which editing system?

7 replies [Last post]
doug lark
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Joined: Jul 6 2002

Hi folks. i've just purchased a panasonic nvds38b and am now hot to buy an editing system.cause i'm fairly new to all this i find it all a bit confusing. Firstly, i would have to purchase a new computer to run any of the pc based editing programs out there. this turned my attention to a stand alone system.I have been looking at an Avio Casablanca for 699 at my friendly local dealer who swears by it. however all the hype(and dramas) seems to be surrounding pc based systems. I don't want any hassles and a stand alone system seems like a good option and fits my budget. does anyone know much about this system compared with the others. Am i making a mistake if I go for this type of system?.thanks

Jim Bird
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Joined: Sep 15 2000

Hi and welcome,

More questions than answers at this point.

Which system? A few years ago, this might have been a simple question to answer, but now with so many systems to choose from and with even more in the pipeline, it's a difficult choice.

If you take a good look around this board, you'll find loads of discussions on this subject.

You can have hardware, software, dedicated system or Apple Mac and all the options in between.

As far as PCs go, you could use your PC for other tasks as well as editing.

Jim Bird

doug lark
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Joined: Jul 6 2002

Thanks for the reply.Yeah,i see what you mean.Many options.Having read V.C.magazine from cover to cover and not much on stand alone units probably is the answer in itself.With so many options out there I guess my budget will probably determine things at this point.I read that pure Motions EditStudio3 is an excellent value software program. I mainly want to edit existing home footage but have more ambitious plans for the future.what would you suggest?.Doug

Jim Bird
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Joined: Sep 15 2000

Hi,

I would suggest you take your time and study all the issues properly.

Don't rush.

I personally have been using my original DC30+ analogue card, which I purchase many years ago, despite the fact I have 3 x CCD DV camcorders.

I have now decided to upgrade to the new Pinnacle software called Edition DV, which was featured in this month's CV Magazine. The feed back on this product has been very good and I'm looking forward with enthusiasm to using it.

I have bought the software and I'm looking for a dual CPU PC to run it on.

One or two of the other top manufactures are also bringing out new products and will be available shortly.

It seems the Digital revolution, which has been going on for a few years now, is still moving at pace.

You may be able to pick up good second hand bargain off someone who will be investing in some of the newer products. You can check the Classified section on this board.

Whether your are a complete beginner or a competent amateur, you will have to go through a learning curve, not only with editing but, you'll have to learn how to shoot footage with editing in mind.

When you start to edit your existing footage, you'll find shots you need are missing to allow for good continuity, for both sound and video.

So take your time, think things through and much of what you'll buy will depend on how big your budget is and what your requirements are and have fun.

Jim Bird.

[This message has been edited by Jim Bird (edited 07 July 2002).]

lomond
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Joined: Jul 8 2002

Don't worry about buying the fastest, biggest pc and don't believe all the rubbish about udma 133, scsi, raid, etc.
I use a PII 400, 256MB ram, udma 33, 13GB
system disk, 20GB video disk, cheap Pyro
fire wire card, win 98 SE, Adobe Premier 6,
and a Sony PC 9 camcorder. I have not dropped a single frame on capture, although
previewing and rendering takes a bit longer(it's a hobby not a business). Buy what you can afford.

lomond
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Joined: Jul 8 2002

Don't worry about buying the fastest, biggest pc and don't believe all the hype about udma 133, scsi, raid, etc.
If you can afford it,then fine.
I use a PII 400, 256MB ram, udma 33, 13GB
system disk 5400rpm, 20GB video disk 7200rpm, cheap Pyro fire wire card, win 98 SE, Adobe Premier 6, and a Sony PC 9 camcorder. I have not dropped a single frame on capture, although previewing and rendering takes a bit longer(it's a hobby not a business). Buy what you can afford.

doug lark
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Joined: Jul 6 2002

Thanks again,I'll keep my nose to the ground and my finger on the trigger.Doug

epicson
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Joined: Jul 18 2002

Ok, first off... all this hype about Macs not crashing is bs... and Windows XP doesnt crash if you have Windows XP LOGO Certified software... not 98.. and make sure you fresh install XP, upgrades are a joke. Yes. Mac Too!

I too have edited for a long time on a Celeron 400 w/ 256 megs... works great... most of all, there are so many peices of software out there for XP right now, you can chose and pick. I'd tell you what I use, but hey... I'm an artist, I'm not giving away all my secrets... haha

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-EJ

-EJ