Best computer for editing and creating movies

Hmmmm. I would think that any 4-core to 8-core Mac with a high end graphics card and i7 or i9 processor would be more than suitable. But please don't rely on my post to make a decision. Macs can be pricey and so you will want to do more in-depth research. I just use a 4 core MacBook Pro, with an i7 processor, but I am not at professional level. So I would wait for a few more posters to chime in. You also might consider posting your question on some video websites for some more specialized input. You can Google search to find them. Ask what would be a good high end video production setup.

Take a look at this 16in. MacBook Pro laptop in the link below. There also are large screen iMacs that you can look at in the same link. Video editors often get additional screens as well.

https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro-16/

You are doing a nice thing for your son. As he gets more proficient he can upgrade to different sound mics and perhaps an auxiliary GPU for even more speed.

-- Rich

Sounds as though your son may want to progress from iMovie to Final Cut Pro X ( FCPX) at some stage.

FCPX is a more advanced editing application also produced by Apple.

The following pics show a 27 inch iMac desktop and a 16 inch Laptop. If portability is not a requirement then the 27 inch desktop would be better.

These pics have been taken from the Apple site with custom adjustments, underlined in red, made to suit the use of FCPX.

I have also included the standard version as well.

When I say custom adjustments I mean changes to a few of the items from the standard product which would ensure that FCPX would be able to handle anything thrown at it. These custom adjustments do mean a higher price though but hopefully they will provide a bit of future proofing.

If you are tempted to buy FCPX application when you buy the Mac i.e. have it preloaded then this is not recommended.

Wait till you get the Mac and purchase it on line from Apple via their App Store. Some people who purchase FCPX preloaded have problems associating it with their Apple ID, and then can't get the updates/upgrades.

Please do not rush out and purchase on the basis of what I have put here. This is to give you some idea. I am no expert, just somebody picking up bits of info on the net.

I have not included the Mac Mini here as Apple recommend that the Graphics card be discrete/dedicated for FCPX , which I don't think is for the Mac Mini.

A good idea to call Apple to get further advice , get number from their site.

Note that the 27 inch customised has 3 to 4 weeks delivery. I am not spelling customise incorrectly it is how we spell it in the UK.

Here's a link to a website that thinks that the Apple iMac Pro is the best for video editing. There are other computers listed as well.

https://www.techradar.com/news/best-video-editing-computer

-- Rich

It depends of amount of money you want to spend for this computer. I recommend MacMini Core i7 32Gb (about 2000$) as a starting point of education. Not so expensive monitor (about 500$) and accessories such as external drive. All about 3K$.

If you want to spend much more money, then yes, MacPro + two 4K 27" monitors + FinalCut Pro – is exactly your choice.

The suggestions made so far are good as long as money is no object but video editing can be done on any modern computer.

So I would suggest an iMac, preferably with the 27" screen.

Even the cheapest has more than enough power to edit 4K movies using Final Cut Pro X.

Adding to the discussion, I think that it would be important for whatever video production computer you get that it can be user upgraded and expandable so that your son can add to the system as he becomes more proficient. From what I have seen, most serious video producers use big screens, and multiple screens, rather than the small laptop screens. So you might consider a system that has a big screen and/or where you could eventually add big screens. Just my opinion, of course. Again, these systems can get a little pricey, so you would need to make the call about how much you want to spend.

The iMac Pro recommended by the website link that I previously sent I don't believe is user expandable. At least, they listed that as one of the drawbacks.

-- Rich

My apologies! Your post did not show up on my computer until after I had sent mine!