What is the best MacBook for video editing?

Question

Level 1

10 points

What is the best MacBook for video editing?

I live in England and at the end of this year I am going to be attending University, where I will be studying a visual effects course. I plan on using my MacBook for editing whenever I am not on my campus or am in my dorm. I will be using editing software such as Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects etc. etc.

The editing that I will be doing will likely be quite heavy, so which MacBook would you suggest for this sort of task? Would I need a MacBook Pro or would a MacBook Air suffice? Thanks in advance for any help!

P.S. I apologise if this is the wrong place to ask this question.

Posted on Mar 14, 2017 1:58 PM

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Answer 1

Oceanis34

Level 2

197 points

Mar 15, 2017 1:57 PM in response to Benjaminto

Most of the time - I just bring my 13 inch to work since we do a lot of photoshop and some light videos. There was one time where we had to edit a presentation video and it took my 13 inch MacBook Pro over 30 mins to get it done.

Next day, brought my 15 inch Macbook Pro - just for comparison, I decided to edit the same video. It took less than 15 minutes to complete it.

But consider the fact, my 13 inch has 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD while the 15 inch has 16GB of RAM and 500GB SSD. Also, the 13 inch was just a dual core i5 and the 15 inch was a quadcore i7. 15 minutes doesn't seem much but if you do a few of those a day, it does add up.

If I were you, I would go with more RAM. A faster processor is good but more RAM is better. Preference would be both. But if you're on a tight budget and are planning on keeping your MacBook Pro for a few years, then go with more RAM.

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Answer 2

Oceanis34

Level 2

197 points

Mar 15, 2017 1:22 PM in response to Benjaminto

Here's what I can tell you - I own 2 MacBook Pro at the moment. A 2016 13 inch MacBook Pro 2GHz (8GB/256GB) that I carry around to and from work and a 2014 15 Inch MacBook Pro 2.2GHz (16GB/512GB) that I use at home. When doing simple videos - both the 13 inch and the 15 inch have somewhat a similar performance.

However, once I start using FCP with some heavy editing a scrubbing, the 15 Inch Macbook Pro will be done way before the 13 inch.

Suggestion - why not go for the 2015 15 Inch MacBook Pro which already comes with 16GB RAM and 256GB Flash Storage (upgrade to 500GB if you're doing videos). It's a much better deal than the 2016s at the moment since you'll have all the USB Ports and SD Card Slot.

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Answer 3

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Mar 14, 2017 4:30 PM in response to Benjaminto

A late 17" 2011 MBP with 16 GB RAM and an SSD installed. The large display coupled with the 1200 x 1920 resolution makes it an excellent choice for video. Sadly Apple no longer makes a 17" MBP, but if you can find a good second hand one........

Ciao.

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Answer 4

Oceanis34

Level 2

197 points

Mar 14, 2017 4:59 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

Ah yes, the good old 17 Inch. I do miss mine but I had an older 2009 with the anti glare screen.

8GB RAM and 256GB SSD installed. Was one of the best MacBook Pro I ever owned.

Too bad it was too heavy to carry around.

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Answer 5

Benjaminto Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 15, 2017 1:36 PM in response to Oceanis34

Thanks for the help Oceanis34! However, when you say "the 15 Inch Macbook Pro will be done way before the 13 inch", do you mean the rendering time or more than just that? Also, as I will be carrying this MacBook around a lot with me, it would probably be much more efficient for me to get a 13-inch than it would a 15. I looked online at the 2015 MacBook that you suggested, and it does look very good for the price compared to the 2016 models, though the same issue arises about the size and weight. How is your 2014 15" MacBook for transporting around?

If I were to go for a 13-inch MacBook Pro, would it be worth me upgrading either the processor and/or the memory? As I am a student, I currently do not have the biggest budget and need to try and cut costs where possible. I will also be buying the £200 student "Pro Apps bundle", which will add to costs.

Thanks in advance.

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Answer 6

Benjaminto Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 15, 2017 1:38 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

I really do appreciate the help ogelthorpe, although a 17" MacBook would for sure be way too much of a burden to carry around at uni. I definitely do not want to go any bigger than a 15", if avoidable.

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Answer 7

Oceanis34

Level 2

197 points

Mar 15, 2017 2:05 PM in response to Benjaminto

You're very welcome. Whatever MacBook Pro you decide to purchase, I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Also, keep in mind that you have 14 days to return or exchange it if you're not happy with it. A lot of things can happen in 14 days, you might have extra $$$ in 14 days, you might even win the lotto (if you play it) in 14 days. Anything is possible.

But at the end of the day, I'm sure the MacBook Pro you end up purchasing will serve it's purpose. I've seen people doing video editing with a i7 MacBook Air. So a 13 inch MacBook Pro will be much faster than the MacBook Air.

Good luck

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Answer 8

Benjaminto Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 15, 2017 1:59 PM in response to Oceanis34

Thank you ever so much - I can't begin to explain how helpful you have been! I will definitely keep everything you have said in mind when it comes to ordering my MacBook. 🙂

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