You don’t need to be in the film industry to know that video editing and filmmaking is an expensive endeavour. While there are many great options to shoot and edit videos on your phone that’s not always going to suffice especially if you’re working on a professional project. Whether you’re just getting started or upgrading your existing setup for video editing you need a lot of processing power. If you’re not adequately optimized for the task then you’ll find yourself in a quagmire of issues. So can you have high-performance video editing on a budget?
Processor (CPU):
You need a powerful CPU if you’re looking to render high-resolution videos at respectable frame rates. If quality and workflow is a major concern for you then you can’t neglect your CPU selection. To achieve great results, you’ll want to get the highest clock speed in conjunction with the most cores.
Graphics (GPU):
If you’re serious about video editing then you need a dedicated GPU for your set up. Something with a good amount of memory and can handle the video resolution you’re outputting. Beyond just performance you also need to be aware of the intended usage of the card itself. Some GPUs are designed for gaming which may not be perfectly optimized for video editing software.
RAM
While you can’t go wrong with more RAM, how much you actually need will depend on what your specific workflow looks like. On the low end 8GB of RAM may get you through a 1080p project but if you’re dealing with 8K footage then 64GB is more in line with your needs. The video editing software you’re using will also have basic and recommended requirements for the amount of RAM you’ll need.
Storage
An SSD (Solid State Drive) is crucial for faster data read/write speeds. You should use an SSD as the primary drive for the operating system and video editing software. For additional storage, consider using large HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) for media files and project backups.
Display
To make your effects worthwhile you need to have an accurate representation of the final results. The display is your window into the world of your video. A high-resolution and color-accurate display is vital for accurate video editing. Look for at least a Full HD (1920×1080) IPS panel, and if possible, consider a 4K display for enhanced detail and precision.
Software
The cost of entry for industry level video editing software can be prohibitive especially if you’re just starting out. Whether you’re working in Premiere Pro and After Effects or Final Cut Pro, you’re looking at a hefty subscription fee or a large upfront cost. While cheaper alternatives do exist on the market you won’t get all the features you need. Is that a compromise you’re willing to make?
Researching and sourcing all these components is what makes video editing such an expensive task. Even if you’re able to get the perfect setup today it won’t be too long before new technology catches up and you get stuck in a vicious upgrade cycle. If you just need to produce high quality videos once in a while then it doesn’t make economic sense to invest in new equipment. Instead, you should consider the rental option. A good rental partner can help set you up with the best device and software so you don’t need to worry about performance. The right company will also be able to offer you flexible terms and even support when issues arise. The best part of a rental is that you avoid the upfront costs and also don’t need to compromise on the specs you actually need. Talk to a rental expert at Vernon and see how you can get high-performance video editing on a budget!
Here are some popular models you can consider for your next project:
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