mac computer for video editing

Thinking about buying a new Mac for video editing? If you're an Apple Mac user, you're probably wondering what is the best Mac for video editing? If that's you, then we have just the guide for you!

We'll cover Mac laptops here, as most videographers will need to edit on the move, so having something as portable as a laptop is key.

Apple, as always, offers a lot of options and they have four different models of the laptop: the MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13 inch, and MacBook Pro 15-inch.

With this versatile offering, it's quite understandable that sometimes it's difficult to make a decision about the laptop that will fully meet your needs. And in the guide below, we will try to briefly introduce you to the options and find a Mac editing laptop to your liking.

#	Product	Price
1	(Refurbished) Apple iMac 21.5in 2.7GHz Core i5 (ME086LL/A) All In One Desktop, 8GB Memory, 1TB Hard...	$317.99	View on Amazon
2	2020 Apple iMac (21.5-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage)	$1,069.00	View on Amazon
3	Apple iMac 21.5in 2.7GHz Core i5 (ME086LL/A) All In One Desktop, 16GB Memory, 1TB Hard Drive, MacOS...	$494.99 $449.00	View on Amazon
4	Apple iMac MF883LL/A 21.5-Inch 500GB Desktop (Renewed)	$379.00 $330.00	View on Amazon
5	Apple MacBook Air MJVE2LL/A 13-inch Laptop 1.6GHz Core i5,4GB RAM,128GB SSD (Renewed)	$349.00 $319.99	View on Amazon

Introduction To Video Editing With Your Mac

Modern Mac technology is now powerful enough that you can video edit most types of footage pretty seamlessly.

And if you're editing on the go with a Mac laptop, this gives you all that power in a small, light, and portable package – something that's key for most videographers who need to edit on the move.

The Mac laptops that you'll find in this article all offer enough power to edit, color grade, and encode because they have the latest and greatest hardware that Apple has to offer laptops – powerful multi-core processors, plenty of memory, and lots of storage as well.

Many of these laptops also have discrete graphics cards, since many of the popular high-end video editing software packages can take advantage of a computer's graphics card to accelerate performance.

With lashings of CPU and graphics power, they'll chew through even 4K footage and encode videos faster than any standard laptop.

It's quite understandable that sometimes it's difficult to make a decision about the laptop that will fully meet your needs due to the many variables.

And in the guide below, we will try to briefly introduce you to the options and find a Mac editing laptop that serves you best.

The Best Mac For Video Editing

So let's take a look at the laptops that we consider the best mac laptops for video editing.

1. 12 Inch MacBook

The 12-inch MacBook is a perfect choice if portability is your primary consideration.

This laptop model is extremely thin and light (only 900g) and is ideal for people who need an ultra-portable computer model. The size of a slightly larger book, in the same range, makes this one look small.

The 12 inch MacBook has a distinctly sharp retina display, and the battery can last for 9 hours and 30 minutes.

This laptop model was first introduced in April 2015 but was upgraded in June 2017 with a new version that still represents the symbol of the lightweight Mac laptop. The new version of this model features a much faster Kaby Lake processor with a newer model much faster.

Also, the newer model has a more functional keypad that provides a better experience for longer typing. However, if data transfer and the ability to expand are of prime importance, you should keep in mind that this laptop model has only one USB port for charging and transfer.

The 12-inch MacBook can be found in gold, silver, space gray, and rose gold and comes in two variants: MacBook, 12in, 1.2GHz, 256GB, and MacBook, 12in, 1.3GHz, 512GB. And if you want to upgrade the processor to 1.4GHz, you can choose between 8GB or 16GB of RAM.

2. MacBook Air

MacBook Air is the most affordable laptop with the longest battery life, ideal for students, and created for the road!

MacBook Air is a series of laptops that once counted a MacBook Air of 11 inches (which is now no longer produced for various reasons) and the 13-inch Air.

The MacBook Air has the longest tested battery life (as much as 14 hours) and is also the cheapest MacBook laptop in the price range.

Also, the MacBook Air comes with standard USB ports as well as an SD card slot making it very easy to transfer photos.

This model, unlike the MacBook Pro, has a standard keyboard that makes it much more useful to some users.

As the name itself suggests, this model is quite light (1.35 kg), with a 13-inch screen, and comes with two configurations, but only in silver and with 8GB of RAM.

If you are also programming, gaming, or doing any kind of video animation, this laptop may not be the ideal solution for you.

However, if you're going to be using this for lightweight editing purposes, as well as the usual admin work required to grow your business, and you need an easy-to-use laptop, this option is ideal and perhaps the cheapest for you.

BEST MAC FOR VIDEO EDITING

What Are Macs For Video Editing?

There are many reasons why people choose to use a Mac for video editing. For one, the Mac's operating system is very stable and fast, which means that your computer will be able to handle any heavy-duty task you throw at it.

The Mac also has some of the most powerful graphics cards on the market, so you can edit videos in 4K without an issue.

The Mac OS has an intuitive interface that makes it easy to edit videos and create professional-quality work.

Macs are also streamlined solutions designed for running industry-standard video editing software like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, and After Effects.

3. MacBook Pro 13 Inch

If you are working between both home and another workspace, or doing a large amount of editing work whilst traveling, you could really benefit from the fast and functional 13-inch MacBook Pro laptop.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro possesses a significantly stronger Core i5 processor and the latest Intel Iris graphics card, and still only weighs a slight 1.35kg.

This model has a high-quality display and powerful speakers, as well as two Thunderbolt 3 inputs for the fastest possible data transfer.

You also have the ability to expand with additional graphics cards or specialized hardware, as well as a new version of the butterfly keyboard.

If you decide to purchase for MacBook Pro, it is important to point out that there are more options (with or without a new touch bar) affecting the price.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar provides all the contextually relevant keys and controls that you use in an average application.

For example, if you open the Photos app, you will see options for editing photos, shortcuts in Final Cut and Adobe Photoshop, making it ideal for multitasking.

Also, this version of the laptop offers two more Thunderbolt inputs as well as a faster 3.1 GHz processor.

As well as a powerful solution for video editing, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is strong enough in design to handle most modern games with the Intel HD Graphics 640. But if you want the highest level of quality, perhaps the 15-inch MacBook Pro is the ideal solution for you.

As we conclude our list of the best Macs for video editing, that leads us nicely into…

4. MacBook Pro 15 Inch

If you are a professional who needs a fast computer with a huge memory capacity and 15 inches of screen real estate, the MacBook Pro is the right solution.

If you are editing RAW photos or dealing with video animation that includes 4k videos the AMD Radeon Pro 560 graphics ship contained in the 15-inch MacBook Pro is what you need.

It also combines 16GB of RAM with a 256GB SSD drive for the speed you need when using more serious programs.

Also, this model has the highest resolution Apple offers with 2800 × 1800 pixels and includes a great trackpad as well as optimized stereo speakers.

It's also worth noting that the battery on this MacBook Pro can last around 11 hours, offering superior performance by laptop standards.

For anyone who needs an enormous amount of storage space, this model is ideal because it has up to 2 terabytes of storage space!

If you work extensively on your laptop, then this version is right for you. You also have the option to tether up an additional screen if you're looking for more screen real estate.

If you're a video editor, graphic designer, or photographer who requires a larger display and a more powerful model than the 13-inch version, then the 15-inch MacBook Pro is a good choice for you.

Editing Laptops – The Numbers

Any MacBook, starting with Air 2010 is quite suitable for video editing. Another thing is that on a weak machine the work will proceed slowly, and the exporting of a 10-minute video will take several hours.

Therefore, if you are an amateur and you're not working with professional video (especially 4K format), then you can manage rather modest performance indicators.

And if you're a pro, then, of course, you need a machine that offers a lot more power. So, let's analyze what technical indicators are important for effective work with video.

First of all, I should clear up a simple fact: if you're looking to work professionally with video, then a desktop solution will always be superior in power to a laptop option.

As we've mentioned, though, a laptop offers portability and the option to easily edit on the road whilst traveling.

Let's talk about the amount of RAM. The process of editing relies largely on the amount of RAM your computer has. But, as already mentioned, the most time-consuming process is the exporting of finished video footage.

The second indicator is the speed of the internal drive. In other words, on a slow HDD drive of older models, you will struggle.

In the best case, you need at least a standard SSD drive. Even better, a proprietary SSD. Its speed is several times higher than usual, both in recording and reading.

The third important indicator is the possibility of a video card. New models of MacBook Pro have powerful discrete graphics cards, for example, Radeon Pro 555 with 2GB, or Radeon Pro 560 with 4GB of memory.

This is enough to work effectively with video and graphics and the speed improvements are very noticeable.

Finally, a rather important aspect is the quality of the screen image. Here, everything is unambiguous – screens with Retina technology give an excellent clear picture of high-resolution 4K video footage.

On such a display, you can efficiently manipulate and edit the intricacies of video, as well as adjust exposure and colors.

Why Do Video Editors Use Macs

Video editors use Macs for the same reasons as any other creative professional – the ease of editing, portability, and power.

It's not just that they're used to them – it's that there are features in Final Cut Pro X that you can't find on Windows.

There are many reasons why video editors use Macs.

The first being that OSX is a UNIX-based operating system, which means it's more stable and is less prone to crashes than Windows 10.

Another reason is the hardware: MacBooks have better graphics cards and processors than most Windows laptops on the market right now, so video editing software runs faster on Macs.

Finally, Apple offers an excellent warranty for its products – including their computers – that can be fixed by authorized technicians at any Apple store in the country within 24 hours of purchase or delivery.

What Equipment Do Video Editors Need?

Video editors are in charge of the video content that is seen on TV, in films and online.

What kind of gear should you have for editing videos? Let's take a look.

High Definition Screen

The high definition screen on a mac video editing is one of the most important features to consider when choosing your next Mac.

The resolution or clarity of the screen can make all the difference in your viewing experience, and not only for movies but also for working with graphics, photos, and more.

CPU

CPU mac video editing is an important part of the process when it comes to video editing.

Video editors need to make sure that they have a CPU that can handle their workload and do not lag behind or freeze up while doing so.

A quick way for people to check if their computer will be able to work with this type of software is by checking out the requirements on the website, which state what specifications are needed in order for you to use it successfully and without issue.

RAM

Video editing is a process that takes up a lot of computer resources. It can take hours to render video, and this process requires the most amount of RAM among other tasks.

A user should have at least 16GB of Ram for video editing. Although 64GB is required for 8K footage and it makes 4K editing much more streamlined, too.

Graphics Card

The graphics card is an essential component of your computer system.

It's the one thing that can make or break a video editing experience on your Mac.

How Does It Work?

Well, the GPU (graphics processing unit) of a modern computer is responsible for generating and displaying all those pretty pixels you see on screen.

This includes things like drawing 3D objects and rendering animations in real-time.

Older computers may have been able to use their CPU to do these tasks, but not anymore thanks to some clever programming by engineers at Nvidia back in 2003 when they released CUDA software with their GeForce 6800 series cards.

This was the first major GPU designed specifically for general-purpose computing and has revolutionized how we compute today!

Storage

There are many different ways to store your video files, but what you choose will depend on the type of footage and how you plan to use it.

If you're using Final Cut Pro X (Apple's video editing software), this article is for you!

What Do I Need?

If you're just starting out with Final Cut Pro X, then all that's required is a Mac computer with at least 32GB of RAM and a few TBs of storage space.

If you have higher-end footage that requires more processing power, then an iMac or MacBook Pro would be best suited for your needs.

It's no secret that when it comes to video editing, more storage is better. But how much space do you need?

The answer depends on the size of your project and what type of file formats you're using for your video clips.

Generally speaking, a one-hour movie in Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) format will take up about 1 GB per minute, or 60 GB for an hour.

So if you have six hours of footage – or 360 minutes – that means 1080GB!

Video formats like MPEG-2 use less storage space than Apple ProRes, but they also produce lower-quality videos.

Advantages Of Using Macs For Video Editing

• Utilizes the GPU for video editing.

• Fast performance with high-quality graphics/video rendering.

• Ultra compatible with industry-standard video editing software like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, and After Effects.

• The latest Apple tech ensures the highest quality videos without glitchy playback.

• Powerful software maximizes every second of footage to produce professional-grade results.

• Offers a smoother, more intuitive user experience with every click.

Ports And Expansion Options

When it comes to the best mac video editing ports and expansion options, there are a number of different things you need to consider.

The first thing is what type of video format will work with your computer? If you're editing in HD, then you'll need an HDMI port or DisplayPort.

One important consideration when looking for the best mac video editing connectors is what type of camera do you plan on using?

If you use DSLRs or other professional-level cameras, then Thunderbolt 3 USB-C connections are necessary.

They can also be used for external hard drives and displays if needed.

There's no point in going all out on any of these connectors if they don't serve your needs.

Which Mac Is Best For Video Editing?

The question of which Mac is best for video editing can be a tough one to answer, as there are many different factors that come into play when deciding the right computer.

Some people will say you need a top-of-the-line Mac Pro with an i7 processor and a minimum of 32GB of RAM.

Others will recommend a MacBook Pro with Retina Display.

The truth is, it depends on how much money you want to spend and what your specific needs are.

After all, if you can't afford an iMac Pro, then a Mac Mini or an Air might be what you need.

What Are The Recommended System Requirements For Editing With a Mac?

A Mac is a great editing machine, but to get the best video editing experience possible, it does require some specific system requirements.

The more memory you have on your computer the better off you will be with editors like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro X which use tons of RAM when rendering projects.

If you're an avid user of these programs then 16 GB or more would be recommended.

In order to edit effectively on a Mac, you should have at least the following:

An Intel Core i5 or better.
16GB or more of RAM.
At least 1TB of storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) On Mac Video Editing

Let's take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to Mac video editing.

How To Choose A Mac Laptop For Video Editing?

Choosing the best laptop for video editing is a tough decision.

There are many different factors to take into consideration, including the type of processor, graphics card, screen size, and resolution.

How To Choose A Processor For Video Editing?

In order to choose a processor, you first need to identify what type of video editing you will be doing. There are two main types: live and offline.

Live video editing is when the editor has something running on their screen that they can edit while it is happening.

Offline work is done with recorded footage in a post-production environment without any real-time feedback from the computer monitor.

Is GPU Or CPU More Important For Video Editing?

In the world of video editing, there are two major components at play: the GPU and CPU. These two pieces of hardware work together to create a smooth, glitch-free end product.

Some claim that one component is more important than another while others believe they each have their own unique roles to play in this process – but what does the data say?

Yes, the graphics card is super important, but so is the CPU processor.

Best Mac For Video Editing – What Conclusion Can Be Drawn?

So what do you think of those options? And how can we sum all of this information up as a neat conclusion?

If you mount the video for yourself and do not expect any outstanding quality and speed indicators, then the MacBook Air or the old MacBook Pro models are quite appropriate.

If, however, you decided to seriously engage in professional video production, then you should choose a laptop with 16GB of RAM, a powerful video card, and a Retina screen.

The MacBook Air is a laptop that helps with productivity, coping with all the tasks that I require of it. It is suitable for web development, mobile application creation, website design, interfaces, as well, of course, basic video editing.

We hope that this article on the best Mac for video editing has helped you make the right choice and that you weigh up all your options before making a purchasing decision.

It's important to remember that it's not worth waiting for a miracle from an integrated graphics card.

If you are professionally engaged in video editing, especially 3D work and intensive animation, then I would strongly recommend you max out on RAM and get the most powerful laptop you can get with the budget you have.