Chapter 9
Equipping Your Edit Station
IN THIS CHAPTER
Choosing a computer platform
Knowing your workstation requirements
Adding extra equipment
Selecting video editing software
Technology has come so far that “editing suite” often refers to your table of choice at your favorite coffee place with your laptop computer. You can literally put a movie together with headphones on while sipping your latte. You can sip a cappuccino when downloading footage from your camera and immediately start editing your movie. All it takes is a machine with enough horsepower — most consumer models have it these days — to run GoPro Studio Edit, or your favorite editing app.
Not all computers are created equal; some are clearly a little more robust when it comes to efficiently handling all that you throw at them. Often that difference comes down to having a faster processor and an abundance of RAM.
Picking a Computer Platform
The rivalry between Macs and PCs used to have the same intensity as debates between Yankees and Mets fans or Ohio State and Michigan followers. Although the sports rivalries are still intense, the one between Macs and PCs has softened a bit.
Both operating systems can help you achieve your goals; they just happen to go about the process differently. Chances are that the computer you already own can meet your video editing needs.
Choosing a Macintosh
Walk out of an Apple Store with a Mac, and you can start editing your movie not long after you take it out of the box, because iMovie is loaded on every Mac.
Mac models
Currently, you can choose among these models:
- MacBook Pro: This powerful laptop lets you edit anywhere. It comes in two screen sizes and a variety of configurations, including Retina Display. It includes a SuperDrive for reading and burning media discs. Thunderbolt and USB 3 inputs allow you to connect to just about anything.
- MacBook Air: This lightweight version of the MacBook, the Air sheds some weight and thickness by leaving out a conventional hard drive. It has less processor speed than a MacBook Pro, but it’s still adequate for video editing, especially when it’s connected to a fast external hard drive (Figure 9-1).
- MacBook: Somewhere between the Air and Pro models lies the MacBook. It uses the latest generation of Intel Core processor. You can also choose a variety of colors. A possible drawback with this model is its single USB-C port that shares both power and data transfer.
- iMac series: This popular all-in-one desktop computer acts as an edit station right out of the box. Like the MacBook Pro (see the previous item), it has Thunderbolt connectors and USB 3 inputs. It comes in two screen sizes — 21.5-inch and 27-inch, as shown in Figure 9-2 — and comes in a variety of configurations.
- Mac Pro: The Big Kahuna of the Macintosh line, this tower computer offers enough raw power to edit a feature film with special effects, as well as process high-quality CGI animation. It’s not light on the pocket, and the monitor and other peripherals are separate purchases, so for anyone who’s just breaking into the field, it may be overkill. But it’s a durable workhorse for serious moviemaking.
- Mac mini: The Mac mini is the powerful tiny version of the Mac Pro. As with the Pro, you add the monitor, keyboard, and mouse of your choice.
FIGURE 9-1: MacBook Air.
FIGURE 9-2: iMac 27-inch model provides a great deal of screen real estate.
Minimum editing requirements for a Mac
For optimum video editing, choose a Mac with these specs or better:
- Intel Dual Core processor
- Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later
- 4GB of RAM
- Display resolution of 1280 x 768 pixels
- 5,400 rpm internal hard drive; 7200 rpm is preferable
- External hard drive with Thunderbolt, USB 3.0, or eSATA connectivity
Setting Up Windows
At entry level, Windows PCs are cheaper than Macs, though cost is significantly affected by component quality. These days, PCs have enough initial power to edit video, but they may not include a fast-enough hard drive or a complete set of connection types.
PC models
Numerous manufacturers make PCs — including Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard (HP), and Sony — and each manufacturer makes several lines that use a variety of components. Even when you isolate your choice to laptops, you still should consider differing screen sizes, processors, and connectivity arrays.
PC models come in the following types:
- Desktop: Better desktop PCs feature fast multicore processors, sound boards, multiple hard drives, and high-speed inputs.
- Laptop: Some models excel at high-definition (HD) video editing; others fall short. Check the specs for running GoPro before committing to a laptop. Standout models include the HP Envy and the Dell 7000 series.
- All-in-one: All-in-one PCs offer fast processing, HDMI connectivity, and large screens. Many models support video editing, including the Dell 7000 Series and the HP Touchsmart.
Minimum editing requirements for a PC
For best video editing performance, choose a Windows PC with these specs or better:
- Intel Core 2 Duo processor
- Windows 7
- 4GB of RAM
- Graphics card that supports OpenGL 1.2 or better
- Display resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels
- 5,400-rpm internal hard drive; 7200 rpm is preferable
- External drive with USB 3.0 or eSATA connectivity
- QuickTime 7.6 or later
Understanding Workstation Requirements
When it comes to editing video, some computers are clearly better suited than others. Here’s what you need for your moviemaking workstation.
Picking a newer computer
Often, older computers are more replaceable than upgradable. An older iMac that doesn’t include a Thunderbolt connection, or at least a FireWire 800 connection, for example, won’t be usable with a fast external hard disk. Neither will a Windows PC with a slow graphics card or a processor that can’t run the latest operating system.
Shooting for more-than-minimum speed
Editing HD video is serious business, so your computer’s processor had better be up for the challenge. Whether you’re using a new machine or an old one, be sure it exceeds the minimum requirements to run your editing software (see “Picking Software That Suits Your Needs” later in this chapter).
A processor has much in common with a drummer in a rock band: Each needs to keep up to do the job. When you capture 30 frames per second, the processor must play 30 individual frames per second (fps) without missing a beat. Processing a continuous video signal is an arduous task, and any hitch or glitch can seriously slow the process or even drop frames.
Using a large monitor
If you have a desktop computer, get the biggest screen you can afford. With a laptop, you’re a bit limited, but try to get at least a 15-inch screen.
Lots of RAM
Your computer can’t live without random access memory (RAM), and you can never have enough of the stuff. It feeds your processor-hungry video editing software while updating your Facebook status. The more RAM you have, the better, and because HD movie files require a lot of memory, buy as much as you can afford. Fortunately, RAM is relatively cheap.
Benefits of a faster graphics card
Think of the graphics card as a specialist hired by the processor to reproduce the image and redraw the screen 30 times per second. Today, video is recorded and played back at 60 fps — and 120 fps and higher rates loom on the horizon. Your graphics card has its work cut out for it. Many computers built over the past couple of years are more than adequate to run GoPro Studio Edit.
Accessorizing Your Station
Accessorizing your outfits makes good fashion sense, and so does adding accessories to your editing workstation. If you have room on your desk and in your budget, add a second monitor and some comfortable peripherals.
Connecting an extra monitor
Your video footage and your video editing tools reside on the same monitor, so it’s a good idea to connect another monitor to separate the editing tools from the actual video (see Figure 9-3). Also, adding a high-quality monitor helps with video quality control.
FIGURE 9-3: Professional-quality monitor connected to a Mac Pro running Final Cut Studio 2.
The hardest part about connecting a monitor is making sure that you have the proper connectors. Even if your computer doesn’t have a dedicated video connection, you can connect another monitor via USB or Thunderbolt.
Set up the extra monitor as an extension or mirror of your main monitor, per your needs:
- Extending the monitor adds more real estate by continuing the monitor on the other monitor. This arrangement is perfect for adding space to separate your editing tools from the video player. Extending gives you more room and allows you to multitask without overpopulating your screen.
- Mirroring the monitor is exactly what it sounds like. This technique is great for working on your main monitor while showing your work to an audience on the other monitor.
Adding a monitor to a Mac
To set up an additional monitor on a Mac, make sure you have the right connector, and enjoy dual-screen bliss. Here’s how:
Connect the second monitor to the Mac, using the appropriate connector.
Use one of the following:
- Thunderbolt cable: Transfers both data and a display signal.
- VGA adapter: Lets you connect any standard analog monitor, projector, or LCD screen that uses a VGA connector.
- DVI adapter: Allows you to connect a monitor that has a DVI connector.
- Mini monitor port to VGA adapter: Lets you connect a second monitor to any Macintosh with a Thunderbolt port.
- Turn the monitor on.
- Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu.
Select Monitors in the System Preferences window.
If you don’t see it, select Detect Monitors.
Adjust the resolution, colors, and refresh rate as desired.
If your Mac is running the Mavericks operating system, simply choose Best for Monitor.Specify how you want to use the second screen.
The default setting extends the screen between the two monitors. Rearrange the orientation of the monitors by dragging one over the other and clicking the Arrangement button. If you want both monitors to show the same screen image, select the Mirror Monitors check box.
Adding a second monitor to a PC
Using another monitor with your Windows PC is simple. Follow these steps:
- Turn off the computer, if it isn’t already off.
- Connect the second monitor via the DVI or VGA port.
Turn the computer and the second monitor on.
The Windows operating system looks for both monitors. Don’t be alarmed if the new monitor doesn’t turn on.
Activate the second monitor.
To do this:
- Right-click any spot on the screen, and choose Screen Resolution from the shortcut menu.
- Click the Settings tab of the Properties dialog box, which displays two boxes to represent the two monitors.
- Right-click the second monitor, and choose Attached from the shortcut menu.
- Click Apply in the resulting dialog box.
After some churning, the second monitor should come on.
Specify what you want the monitors to do.
If you want to extend the video across the two monitors, for example, select the second monitor and select Extend these Displays.
Adding ergonomic peripherals
Be sure to pick the keyboard and mouse that work for you. Some manufacturers make keyboards designed for specific nonlinear editing programs, such as Apple Final Cut X and Adobe Premiere CS.
Keyboarding bliss
Maybe it’s not as much fun as snowboarding — especially if you love strapping a board to your feet and negotiating a snowy hill — but there’s something incredibly pleasurable about using the right keyboard. Whether you like one that has a specific action or helps with your repetitive-stress injury, it’s key (pun intended) to select the right one.
Although the keyboard that came with your computer does the job, you may want to upgrade to one of the following:
- Dedicated editing keyboard: With color-coded keys and written instructions, this keyboard familiarizes you with editing shortcuts. Also, it looks cool on your desk.
- Ergonomic keyboard: An ergonomic keyboard is designed to provide a more natural feel when typing and to reduce injury.
- Wireless keyboard: A wireless keyboard frees a USB connection on your computer and allows you to move the keyboard without tangling cables.
Sometimes a mouse is not a rodent
This popular peripheral got its name because it resembled a mouse with a tail. These days, you’d be hard-pressed to find a mouse with a tail: Most modern mice are wireless. Some pointing devices aren’t even mice; they’re trackpads or trackballs.
For video editing, it’s common to use a shuttle control. As an active part of the video editing process, it guides you through the program interface and the timeline with relative ease.
Picking Software That Suits Your Needs
Many novices think that their unedited video footage stands on its own. It’s possible to understand an unedited clip of some specific action, but that case is more the exception than the rule. But more often, raw footage doesn’t satisfy anyone but the person who shot it.
For that reason, it’s important to edit your footage with a nonlinear editing program. Which one? You have a lot of programs to choose among, and all of them do pretty much the same thing, so you may want to base your decision on your needs and budget.
Occasionally, problems arise when you use video editing software on an older computer, depending on how old the computer is and what version of the operating system it uses. Check the system requirements of the software you’re considering.
Trying free software
You can download GoPro Studio Edit gratis, but you may already have a pretty decent moviemaking program on your Mac or Windows PC.
GoPro Studio Edit
For many of your needs, you may not have to go further than GoPro Studio Edit (see Chapter 11 for more information). The software is free to download — and more important, it’s designed to work with GoPro cameras.
GoPro Studio Edit is packed with features, including a series of templates that allow you to produce GoPro-style videos by just adding your video to appropriate places. I discuss this software in more detail in Chapter 10.
GoPro Studio Edit doesn’t discriminate and works well with both Windows PCs and Macs. Computers running Windows XP, Vista, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Enterprise, and Windows RT can all run the software. So can any Mac running OS X 10.6.3 or later.
iMovie
Standard issue on Macintosh computers for more than a decade, iMovie (see Figure 9-4) is a popular choice among amateur video editors. It offers many special effects and fully integrates with Mac programs such as iTunes and iPhoto. Although the software is easy to use and loaded with functions and themes, some people may find it limited for advanced editing.
FIGURE 9-4: iMovie interface.
Windows Movie Maker
Included on most Windows PCs, this powerful little program lets you make movies easily. It’s intuitive to use and includes many fun effects.
Purchasing software
GoPro Studio Edit provides a great starting point for creating your movie, but it’s not the only game in town. More elaborate programs are available that go beyond GoPro Studio Edit.
Final Cut Pro
Considered by many people to be the de facto standard for nonlinear editing, Final Cut Pro appeals to the prosumer market. Robust, powerful, and filled with every imaginable function, this video editing program lets you do anything your creative heart can dream up. It captures or transfers video files in just about any format and exports them with a great deal of flexibility.
On the down side, Final Cut Pro works only on Macs.
Adobe Premiere Pro CC
One of the oldest nonlinear editing programs on the market, Premiere has a devoted following. It helps you edit professional-quality movies, and it integrates nicely with the Adobe programs After Effects and Photoshop. Native DSLR editing presets in the newest version make it ideal for creative GoPro moviemaking. The software runs smoothly on both Macs and Windows PCs. Just make sure that your workstation has enough RAM and a decent graphics card.
Adobe Premiere Elements
This abridged version of Premiere Pro (see the preceding section) is not only affordable, but also powerful. Version 14 includes a wide range of new features. It behaves the same way on a Macintosh as it does on a Windows PC.
Sony Vegas Pro Movie Studio
If you’re looking for a PC video editing application that lets you edit pro-quality movies, there are worse choices than Vegas. Designed for the professional on the go, it includes a healthy selection of effects and 3-D capability to boot. When you get the knack of the software, you can use it to crank out quality material. It comes in a variety of configurations and ranges in cost from affordable to pricey.
Pinnacle Studio HD
Another name synonymous with video editing, this consumer-level program offers a nice set of features. Don’t expect it to have lots of bells and whistles, but what it does have ensures that you can make a successful movie. It’s quite complex for an inexpensive program.
Macintosh users need not apply; Pinnacle Studio HD is strictly a Windows program.