It will get the job done, but only if you primarily use for editing or whatever you are going to do with it. Though, you may have a little trouble finding various software for the MAC, for there aren't that many. But I don't know much about computer specifications, so you may not want to trust me.

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When the script writing is done, the work has just begun. When the filming is done, the work has just begun. When post-production is done, the work has just begun. When the distribution is done, you decide if the work is done.

If you are looking for filmmaking software for the Mac you will have no trouble. Apple's Final Cut Pro is excellent and they just dropped the price on all the other movie software to the point that I think folks at Adobe should be seriously worried.

The Mac Mini has enough power for editing but the harddrive is on the small side. You should invest in an external harddrive anyway but if you get a mini or laptop its a necessasity.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

I agree with Director958. Since he doesn't know that much about computer specifications, he's not the best person to trust on that matter.

On the other hand, I've been using Macs for editing for many year - I might be a little better equipped to help. rj is correct; when it comes to video editing, Apple has plenty of software available. Even their free programs, iMovie and iDVD are great for editing movies and burning great looking DVD's. Max out the RAM and you'll be just fine. External hard drive's are really cheap now (I use Neptune) and will be needed if you are making a feature.

thanks guys. Mac here i come

"Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write 'War and Peace' in a bumper car in an amusement park, when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling." - Stanley Kubrick

i went to the mac store today and they said that the mac mini's video card wasnt strong enough for video editing. I have heard person after person say otherwise on this website. The mac guy said that the video card would have been ok but not great and my video might be a little chopy. Is there a truth to this? or should i just go the mac mini route?

anybody with any first hand knowledge please let me know asap.

"Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write 'War and Peace' in a bumper car in an amusement park, when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling." - Stanley Kubrick

Then get the iMac. I've cut 14 feature length movies using an iMac.

I heard it worked fine but a quick search on the Apple website seems to indicate the guy in the Apple Store is probably right.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303470

Note: The integrated graphics processor in the Mac Mini (Early 2006) does not permit float processing in Motion and will result in degraded performance and other issues in Motion and other Final Cut Studio applications.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

how about if i used a different editing program? or could i even change the video card eventually?

"Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write 'War and Peace' in a bumper car in an amusement park, when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling." - Stanley Kubrick

I don't know about using a different editing program but I do know you can't change the video card in a Mac Mini. They are designed to be self-contained with minimal changes allowed.

Mac's tend to have overly powerful graphics cards when it comes to editing and creative stuff (not counting games) so it surprises me that the Mac Mini has a gimpy card since I've heard that some of the laptops are used for editing all the time and I'd expect weaker cards in them.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA