Macbook Pro - Which Processor?

[AlanF]

We are a church in the UK that is wanting to capture live video, i.e. preached sermons. The camera that has been recommended to us is the Panasonic AG-HMC41. I know that the camera in question records to a small card in the camera itself, but 'blurb' on the Panasonic website states the following:

"The AG-HMC41 is equipped with both component (Mini D4) video outputs and AV output (AV multi terminals), allowing HD images to be down-converted and output as SD images while they are being recorded or played."

After alot of thought and posting questions on another forum on Churchmedia.net, and after receiving some very helpful replies, down-converting to SD (because of the file size of 35/40 minute sermons) using the above method is the present idea. The wired feed from the camera would go into a Canopus ADVC-110 before it goes into a Macbook Pro where, such editing that may be necessary will be done using Final Cut Express. At least that is the plan. We might have used the Blackmagic H.264 Pro Recorder instead of the Canopus ADVC-110 but it seems not to have been delivered here in the UK yet.

My question really regards which Macbook Pro, or in other words, which processor, the 2.4 GHz, 2.5 GHz or the 2.6 GHz? I ask the question because the Panasonic website says:

"CPU: Intel® CoreTM2 Duo 2.6 GHz or faster"

Would that be because the native file format of the HMC41 is AVCHD, whereas we would be converting the video file into a different file format?

Given the scenario that I have outlined, would either the 2.4 GHz, or the 2.5 GHz processor do the job for us? If price wasn't an issue there would obviously be no need for the question, but naturally I am trying to make the best use of our resources.

I await any reply with great interest.

Alan

[cw4u]

Why can't you just get a 16gb SDHC card? That should be able to hold more than a 30-40 minute sermon. Also, your camera will be able to select different data rates for recording. Lower data rates will increase the amount of recording time on your SDHC card but will also lower the image quality. Higher data rates will likewise decrease recording time and increase image quality.

If you're editing in Final Cut Express, you'll convert the AVCHD file to the apple intermediate codec which would decrease the amount of processing power you'll need to edit and render HD/SD video but it will take up some space. So, a firewire 800 drive would be very helpful to you.

I'd really stick with recording on SDHC, importing it into your mac, editing, and rendering the result in SD or HD. You'll get much better image quality and you won't have to worry about the ADVC 110 messing up. (It usually wouldn't though)

And, any intel mac can edit AVCHD so you're good to go no matter which you buy. Obviously, the faster the processor, the faster the editing. But sometimes the financial expense of a faster processor is not worth it.

[shortcircuitcg]

Processor mostly effects render time. Editing will be enhanced by hard drive speed for multiple streams and to a point ram will make a difference. Modern Processors will help rendering only. I spend my money on ssd c drive and fast ram to better my editing experience.

[cmchamp]

I don't think I'd edit on an MBP, and I'm a die-hard Apple guy and Apple retailer. In the past year, I've had to replace 2 motherboards in MBP's (previous editions, off warranty) because of overheating while watching HD or editing HD video.
Do a google search on "mac book pro overheat."
Now that I reread and see you're going to down-covert to SD, I don't see a problem with capturing and editing SD footage.
When/If you're going to begin editing HD footage, invest in a MacPro and Final Cut Pro if you're going to stay in editing software.
C.

[AlanF]

Thanks all for your really helpful replies. I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.

Cory, when I read your comments about overheating I became a little concerned as to whether the Macbook Pro was the best way to go if that was going to be a significant issue. I Googled the problem as you suggested, and realised that overheating has been quite an difficulty for a number of people.

Almost everything of what I had read before reading your reply had suggested that the MBP was the best option, but I must admit that reading your comment has 'frightened' me a bit.

I currently have a Windows 'Vista' system at home, and had come round to the view that the MBP and the Mac operating system was just what we wanted for our project, and that for our purposes it was superior to a laptop running Windows 7.

As I say, because of the file size issue I had reluctantly accepted that we would capture live video from the Panasonic AG-HMC41 and downconvert to SD. As you, and the other kind folk who have contributed to this thread have years of experience with video I would be enormously grateful if you could just give me a little bit of guidance and confirm whether, in your opinion, the MBP is the right option for doing what we have in mind. Or, should we look at something else?

Regards,

Alan

[cmchamp]

MacOS may be the solution to your problem, but IF you're going to edit HD footage, OR lots of processor intensive efx, transitions, color correction, etc. than any laptop may not be the right choice.
That said, I have a 5 year old PowerBook G4 that I've edited 2+ hours of our Easter program on for several years without a hitch.
If you're not going overboard, a MBP would be fine.
If you're going to be moving into HD in the future (12-18 months), invest in a machine that's capable when you're ready.
C.