The Suitability of iMac Pro for Video Editing in 2023
In recent years, the iMac Pro has been a favorite among professional video editors due to its powerful performance. However, with the discontinuation of the original iMac Pro and the imminent release of new pro-level Macs, it's important to reevaluate whether the current iMac Pro is still a viable choice for your video editing needs.
Current Landscape and Expectations
Howard Jordan, a highly accomplished professional editor, has been known to use an iMac for his work, and while the iMac Pro is still available, it comes with a significant drawback: it has not been upgraded since December 2017. This means purchasing this model is akin to paying a premium for a 2.5-year-old computer, which might not align with modern video editing requirements.
New iMac Capabilities
The latest iMac, equipped with a 24-inch screen, offers impressive performance for many tasks, including basic video editing. Yet, for professionals dealing with multi-channel 4K or 8K video, the iMac Pro still provides superior performance, albeit at a higher cost. This discrepancy means that the most demanding editors might find the iMac Pro to be worth the investment.
Anticipating Future Developments
Apple is not planning to abandon the high-end market. While a pro-level Apple Silicon Mac has yet to be introduced, several events, such as the annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), are expected to showcase new products, including potential new pro-level Macs. This could include high-performance laptops and desktops specifically designed for video editing.
Current Buying Decision
Given the impending release of new pro-level Macs, it is advisable to wait if possible. However, for those who cannot afford to wait, the current 24-inch iMac might still be sufficient for less demanding video editing tasks. If your projects involve mobile device footage, entry-level SLRs, or resolutions under 1080p, the 24-inch iMac could handle such tasks smoothly.
Challenges of Using MacBook Pro for High-End Editing
If your work involves high-end video content shot with professional cameras and requires the output of uncompressed video files in 2K, 4K, or higher resolutions, using a MacBook Pro would present significant challenges. The MacBook Pro lacks the processing power, RAM, and specialized graphics cards, such as the Quadro series from Nvidia, which are crucial for demanding video editing tasks.
To excel in high-end video editing, you may need to invest in an iMac Pro and potentially future pro-level Mac models. Ensuring a smooth workflow and high-quality output will require the right hardware and software setup, making the iMac Pro and its successors an essential tool for professional video editors.
Conclusion
The decision to use an iMac Pro for video editing comes down to the complexity of your projects. While the 24-inch iMac can handle many basic video editing tasks, a more powerful iMac Pro will be necessary for high-end video projects. As Apple continues to innovate, it is highly likely that new pro-level hardware will be unveiled, making the iMac Pro an even more attractive option in the future.