Additionally, multi-camera edits, VFX, and tight deadlines typically require a much more powerful system. Editing raw 4K footage takes more horsepower and storage than compressed formats. However, if you’re working with footage from RED cameras, Blackmagic Ursa Mini or Sony NEX-FS700, the raw 4K files have much higher bitrates, requiring more storage and processing power. If you’re editing footage from 4K cameras like a GoPro HERO4, JVC GY-HMQ10, or Sony FDR-AX1, then the demands aren’t much more than that of low compression HD because the bitrates are similar.

Recording format makes a huge difference in meeting what your editing system requires.

If you’re working with minimal 4K footage and your final edit isn’t that long, like a short promo or a music video, offline editing may be a good option for you.ĭigital footage formats vary from camera to camera. It can help a less powerful system run more smoothly. Where offline editing takes more time and storage space, it allows you ease in editing your footage. See “Getting to Know Offline Editing” for more on this topic. Offline editing can also be a good option if you’re only delivering in HD. If you don’t have to deliver right away then you can edit offline. Offline editing refers to editing a proxy of the original source footage online editing is cutting the original material. What type of footage will you be editing: R3D, CinemaDNG, ProRes, XAVC S, mp4? How complex are your projects: single shot, single camera, multi-camera, animation, VFX? What are your output formats? How long do you have to deliver your edits? Finally, are you editing online or offline? Offline Editing, Nothing to Do With the Web

To start editing 4K video, you’ll first need to ask yourself some questions about your projects. Determining your 4K editing needs, both now and in the near future may take some time, but it will ensure that you purchase an editing system than can handle all the projects you'll be working on, the type of footage you'll be editing and the length and complexity of the edits.

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