PC / Desktop for HD Camcorder editing

ajtrader100

Hi everyone,

Technophobe here. I am after a cheap desktop that is capable of dealing with HD film and photo editing. I bought a Panasonic HX-WA20 16.4 MP Camcorder about a year ago and now need to start editing the recordings on there.

My current desktop is well well out of date and needs replacing. I am after some advice as to what I should buy. I have no idea what I'm looking at or for. The monitor is okay (I think) but I need a new tower.

Can someone help?

Thanks

closed

any machine is capable of editing, provided there is enough disk space for the files. ebuyer sell pc's, £150+ without windows

Flyonthewall

Any computer within reason will be able to edit video. However, you need a computer that will be able to deal with large files and allow you to edit files quickly and easily.

I'd suggest getting one that has at least 4GB of RAM (memory).

For a hard drive I'd look at getting 500GB or more although you'd probably be fine with 250GB for a fair while, it really depends on how many videos you have and how big they are, plus if you'll store any other files on there. You could always buy an external USB hard drive later on if needed to store the files if you don't always have one.

As for a processor, I believe the Intel core i7 is the latest model for Intel but also more costly and probably not really needed. I'm sure an Intel core i5 would be fine. Processors run at different speeds. So the more GHz the better, but I'd imagine any over 2GHz would suit you fine.

All Windows computers come with Movie Maker. I think all computers now will probably come with Windows 8 which I think still comes with Movie Maker, but you can always download it if not so either way it's a free windows programme for editing videos. Not the best one though. There are other cheap ones available, all depends on how you wish to edit them. Movie Maker is very basic.

Exactly what computer is best depends largely on your budget and what type of video editing you'll be doing.

NiftyDigits

What is your current Desktop PC and what is your budget?

ajtrader100

The desktop I have is probably 8 years old and was super cheap when I bought it. I probably have £400 and dont need any monitor.

chunter

Zoostorm 7877-0095 Premium PC (Intel Core i5-3330, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, DVDRW, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit) -
£375
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006ZINMP6/ref=pe_385721_37986871_TE_item
You'll need another £25 for a new PSU as the Zoostorm one is useless.