Apple Mac DV Editing for the Novice
Taken from an Article by Svenhommey at videoeditingforums.co.uk

I recently got into DV this past year, and has been a great experience. Imovie2 editing software is the best beginner software I have ever used. Although it is geared for the novice, it can produce many professional looking results. For those of you that are considering Digital Video(DV) and looking to go the Mac route, here are some tips I picked up while researching.

Here is what you will need:

1) Although G3 (processor) based Macs will work for DV, it is best to go with G4 processsor (all newer macs have this processor- some have dual G4's)
2) Imovie2 editing software (included free with some Macs or costs US$50).
3) Mini DV camcorder. Personally I chose the Canon ZR20 and have been completely satisfied. Note: All new Macs are sold with Firewire ports, and corresponding software to use a firewire device. Adding a PCI firewire card/software is not needed.

Prices for the above mentioned 3 items: Mac G4 computer- between US$699(for a closeout 1st generation 500-700 Mhz speed iMac, www.smalldog.com) to a high end dual 1.25 Ghz speed for US$3000-5000). Although the $699 iMac will suffice for the beginner, if you can afford it, a 2nd generation iMac, $1200-1900, is a solid choice. Prices for Mini DV cameras vary greatly. Local dealers, like Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.. are a good place to start looking. Try to go on a weekday or slow period of the week when there are not half a dozen other customers fighting for one salesperson.

This will allow you to demo several cameras and spen some time talking to salesperson. Make sure you look at Mini DV cameras, and not mistaken with digital 8mm, Hi 8mm, VHS, or VHS type C. MINI DV CAMCORDER is what you want. At a local store, they will run between US$600-1400(consumer models). Online is a much better option. The ZR20 camera I bought online for $434, was priced at $699 or $799 locally! A considerable difference. No tax at most online stores, but a shipping charge. If you can find out what you want locally, or via websites like Digital Director/others, you can then ask friends, relatives, coworkers for good online electronic stores to purchase from. Caution though: There are significant shifty online stores, that I wouldn't trust buying a pack of chewing gum from, let alone a $500 DV cam. Check www.resellerratings.com for independent ratings of many online stores.

For the newbie to online buying, I would suggest buying from B and H photo and video of New York City. They are very reputable and decent pricing. Personally, I bought my Canon ZR20 from Buydig.com. Not quite as good ratings compared to B and H, but still a reputable dealer. Always use Visa/MC or other fraud protection card which gives you some buying protection. Most American Express cards also have a ncie option automatic returns. Even if a store refuses to return an item purchased, AMEX will allow you to return for refund.

When chosing to jump into DV, make sure you first have a small amount of time to regularely put forward with camcorder/editing work. If you are busy and have only a small amount of time you might want to first get the comptuer, and play around for a while, and testing Imovie2. It is important to get the camera only when you know you will use it . Waiting 6 months can affect pricing/features considerably. Whichever MiniDV camera you get, I would suggest to get a quality (Canon, Sony, JVC, Panosonic, etc..), but lower end model, one without all the "extras." The majority of these "extras" are worthless, escpecially to the beginner. Spend whatever money you have leftover on accessories: batteries, bags, tripod, external mics, lights, etc.. The accessories I bought were just as important, if not more important than most of the features on my camcorder. Hope this helps anyone who is considering jumping into Macs and DV. Nick