Computer & software recommendations for 5D Mark II video

I need to purchase a new computer soon (I've always preferred Windows, not Mac) and was wondering 2 things regarding the larger image files & video handling/editing for the 5D's HD video:

1) What to look for speed wise in a processor, minimum RAM, video card, etc. to look for in a new computer to easily handle the larger files

2) What video software do you need, if any, to edit the video files.

Thanks.

P.S. I have too much invested in photo software to think about switching from Windows to Mac and some of the software I use isn't made for Mac.

I've just got a new Dell T3400 with a 2.9GH Quad chip, 4GB of RAM and a 512 video card. I'm editing 21MB RAW files from the 5D2, and it's just adequate. I sometimes have to reboot to speed it up after using it for 30 minutes or so.

I've had them send me a 64bit DVD version of XP, and when it gets too frustrating, I'll use it. Right now, there are some apps that I'd don't think will work so easily with it, but it will allow me to add an additional 4GB of RAM.

For video editing, I'd assume you'd need at least the above amount of power.

Here's what i find good spec's for HD video are...

-Quad-core idealy, 2.4Ghz works well, but overclock for better results (Q6600)
-3GB or more for vista, 2GB for XP you might just be okay, but to be honest RAM is cheap, get as much as your motherboard will take.
-Video card i'd recommend a 8600GT 256mb or more, i get great results from a 8600GT at 512mb.
-At least 2 hardrives, 1 for your OS (can be small) and at least one for your video files, perhaps one for video clips, one for rendered movies. 7200rpm minimum. Setting up in RAID (i think 0 or 5) is best.
- Try and get a monitor that will display at 1080p.
-PSU, id say 450watt or more if you want to be sure all your hardware will be properly fed.
- Best to get a fast SATA drive that will do everything, up to you if you want blueray, but lightscribe is nice to have.

Software...

You mention you have windows stuff already, that's fine, there's no real reason to switch to mac unless you want to work with Final Cut Pro.
I use Sony Vegas Pro, and think it's better than both Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro, Sony have just released Vegas 9 which looks just as good as 8 (edition im using).
To be honest it's up to you, but try and test them, as you're going to want a suite you're comfortable with considering you will spend so much time on it (a lot more time than you will predict).
Vegas just seems to make most sense, and works faster than anything else i've tried.


Results are going to vary, but a system like that ^ (pretty much what i'm running) is going to be fine in most cases, and invest in a better cooler, and overclock that Q6600 for more intensive work.

The fastest quad-core processor you can afford (extreme editions not necessary).
A decent video card...doesn't need to be top of the line.
64-bit OS with at least 6GB ram
Minimum 2 Hard Drives, with an external for backup

I second the recommendation for Sony Vegas Pro. I've used it for years and love it. Adobe Premier is another good choice, but I never could get into that one.

Thanks for everybody's input. Regarding Vegas Pro, I'm really not needing expensive software to produce professional movies but mainly need it for putting together clips from vacations, underwater photography, etc.

I currently use a program called Memories on TV which is the best software I've found for putting together fairly complicated DVD slideshows. It has the capability of adding video which I've done before but didn't know if the HD files would be too much for it.

dougsturgess wrote in post #8018684
Thanks for everybody's input. Regarding Vegas Pro, I'm really not needing expensive software to produce professional movies but mainly need it for putting together clips from vacations, underwater photography, etc.

I currently use a program called Memories on TV which is the best software I've found for putting together fairly complicated DVD slideshows. It has the capability of adding video which I've done before but didn't know if the HD files would be too much for it.

That's fair enough, but Sony offer a cut down version of Vegas which is just as good quality as Pro, and has all the same vital tools, just less advanced tools. I just also love vegas for the fact that it copes so well with audio, even recording audio is a pleasure with it. (vegas was actually originally a audio suite, until they later on added the video functions :P) So for £30 i think its a bargain

Oh, and it can handle HD

the intel iCore 7 (965) is possibly the fastest cpu out right now. I also agree with Sony Vegas, I use it and it works very well and fast, even on my outdated AMD athlon xp 3200 with 1 GB of ram. I've made a number of montages for school (t1i non-HD videos and full sized photos) and I've had no probs.