"Best M1 Laptops for Video Editing 2024" ? #mackbook #ai

Introduction

Are you a video editor looking for a powerful and efficient laptop to handle your editing tasks? Look no further than the latest 13-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 processor. In this article, we will put this MacBook Pro model through real-world tests using various video editing software, such as Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Premiere Pro. We will also compare its performance to other comparable computers, including the Dell XPS 17, a custom-built desktop PC, and a fully loaded Mac Pro. Let's dive into the results!

Test #1: ProRes and XF-ABC Footage on a 4K Timeline

In this test, we used a project with ProRes and XF-ABC footage on a 4K timeline. The MacBook Pro with the M1 processor finished in 28 minutes and 19 seconds, followed by the Dell XPS 17 at 10 minutes and 51 seconds. The Mac Pro and the Puget PC came in at 10 minutes and 6 seconds and 8 minutes and 13 seconds, respectively. Although the MacBook Pro didn't achieve a 1:1 ratio, it performed well considering Adobe Premiere Pro isn't optimized for the M1 processor yet.

Test #2: Canon C500 Mark II 6K RAW and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K RAW on a 4K Timeline

Next, we tested a project with Canon C500 Mark II 6K RAW and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K RAW footage on a 4K timeline. The MacBook Pro M1 finished in 1 hour and 26 minutes, while the Dell XPS 17 took 35 minutes and 46 seconds. The Puget PC and the Mac Pro completed the export in 18 minutes and 46 seconds and 16 minutes and 58 seconds, respectively. Again, the MacBook Pro struggled with heavier codecs and Premiere Pro.

Test #3: ProRes from Ursa 12K, Canon EOS R5 8K RAW, Canon C500 Mark I 6K RAW, and Fuji XT4 Footage on an 8K Timeline

For the most demanding test, we used ProRes footage from Ursa 12K, Canon EOS R5 8K RAW, Canon C500 Mark I 6K RAW, and Fuji XT4 footage on an 8K timeline. The MacBook Pro M1 completed the task in 54 minutes and 25 seconds. Surprisingly, the Mac Pro was the fastest, finishing in just 9 minutes and 34 seconds. The Dell XPS 17 and the Puget PC encountered memory issues and couldn't export the project in DaVinci Resolve.

Summary:

The MacBook Pro with the M1 processor shows impressive performance in video editing tasks, especially for software optimized for the M1 architecture like Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve. However, Adobe Premiere Pro users may face challenges as it is not yet optimized for the M1 processor. If you primarily edit in Premiere Pro, it might be best to wait until Adobe releases an optimized version. Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro excels in handling ProRes and XF-ABC footage. Overall, the M1 laptops offer promising performance and are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in video editing.

Keywords:

MacBook Pro, M1 processor, video editing, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Dell XPS 17, Mac Pro, Puget PC, ProRes, XF-ABC, Canon C500 Mark II, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, Canon EOS R5, Fuji XT4, 6K RAW, 8K RAW, optimized software, optimized hardware

FAQ:

Q: Is the MacBook Pro M1 suitable for video editing? A: The MacBook Pro M1 is a capable machine for video editing tasks, especially in software optimized for the M1 architecture. However, Adobe Premiere Pro users may experience limitations as it is not yet optimized for the M1 processor.

Q: Which software performs best on the MacBook Pro M1 for video editing? A: Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve, both optimized for the M1 processor, perform exceptionally well on the MacBook Pro M1 for video editing tasks.

Q: Can the MacBook Pro M1 handle heavy video codecs? A: When it comes to heavier codecs, such as 6K RAW footage, the MacBook Pro M1's performance may be compromised in software like Premiere Pro, which lacks optimization for the M1 processor. However, DaVinci Resolve showcases better performance in handling these codecs.

Q: Should I consider the Dell XPS 17 or the Mac Pro instead of the MacBook Pro M1 for video editing? A: The Dell XPS 17 and the Mac Pro are powerful options for video editing but come at higher price points. The MacBook Pro M1 offers impressive performance for its size and price, particularly in software optimized for the M1 architecture.

Q: Can the MacBook Pro M1 handle 8K video editing? A: The MacBook Pro M1 can handle 8K video editing to a certain extent, as demonstrated in our tests. However, for optimal performance, especially with heavy 8K footage, the Mac Pro remains the top choice.