Video Editing – Mac OS vs. Windows

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Updated – October 12, 2023

Video editing on Mac OS or Windows, which is the best choice? This question is very justified, because ultimately the investments are not a trivial matter and need to be carefully considered.

Windows

If money is no object and you are an avid supporter of Windows and PCs, the question hardly arises: hardware juggernauts in terms of processor, graphics card and RAM are available between 2,000 and 4,500 euros. Likewise editing programs, such as the Windows standard Adobe Premiere - which has monthly costs - for around 400 euros annually.
There are also free programs, such as DaVinci Resolve (available as a paid version from 315 euros), which offer a good range of features, but do not meet the reliability of the standards.

In terms of prices, other providers compete for the customer's favor, sometimes with monthly recurring or one-off purchase prices. A one-off payment is ideal for occasional video editing. Spending endless monthly amounts without generating adequate income from using it is probably less in the interest of the cost-conscious user.

Software and hardware manufacturers are always two pairs of shoes in the Windows world. The quality of the software and hardware always depends on the quality of the implementation of the respective functionalities and thus the disclosure of details by the respective manufacturers of software, hardware and operating systems. This often results in incompatibilities that lead to jurisdictional disputes as each person blames the other for the problem.

MacOS

Apple offers software and hardware “from a single source”: Macbook Pro (Metal 3 graphics support from 2017, 4 – 8 GB RAM) and Final Cut Pro X (one-off 350 euros). With this hardware requirement, which seems very modest in comparison, Apple beats Windows by far in terms of acquisition costs.

While Windows PCs on the used market hardly achieve any serious resale prices after two or three years, the loss in value of Apple products is rather marginal. Nevertheless, it's worth taking a look at Apple page, on which fully refurbished (indistinguishable from new devices) returns are offered with a significant price discount and a one-year guarantee, 14-day right of return and free delivery.
Alternatively, the range of used devices is available Backmarket a good idea, because in addition to various delivery conditions (good, very good, excellent), you also get a one-year guarantee on each device and a 30-day right of return with free delivery.
Depending on the model year, the prices for a 16.2″ with a resolution of 3456 × 2234 pixels, 32MB RAM and M1 processor are between around 1,700 – 2,800 euros.

Software, hardware and operating system manufacturers are one and therefore optimal conditions for perfect interaction of all components.

monitor

As with anything related to graphics, design or video, the monitor is the visual interface between man and machine. In addition to color fidelity (color space), freedom from glare and contrast ratio, the clarity of the optical “workstation”, i.e. the area in which all relevant controls and output “windows” are arranged, plays an important role.

In order to find out what resolution is required, you should simply gain practical experience with the program of your choice on an existing monitor. If you have access to higher-resolution monitors, there is a lot to be said for making full use of this opportunity (e.g. by ordering one and then returning it if it doesn't meet your expectations).

Even a Macbook Pro with 16.2″ and 3456 × 2234 pixels enables fatigue-free video editing using all the options that FinalCut Pro X offers.

If you have enough space at your workplace, you can use 28″ to 32″ monitors with identical resolution, which also enable comfortable working at a greater viewing distance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, practicality and budget decide which choice you make.

John Ruskin (social reformer, 1819 – 1900) coined the idea around 1850:

“There is hardly anything in this world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who are guided only by price become the just prey of such machinations.
It is unwise to pay too much, but it is even worse to pay too little. If we pay too much, we lose some money, that's all.
On the other hand, if we pay too little, we sometimes lose everything because the item we bought cannot fulfill its intended purpose.
The law of economic efficiency prohibits getting a lot of value for little money. If we accept the lowest offer, we have to add something for the risk we are taking.
And if we do that, then we’ll have enough money to pay for something better.”

Maybe this will help you decide on the future equipment of a video editing system...