I just purchased a mac because I was not pleased with the PC selection of editing software. Adobe kept crashing on my PC and my computer meets their stringent hardware requirements. ARGH!!! Other software didn't seem as intuitive as the Mac. Currently working with Imovie and looking to bump up to FCX or FCP. I would like some advice on cameras that are compatibile with the Mac. I see many are not complatible or have features that do not work well with the software. (image stabilizaton)

I would appreciate any advice any has on video camera set ups. Currently have a Go-Pro but want something that will work on land as well as u/w. Thanks in advance!

I use a Flip Ultra HD with IMovie and could not be happier. I am a total newb when it comes to video editing but IMovie could not be easier.

Here is a link to my first couple at bats:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwmU0ZgI6lg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af0zIGQaLG4

Most any camera that outputs .mov files will be compatible with a Mac those that output .avi won't.

Have JVC Picsio, Ikelite housing + red filter, and like you tried Adobe with dual core PC and struggled. Now have a MacBook Pro with dual core and iMovie and FCE. iMovie is easy and has image stabilization that FCE doesn't. When I learn to hold the camera steady hopefully won't need stabilization since it does degrade quality (zooms and floats image). You have more control in FCE with keyframes & can do more Ken Burns effects with keyframes than with iMovie. More control of audio tracks too, you can keyframe the audio too, and more audio tracks. FCE doesn't like MP3's though but iMovie does?

I am still wondering if an i7 quad core PC Windows 7 at 64bit would have been a better solution and probably will get one for travel since don't feel too good about carrying an expensive Mac around. BTW, couldn't get a good DVD output with 1080p 30fps with iDVD so right now trying to get the right format by putting the movies created on Mac into APE on the PC and burning DVD.

Oh, I have a GoPro HD too but haven't been UW yet but it does great on land. Took it mounted on bike helment on the Pinellas Trail and got some incredible video.

Brings me to last point, put the GoPro in 720 60fps and really stabilized the image with the faster fps. Going to use 720p 60fps with Picsio next time since needed to reduce quality to use in web anyway - should get much better resolution of fish in motion. The JVC Picsio also has 720p 60fps. Heard good things about Flip too but haven't used it personally. The JVC has a little wider angle than the flip and not sure about red filter.

Look at: http://kwaj.wwebster.com/kwaj2/Kwaj2...kwaj2_plyr.htm
and click on the HQ if you are using cable, directly connected to router (not wireless)

Edit: Forgot to mention get the pro upgrade for Quicktime Player and use the high quality H.264 output from either iMovie or FCP in QT to export to web material size.

I have an HD Canon Vixia HF20 that functions well w/ my Mac. As stated, the iMovie is a pretty straightforward program

Sony cameras work really well with Mac's and FCP.

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Becky,

Any particular sony model that you know of that works well. Apple said they have issues with Sony so I am hestiant to get one but feel they are good cameras.

Thanks!

Dangerous, Thanks for all the info. I will look into the JVC. I have heard of the iDVD issues you are experiencing and thought I would take the same conversion route to PC to burn.

I just bought a Nikon coolpix L-22 w/ ikelite housing that is mounted on my speargun-Mount came from Tinman-I have only used it for a couple dives but it is really clear and works well with my MACbook and Imovie.