iMovie
iMovie imports video footage to the Mac using either the FireWire interface on most MiniDV format digital video cameras or the computer's USB port. It can also import video and photo files from a hard drive. From there, the user can edit the photos and video clips and add titles, themes, music, and effects, including basic color correction and video enhancement tools and transitions such as fades and slides.
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Genre
Animation, Video EditorCharacteristics
Animation, Colouring, Creative, Filters, Lettering, Rendering, Stabilization, TransitionAvailability and Pricing
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Computers
starting at US$0 -
Mobile
starting at US$0
Specs for Recommended levels of performance in iMovie
Most software developers publish system requirements, and while they're accurate, they can be difficult to interpret; not everyone's comfortable with the jargon employed and older components are often referred to long after they've left the market.
Here are current specs for pre-built machines capable of handling iMovie.
| for Recommended performances | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Components | Minimum | Typical | |
| Processor (a.k.a. CPU) |
Intel Core i5-7360U or better
|
Intel Core i7-9750H
|
Alternative CPU Options |
| Video Card (a.k.a. GPU |
not needed
|
AMD Radeon Pro 5300M
|
Alternative GPU Options |
| Memory (a.k.a. RAM) | 4 GB or better | 11 GB | |
Sadly, there are also no predefined standards for performance; some developers have very high standards while others can be a bit optimistic so your mileage may vary.
Ready-to-Order Systems Meeting these Specs Prices range from ∼ US$1399 to US$3134, accessories included.
The following Systems meet the system requirements set by iMovie's developers. There are no performance standards defining how well a recommended system should perform (some developers overestimate them, others can be a bit optimistic), but I would expect those systems to handle anything easily but the most painstakingly complex tasks.
Each product below was checked recently for rebates and availability from retailers located in Canada or which at least makes importing easy.
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#11, Stationary Computers ($1200 - $1600)
Apple iMac (21.5-inch, 2.3GHz i5) from US$1100;
~$1399 with accessoriesThis iMac is a compelling way to fit a capable computer in a small space while keeping the tangled wires to a minimum.
Device Ratings
by Stationary Computers standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Specsperformance in iMovie
This should run nicelyProcessor: Intel Core i5-7360UGraphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBScreen Size: 21.5"Screen Resolution: 4096×2304Dimensions: 52.80 x 17.50 x 45.00 cmWeight: 5.660 kgdetailed info US$1096.1 from Apple (New)as of 2021-01-18 03:09:01, ESTPricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Apple site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#7, Laptops ($2925 - ∞)
Apple MacBook Pro 16" w. Touch Bar (i7, 2019) from US$2350;
~$3134 with accessoriesThis elegant and understated laptop is built for creative projects away from the desk. It's not an insignificant investment, but it's one of your best options i... Read More about the MVVJ2LL/A
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Specsperformance in iMovie
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Processor: Intel Core i7-9750HGraphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300MMemory: 15.00 GBStorage: 512.00 GBScreen Size: 16"Screen Resolution: 3072×1920Dimensions: 35.79 x 24.59 x 1.62 cmWeight: 2.000 kgdetailed info from US$2349.68 - US$2349.68 from Apple (New)as of 2021-01-18 03:08:20, EST
- US$2349.68 from WestWorld Computers (New)as of 2021-01-18 03:09:11, EST
- US$2350.45 from Best Buy (New)as of 2021-01-18 07:28:56, EST
- US$2350.45 from Staples (New)as of 2021-01-16 00:30:44, EST
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
Wonder why you get better systems than requested?
That's because TekAdvisor looks for devices which will at least satisfy the demands for the best price without filtering over-performers. For instance: If 3-stars or even 5-stars systems are available in the same price range as 1-star options, I'm pretty sure you should consider the better-performing options as well.
The results above are the 2 systems offering the best bang-for-the-buck among the cheapest catalogued systems capable of running iMovie at the specified level of performance or better.
Narrow down your search
Looking for a specific kind of device?
Were you looking for a laptop instead? You can focus your search on a specific kind of device with the options below:
Looking for a different performance level?
The systems above meet iMovie's recommended specs. This should be the sweet spot for most people but if you're a hardcore iMovie user, you might benefit from using a stronger machine.
You can look for something more powerful (or cheaper) by picking another performance level below:
