Every editor has their own unique setup and style. But some stuff, you just can’t live without. Here’s a quick list of gadgets that I have found that every editor absolutely needs.
NOTE: This is NOT a software list. Sorry Charlie.
Apple Computer
I use Apple computers to get my stuff done. They’ve never done me wrong. MacBook Pro’s are very good at editing on the cheap, but don’t offer alot of expandability. If you want to keep expanding your machine and make it better and better as the years progress, then get a desktop Mac Pro.
|
||
|
||
External Hardrives
Ok, this is the most essential on the list. Well, besides a computer. But, as an editor, you’re going to need at least 1 terabyte of external media. I would get 2 terabytes, just to be safe. 2 TB’s should last you a year or so, depending on what format you shoot, and how extensive your projects are. And that’s not even including your archive drives. Being an editor takes alot of media storage. That’s just part of the job.
I use Western Digital, and I’ve never had any issues with them. You’ll need something fast enough, 7200 RPM.
|
||||||||
Flash Drives
You’re going to need flash drives to easily take footage to another machine, or to deliver files somewhere. I have a 32 GB that I NEVER leave the house without it in my pocket. I also have a 2 GB that I have for small things, or to let people borrow. It’s smart to put things on your flash drive that you always use, in case you go to another editing machine; like your company’s logo, and your custom keyboard setup file.
|
||||||||
Smart Mouse
I have used a wireless Logitech mouse with my Mac since 2007. I absolutely love it. It has a scroll weel that also goes horizontal. And there are customizable buttons on the side, so I’ve programmed them to do basic and common editing functions; like “undo” and “redo” and “zoom.”
|
||||||||
Large Mouse Pad
Maybe it’s just me, but I love using a larger-then-normal mouse pad. I have more room to move the mouse.
|
||||||||
FCP Custom Keyboard
It is not essential, but custom keyboards can be convenient for some editors. I’m typing on one right now. I glance down at it occasionally during edits. But, again, it may not be for you.
|
||||||||
If you don’t want to spend alot on a new keyboard, you could get the key covers.
|
||||
NOTE: Make sure you get the correct keyboard for your NLE. (FCP7, FCPX, PP, AVID, etc.)
Headphones
You NEED good headphones.
|
||||||
Blank CD’s and DVD’s
You’ll need these. Get the blank white printable kind. They look much more professional.
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
Awesome Poster
You need some swag for your editing cave, don’t you?
There you go! That’s a list of gadgets to get any editor started. As you progress and figure out your own workflow, you’ll eventually want more things, like a better graphics card, another monitor, better speakers, etc.