Best Computer for Editing / Authoring Video from a camcorder

[mikeficklonni]

I am in the market for a new computer, specifically for editing, authoring, and burning dvd's from my digital camcorder. I have a gateway 600 mhz, which is too slow.

Which components are most important for editing and authoring video? For instance, what type of card?, brand?, do I need a card encoder (whatever that is)?

I want to stay below $3,000. What about a Mac?

Thanks

[MOVIEGEEK]

Here are my suggestions(prices are approx.USD):
CPU=P4 or Athlon XP at least 2Ghz $200
HDD=ATA 133 or SCSI minimum 100GB $150
RAM=minimum 512MB $150(Crucial or Mushkin)
Capture card=IEEE1394(i-link)$30 for digital camera,(optional)PCI TV tuner/composite $100 or ATI AIW $200
Videocard:minimum 32MB DDR AGP $75 or ATI AIW $200
Motherboardtay away from VIA chipsets(too many problems)
Monitor:minimum 19"CRT $250
Soundcard:minimum 48khz samplerate/16bit stereo $30
Case/PSU:Full tower case w/400watt PSU $70
Drives:Lite-on DVD-ROM & Sony DVD writer $375
Total:around $1500
Authoring programs:I use Ulead VideoStudio 6 for capturing/editing and Sonic MyDVD 4 for authoring videos and slideshows with menus.Here's what I would want:
Ulead MediaStudio $499
SonicFoundry Vegas Video 4+DVD $799
Now if I only had the money to buy these components.
Regarding a MAC,give TGPO(a moderator)a PM....he's the MAC pro.

[Greg12]

My system I use for video editing which I got for 1100 dollars.


P4 2.4ghz
512 PC2700 SDRAM
80 gig UltraDMA HDD
-Jumper for secondary hard drive-
40x CD-RW
16x DVD-ROM
IEE 1394 for camera and advc bridge.

I use alot of software, but i'm not allowed to say neythin bout it. If i could have ney software i wanted legal it would be

Nero
DVDit PE
Pinncile Studio 8

[tgpo]

Regarding a MAC,give TGPO(a moderator)a PM....he's the MAC pro.

Hey, that's me.

A mac with a superdrive will do that. All the software you need comes with your computer, unless you want to do super advanced DVD authoring in which you'll need to buy more software. I'd go with the mac!