When comparing the MacBook Pro M4 to the M1 Pro for 4K video editing in Final Cut Pro, several key differences emerge that impact performance and efficiency.
Performance Comparison
- Rendering Speed: The M4 Pro is generally faster than the M1 Pro in rendering tasks. Apple's M4 chips offer significant improvements in performance, with up to 3x faster scene rendering in some applications compared to the M1 Pro[3]. This suggests that the M4 Pro would render 4K video projects more quickly.
- Multicore Performance: The M4 Pro benefits from enhanced multicore capabilities, which are crucial for tasks like video editing that utilize multiple cores for tasks such as color grading, effects, and export. This means the M4 Pro can handle complex projects with more ease and speed.
- GPU Performance: The M4 Max, in particular, offers a powerful GPU with up to a 40-core GPU, significantly outperforming the M1 Pro's GPU capabilities[3]. While the M4 Pro might not reach the same GPU performance as the M4 Max, it still offers improved GPU capabilities over the M1 Pro, which aids in tasks like video playback and effects rendering.
Editing Experience
- Smoothness and Responsiveness: Both the M1 Pro and M4 Pro provide excellent timeline performance for simple to moderately complex projects. However, the M4 Pro's enhanced processing power ensures smoother playback and editing of more complex projects, including those with multiple 4K streams and effects.
- Color Grading and Effects: Final Cut Pro's advanced color grading tools and effects are optimized for Apple silicon, meaning both chips can handle these tasks efficiently. However, the M4 Pro's increased processing power allows for faster adjustments and rendering of color grades and effects.
Conclusion
The MacBook Pro M4 Pro offers superior performance for 4K video editing in Final Cut Pro compared to the M1 Pro. Its faster rendering speeds, enhanced multicore performance, and improved GPU capabilities make it better suited for handling complex video projects. While the M1 Pro is still capable of excellent performance, especially for simpler projects, the M4 Pro is the better choice for professionals requiring top-tier performance and future-proofing for more demanding tasks.
Citations:[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cnaocd96Ctc
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oowx_LF03M4
[3] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/new-macbook-pro-features-m4-family-of-chips-and-apple-intelligence/
[4] https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/finalcutpro/comments/tikvdl/m1_vs_m1_pro_for_4k_editing/
[6] https://larryjordan.com/articles/thoughts-on-the-new-m4-macs/
[7] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255849579
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ahuPF22DME
[9] https://larryjordan.com/articles/configuring-an-m4-mac-for-video-editing/