Mac platforms
With the Macintosh in mind, is it running OSX? If so, Final Cut Pro might be your best option. There are others below for your consideration. Final Cut Pro (FCP) is becoming THE non-linear editing program of choice for a lot of amateurs and professionals alike. (
www.apple.com). It retails for $1,000 US. Like the programs below, it is extremely robust, and appears to be very user friendly. I've sat in front of a Macintosh running FCP and watched an editor use it. It appeared to be really powerful.
Avid (
www.avid.com) makes a program called Avid Xpress DV for around $1,000 US. It runs on OSX, 100+ real-time effects, drag and drop editing, nice media management, and compatible with Firewire connections.
Another obvious option is Adobe's Premiere Pro (
www.adobe.com), which is what I personally have experience using. It's really robust, and offers camera controls so you can use your camera as a MiniDV or Sony D8 deck. Real nice program and sells for around $700 US.
These three are pretty much industry standards and independent filmmaker staples. Personally, I would stay clear of "consumer" programs that come bundled with cameras and such. They will just not offer you the same options and quality that FCP, Avid and Premiere will offer you.
Hope I've helped.
John.
