Is the Surface Pro 4 Good for Video Editing?

If yoursquo;ve been considering the Surface Pro 4 for video editing, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. Whether itrsquo;s suitable for video editing depends largely on your specific needs and the complexity of your projects.

Depends on Your Needs

For 4K footage, a Surface Pro 4 is definitely not the best choice. It may struggle with more complex multi-track editing. However, if yoursquo;re working on simpler video content such as corporate videos, single-cam edits, or basic YouTube videos, the Surface Pro 4 can suffice.

Advantages of the Surface Pro 4 for Video Editing

One significant advantage of the Surface Pro 4 is its portability and form factor. Editing almost anywhere is possible, and the use of the Surface pen for direct on-screen editing can be more efficient than using a mouse. Additionally, the Surfaces keyboard is sufficient for keyboard shortcuts, making it a convenient option for many editors.

Performance Considerations

That being said, the Surface Pro 4 is not powerful enough for highly complex multi-track editing. For instance, I edit my HD YouTube videos on the Surface Pro 4 using Adobe Premiere Pro, but performance can be a trade-off compared to more powerful devices. If video editing is your primary use case, itrsquo;s recommended to look for a device with more CPU and GPU power.

Alternatives to Consider

When comparing specifications, consider the Surface Book with Performance Base, Surface Studio, and other powerful desktop solutions. For instance, an i5 or i7 version of the Surface Pro 4 can be used for video editing, but the i7 with 8 GB or 16 GB RAM would be preferable. If budget is not a concern, the Surface Book or Surface Studio would be more suitable for professional video editing.

Ultimately, if yoursquo;re looking to take notes, mark up documents, and collaborate on the go, the Surface Pro 4 is still an excellent choice as a laptop replacement. However, if video editing is your primary function, itrsquo;s best to find a more powerful option.

Here are some considerations for deciding on the best device for video editing:

Performance: Ensure the device has sufficient CPU and GPU power, especially for multi-track editing. Storage and Memory: More RAM and fast storage are essential for smooth performance. Form Factor: Consider whether portability is crucial, or if a desktop setup would be more ideal. Price: Balancing performance with cost is key, especially if you have a tight budget.

Conclusion

To summarize, the Surface Pro 4 can be suitable for light video editing but is not ideal for intensive multi-track projects. If yoursquo;re planning to do complex video editing, you might want to invest in a more powerful device to ensure optimal performance.