Vincent talked about tablet PCs for photo editing, but we’ve received questions for them in regards to editing videos as well. With the prime options for the category being available and debatable right now, it’s time we take a look into the possibility of using them for video editing while at an event, covering a story abroad, etc. Some are better than others, but it all makes sense in the end.
Author’s Edit: Please keep in mind that none of these tablets have Firewire built in, so Mini DV tapes are out of the question. AVCHD, AVI, MPEG-4 and others are still a go. Long live digital 😉
iPad
The iPad has been called a giant iPhone. Like the iPhone, it has access to loads of apps. Unlike the iPhone, it doesn’t have a built-in camera or advanced video editing abilities. Your best bet in this case is Qik.com.
HP Slate
The HP Slate has been called a smaller laptop of some sort, but it actually could work out the best for video editing. It’s too bad that JumpCut is no longer is service because it would’ve worked perfectly with this product. In truth, in Adobe could make Premiere.com the way they did Photoshop.com, it would be awesome and would take loads of sales away from Apple who wrongfully criticized Adobe recently. This is where Jaycut.com should really shine. It is a flash based online video editing program that looks a lot like other programs like Windows Movie Maker, iMovie, etc.
Being capable of running Windows 7, the HP Slate should also be able to edit videos through use of Windows Movie Maker. This is without a doubt one of the simplest editing programs ever. It is also capable of doing quite a bit as well. During my internship at PCMag.com, I knew lots of journalists that used Windows Movie Maker to edit because they didn’t have Macs. In this case, it could possibly stage a huge win.
Coupled with the specs needed to run Windows 7, it should provide enough life and power to edit 720p or 1080p HD video. Further, if you can install both Photoshop Elements and Adobe Premiere Elements on it, it’s a giant win in this category.
JooJoo
The JooJoo supports flash. In this case, JayCut.com would probably be the best option. What you’d need to do first is to upload video to the JooJoo and then upload it onto JayCut for editing. I don’t know if the JooJoo has any other functions for video editing but it could be possible.
If other Flash-based editors come out, the JooJoo should be compatible with them.
Dell Mini 5
The Dell Mini 5 runs Android. Android has no video editing apps. This is a shame as I love Android. If you’re only doing photography, it has apps for that. This makes me a sad panda.
Archos 9
Like the Mini 5, it’s small. However, it run’s Windows 7 so it has all those advantages. When it comes to editing videos, it may be okay. With an almost nine inch display, it may be nice for running Jaycut because all Archos tablets and PMPs have flash support. Premiere elements may also be okay, but it will also require closing down some windows. Perhaps Windows Movie Maker may really be best for this as it comes natively.
The Phoblographer’s Winner: The HP Slate
It offers the most versatility of all the tablet options available at the moment of writing. Versatility and options is what we photographers/videographers like. In truth, they also really like Apple’s Final Cut Pro. But the iPad unfortunately can’t support that right now.
Update: I messed up with the Archos 9, originally saying that it ran Android. I apologize.