Can You Use an iPad Pro for Professional Editing?

[@jimcoon]

I’m 71 years old and have been using FCP since it was created. I am a farm and ranch broker in oregon and have shot my own stills and video for 20 years. Used camcorders with betamax and a Nikon D70 at the beginning. For aerials we had to hire a helicopter and pay for the owner to remove one of the doors. Shot some of those with a Nikon D90 then Canon 5D. Now I use Lumix cameras and a Mavic 2 Pro. A lot has changed. I have a 12.9 in iPad Pro M1 and purchased Lumafusion. Thought it would be fun to learn. Instead I ended up pulling out what little hair I had left. So I’m back to FCPX on the Mac with a nice 27 in monitor. Hair is not growing back but my head doesn’t ache anymore. For me, some things are best left the way they are. Great video and thanks for taking the time to put it together.

[@timgimbert3073]

Lightroom Denoise would be nice as well. The M chips should be up to it. Also in Lightroom being able to put the pencil over a neutral colour and fine tuning the White Balance.

[@TedsWorld101]

Thank you for being real and properly covering the pros and cons! A lot of other reviewers just feel like they’re doing a copy/paste of another person’s review or they give the impression (through their comments) that they’re being paid to talk about some random editing product and the topic of the video is an after-thought.

[@miguelangelfonta5266]

Thanks for the video. I already have a laptop, but wanted something smaller and lighter when I´m on the go. I do architectural photography but after your video I have serious doubts about getting one. It wouldn´t be my number 1 option to edit but just to use it when I have time to kill or I´m travelling. Sometimes you don´t wanna carry the laptop everywhere coz It´s heavier and bigger.

[@robweaver1075]

I used nothing but an iPad Pro with LumaFusion for years. Perfectly capable then and I gather even more so now, with faster processors and software enhancements.

[@shane9475]

Do you think it's great for editing?

[@robweaver1075]

@@shane9475 Most of my videos were shortish-under five minutes-but I have done a few longer ones. I was using a 2nd generation (2017) 12.9 inch iPad Pro with 500gb internal SSD and never had a problem. I can only assume that an iPad with one of the M chips would be much more capable. FYI, my videos were produced for real estate and organisations involved in land care management. Never had any complaints about the quality. I’m retired now, so haven’t upgraded.

[@DreamDesignDraw]

This! This! This!

[@DreamDesignDraw]

@@shane9475 yes! LumaFusion is amazing for editing on ipad!( I haven’t tried the others) I grew a KZbin channel to 150k subscribers with over 1k videos (4K 24fps/60fps HDR) edited entirely on a 2020 iPad Pro-not even an M series chip. I also draw, 3D sculpt, and do 2D animations on the iPad. I upgraded to the M4 in June for faster file transfers, but I enjoy all the new features too. My advice: always get the best version of the device, especially for video production. Don't skimp on storage; it's an invaluable investment if you know what you're doing. The iPad has been my most important investment in the last five years-more efficient than any laptop unless you're deep into 3D animation or coding.

[@nasergh9354]

Did you have 16gb ram model?

[@Richard_Bullwinkle]

Agree with every word of this, and FWIW, I am wildly fortunate to have a beautiful MacBook Pro AND an M4 iPad Pro. But OH do I love working on the iPad. There are plenty of things I “have” to do on the Mac, but I enjoy working on the iPad.

[@eoslove2022]

I hear you brother! No more iPads for us for exactly the same issues you have experienced. We use CASCABLE on a studio session instead of tethering but otherwise keep our iPads (4) for viewing your channel😆

[@dolphinfaith63]

Agree! Editing on iPad is getting frustrating due to the small screen! Thank you so much, you’ve helped me to make the decision to go for a laptop. Will miss touch screen though. That is what is holding me back and considering a Dell but now Dell has only one lap with touchscreen, highest priced.

[@krieseljoris]

I do everything on an iPad and love it. Don’t want anything else.

[@Mr_Kenneth]

Thanks Chris. I was tempted to buy the 11" Pro. Im sticking with my intel i7 16" MacBook Pro

[@Krezwantstosleepzzz]

Finally someone made this video 💗💗💗

[@stevedoesnt]

Honestly I think the iPad is fantastic with something like Luma and the quick workflow stuff that’s just for quick content or personal stuff. It’s so easy to do in bed, the car, airport, bathroom, etc. Everything else, desktop. If you’re FCPX user, you can export from Luma and open up in FCPX. You definitely don’t need all the extra accessories, either. Bluetooth headphones, maybe.

[@OctaviusUrsu]

Thank you for this video, it was crucial for my final decision 🙏

[@Christellezphoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@siddharth3408]

Did you finally get an iPad pro?

[@OctaviusUrsu]

@@siddharth3408 no, got the macbook pro

[@brunasevla]

You use m4 chip?

[@erin.v.z]

Good to hear im not the only one experiencing issues with davinci. I know the hack for opening the other pages, but if i shut down and have to restart, it takes away the page. And then sometimes the shortcuts, to, say, the edit page is no longer there, and all my custom edits are also gone. i spend more time figuring out workarounds in davinci than actually editing. Also, it cut out all my links once from my video to the footage on my ssd destroying all the projects i was working on. I’m getting discouraged.

[@erin.v.z]

I haven’t actually had the issue with overheating that i’ve noticed but maybe it’s happening behind my case and i haven’t noticed. But like you, im frustrated. Two months later… what did you decide to buy?

[@JB4_Creative]

I edit with photoshop and illustrator on the iPad…they both definitely fall short, but you can still create some pretty neat illustrations…you can even get creative, and find some work around that will create some of the effects that aren’t available😊

[@AdamProkopiakIV]

I agree with you. I find myself getting frustrated with editing on my iPad. Even for simple edits I had a lot of wasted time because of crashes and errors. I will definitely be getting a MacBook.

[@justinlikesme19]

mehh you're just weak and noob to edit using ipad lmao

[@scotthunter4]

I only use my iPad Pro for photo editing on Lightroom. I don’t have any accessories not even the pencil. It’s not necessary for adjusting sliders unless you have fat fingers. The experience is better than on a MacBook Pro as you can orientate the device depending on whether you are editing landscape or portrait images. Your point about the smaller screen isn’t correct when you consider you actually get more screen real estate editing a vertical photo on an 11” iPad Pro compared to editing the same image on a 13” MacBook Pro as you can orientate a tablet vertically.

[@Christellezphoto]

Fair enough! My point about the screen was specific to video editing and colour grading though

[@peterivarsson9267]

Great video. I use Lightroom on ipad Air gen 4. I love it for basic edit and culling. All the available LR functions work faster on my ipad than on my dell xps. I have not found a way to apply icc profiles and I can’t make proper settings for printing on my old trusty epson r3000. I typically download images from my camera wirelessly and store them in the cloud. Problem is that the internal memory on my ipad is too small for intermittent storage while uploading to cloud. I think i will look to upgrade my laptop. Thanks 🙏

[@PositivelyParalyzed]

Love your channel! I’m a paralyzed content creator, my arms function but my hands do not. I’m very proficient with my iPad and I’ve been waiting to buy the m3 when it releases. I plan on getting the max storage available and editing in FCP. I shoot on my 15 pro max or my pocket 3. Is the pencil worth it? Do you recommend a different editing software? I use in-shot for most things currently.

[@Christellezphoto]

I am so glad you commented so I could see your channel. Honestly, I love what you’re putting out there and seeing your journey is really, really inspiring. I hope you keep it up :) As for the pencil, I personally enjoy using it but it’s definitely not essential, especially with a mouse, but your experience may vary! Also I’ve never used in-shot but I would honestly say that for basic editing, lumafusion is really solid! I think it was like $30-$40 Canadian, so a relatively small investment all things considered :)

[@jacobthomson9369]

Excellent review.

[@Christellezphoto]

Thank you kindly! Appreciate you taking the time to watch :)

[@demojoys]

exactly what i was looking for, thanks!

[@Christellezphoto]

Appreciate it, thank you!!

[@cosmonaut1961]

Thanks for answering the exact questions I had 🙏

[@mindatmyo7770]

Which one do you recommend? Microsoft surface 9 pro iPad air M2 I Paid pro M2 And other options if there's

[@roryonabike5863]

This is an extremely helpful video. I use a Mac Studio desktop and 27" monitor, but I may purchase the new M4 iPad in relation to using the coming multicam feature. Two big questions: 11" vs 13", and how useful would Final Cut for iPad be generally. This is easily the best video I've seen on those questions.

[@Christellezphoto]

Thank you so much!

[@SpiritualVibesGM]

I was thinking of using an iPad pro on the go

[@jlacour2696]

Thank you for your video... Very helpful

[@konstaojanen6457]

Thanks a lot for this review!

[@Irena_fr]

Thank you! Very informative

[@manojklohar]

for the "Edit in Photoshop" function works seamlessly only when the Photoshop is already open. Great video Btw, really informative.

[@Dynotestedtv]

I’ve never used my iPad for editing but was just hired to shoot racing and I’m trying to decide if using my iPad to do quick edits for social media would be fine compared to buying a laptop

[@Millertime96]

As someone who is just starting out in real photography, and starting out doing editing, would you recommend the iPad route or should I try to find a laptop or desktop? I’m having a hard time finding a laptop that I feel would be good for it that’s not apple.

[@enashimo]

Laptop/MacBook/ PC are far better options than the iPad. IPads are good but it is a secondary device unless you use it for Procreate, the OS it has is so limited and most apps like Photoshop there are downgraded has is so limited

[@timblass4811]

This is exactly my issue right now. I have a 5 year old Macbook Pro and use Lightroom and Capture 1 for my photo edits as I shoot with Fuji and Ricoh cameras. I like the concept of portability an ipad would bring, but by the time I've added in the extras the weight and price point ramps up quickly. I can't afford to take a £1000 punt. Difficult decision! Why add functionality on a mobile/tabletapp when it adds to cost and cannibalises potential laptop. Makes no sense from a tech provider perspective!

[@sukhwantsingh2099]

I just bought it for my future heavy editing video (just becoz of m4 chip).. what do you think should i keep it or buy a mac book pro?

[@Christellezphoto]

So I haven’t used the M4 chip but I think if you spec’d it out properly it will be great!

[@talhafaiz3597]

For basic video editing, like for reels or tik toc, i was thinking of buying the ipad air m2. Id appreciate any suggestions on this. And whats the ideal storage on ipad for video editing? Is 128 gb enough?

[@pureheartvisuals]

DaVinci on MacBook Pro or MacStudio 💻👍🏽. Absolutely no issues.

[@laurenparker2770]

I needed to hear this! Thank you

[@eavesphoto]

When you format the hard drive, did you format it for APS or Mac extended journal

[@Christellezphoto]

I think probably APS… but tell me more!

[@msgarciamayorca]

I am in the middle of making that exact decision right now. But I am comparing my ipad pro 2nd-gen 12.9in screen with my husband's macbook pro's screen and they seem the same. In regards of the screen, dont you just have a smaller ipad then?

[@LEGENDELY.]

I want to know if iPad Pro is a good option to make my KZbin thumbnail? Thanks bro ❤

[@feriak1975]

Thanks Chris for the informative video, just please could you explain what you meant when you talked about the negativity of the Final Cut Pro app that you have to save everything locally? I’m thinking to buy an iPad mainly for editing so your reply is much appreciated

[@Christellezphoto]

Hey! They have actually fixed this in the latest version, so you can edit off an SSD now :)

[@TonyReidsma]

Your comments about editing video got me thinking of the convenience of a camera that can shoot how you want it to look with little to no editing. What camera do you find that delivers the color / look you like without much to no grading? Your videos look great and the audio is great.

[@Christellezphoto]

Thank you for the kind words! I think I would probably be pretty happy with the video straight out of a lot of cameras at this point… they’re all so good. I think it depends on budget likely. But a few I’d say are really great options are: Fuji X-S20, Lumix S5ii and G9ii, Sony A6700. From there it’s a price jump to any other options likely. But also lots of older cameras that look fantastic straight out of camera. What kind of stuff do you shoot and what’s your budget?

[@TonyReidsma]

@@Christellezphoto Totally understand. I shoot a lot of talking heads and corporate work. Currently running A, B, and C cameras (LUMIX S5 II's) for all talking heads for the reliable AF, and a couple XT5's for quick photo work and B roll, and just ordered an XH2 S to use with a set of Cine lenses.... I'm a one person crew, so I figure all the cameras are cheaper than hiring an assistant or two. I much prefer the Fuji output but I can't rely on the AF.

[@Christellezphoto]

I’d say x-h2s with good lighting has easily been my favourite image of every camera I’ve owned, at least for video. Absolutely amazing.

[@celinec2407]

Thanks for this video. Do you know how I could create a fusion hdr of pro photographies on iPad ? Thanks a lot

[@javielsanders2845]

Have you tried editing on an external monitor my usb c pass through has an hdmi port on it

[@meditationdaily1129]

Probably a silly Q but whats the best way to get your raws onto the ipad? And say you have your ssd with your archive, how do you export into it?

[@Christellezphoto]

So if you’re using Lightroom, I usually will just dump all the raw files onto an SSD in a folder called “INPUT”-> “RAW” Then I transfer all those to Lightroom, and quickly cull them down to a manageable amount, and edit from there. Export from Lightroom into a folder called “OUTPUT” And that’s that. But if it’s a really big shoot with too many files for the iPad storage. You have to do it in batches and it absolutely sucks.

[@Phohmann]

What a great video, thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@Christellezphoto]

Thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and support ☺️

[@Phohmann]

@@Christellezphoto yeah no worries, I’m beginner at editing and I love using my iPad, you made some really good helpful points.

[@lashesfordaze]

Is it possible to use Dehancer in Resolve on iPad? Thanks.

[@Christellezphoto]

Very good question. I hope I know the answer to that soon!

[@templeofthegreenrose]

Not even going to other apps, trying to edit on IMovie is horrendously frustrating!

[@therealdeal4492]

App versions of programs don't give you the whole version .but also having apps on the ipad mean you can upload to IG etc straight from the ipad ?

[@Christellezphoto]

For sure there is some functionality built in for direct uploading. Not as much with IG as there isn’t an actual iPad version of the IG app. But I haven’t really explored that a ton to be honest!

[@xchrislee26]

With the new ipad pro coming out do you think if you got a new one today, you would opt for 16gb of ram given your setup? (it's a 400 dollar difference) to go from 512 to 1tb to also get the 16gb.

[@Christellezphoto]

I absolutely would go with a more spec’d out version. 100%

[@switchunboxing]

Was wanting to get the new M4 iPad Pro for video editing. Currently using 2016 MacBook Pro and was told this could run it better. I already have keyboard and trackpad so I don’t need to spend an extra $1,000. And I only need one ucb C port. Just not sure if this is a viable replacement. However, iPad Pro can be financed through phone carrier with no interest. MacBook Pro can’t.

[@Christellezphoto]

Interesting! The new m4 definitely seems like it could handle the job easily. I think I’d still be frustrated with the small screen but you could get a display to solve that!

[@StephenFiore-f4p]

…great seeming honest review

[@nasergh9354]

Hi. I want to buy new ipad pro 8 or 16 gb ram model. How much size of files can we import to luma? Can i import 4k 60 one or two hours long video to luma and edit it or it has lag this way? Do i need 16 gb ram new ipad pro for better editing? Can luma use this 16 ram or it will be blocked? Is it 16 ram worth or 8 is enough or totally this size of files need macbook pro? And can this app handle two layer video editing in 4k long videos?

[@TysonRoehrkasse]

Awesome video, really appreciate the time you've spent testing out this setup. I already have a 16" laptop and it's amazing to use for my photo/video work, but I now have a second job as a developer which means I have to lug around two laptops. I recently got my hands on a new 256gb iPad through a trade and thought "hmm maybe I can just use this for my content work..." I use Photoshop but pretty minimally. Do you have any experience using the iPad to open PSD templates that were created in the full version of Photoshop? My video needs are super basic. I've done everything up to this point in iMovie on my laptop... so I don't think I'll be held back by the lack of features on iPad versions of software 😂

[@Christellezphoto]

From what I’ve seen, you should still have full access to templates from desktop PS. Since it’s lacking certain features it may not be as seamless a transition but I’m sure it would be close. Let me know what you find out!

[@TysonRoehrkasse]

@@Christellezphoto I tested it out today, I was able to open my templates saved in Dropbox. Different UI but all the needed functions are there, seems like it works perfectly!

[@Mrcsitari1]

For photo is perfekt but for video bigger screen is more easy 😊

[@TutuOnTheBeach]

Hey man be good to try other apps too I think are better than adobe apps. Affinity photo is pretty good too.

[@Christellezphoto]

Yeah I’ve heard good things! How does it integrate with photoshop? Or is it enough on its own?

[@TutuOnTheBeach]

@@Christellezphoto it’s pretty much like photoshop. But very stable and never crashed on my M1 Pro 11”. One time payment is cool too.

[@michealstinson6932]

Can I photoshop a video ?

[@Unconditionallyloved1]

For most people YES. You’ll still be able to make a ton of money with just an iPad .

[@ruff1draft]

I intend to use my Xiaomi Tablet this way alongside my windows laptop

[@StarManjeet]

So what u think i m also want video editing but i m confused ipad pro or macbook which one is best plz suggest

[@Christellezphoto]

I would probably be investing in a MacBook in most cases!

[@KinoTower]

I work in the lightroom on my PC, i usually use more than 6+ masks, is the m2 ipad pro enough for it?

[@Christellezphoto]

As long as they are masks that are available in the LR iPad version. So you can’t use AI makes other than “select subject” and “select sky” But if it’s gradients, radials, brushes or luminance and colour masks, you’re good

[@KinoTower]

@@Christellezphoto Thank you very much!

[@naudicaclements8610]

What platform do you use to get your clients their photos?

[@Christellezphoto]

Depends on the shoot, but either Wetransfer or Pic-Time

[@coffee.muggle]

Your con list is just stacked! 😂 I think you just need replace it with a MacBook Air 15.

[@importanceleadership]

Thank you for opening my eyes. I was about to buy it, but I'm not going to buy it

[@probitradas1742]

can i connect my ipad to a better external display for better color grading?

[@91891Terrell]

Yes, use a hub with HDMI’s

[@gyulabrizs6347]

It was nice to see into these problems without experiencing them. On the funds, laptop is the answer then. At least 1500 could go towards a pro laptop. Thanks.

[@pepzii118]

Hi I’m going to get the iPad m4 to make videos with a x4 camera was wondering if simple editing is good with iPad

[@Christellezphoto]

I think you will be super happy with that!

[@SpiritualVibesGM]

Have you tried editing in Filmora Go?

[@Christellezphoto]

Haven’t tried Filmora Go I don’t think? But I’ve used the Filmora products in the past

[@voiceactordavid]

09:05 With what app you do the writing?

[@Christellezphoto]

Goodnotes!

[@369sema]

Thanks

[@philschn5990]

Why aren‘t you connect it to a Monitor Or your Tv?

[@Christellezphoto]

I don’t have a monitor and my TV is too low res and slow to be worthwhile. Purchasing a separate monitor would push this set up over the cost of just getting a laptop at that point!

[@BallCant]

GOOD PRICE??? ARE YOU HIGH? 😂😂😂😂

[@Garthgoyle]

They literally could just put Mac OS into their laptops. But the whole reason why they took the headphone jack off their phones, is so they could sell you their Airpods. Same logic for iOS $ Mac OS.

[@pkerry12]

Flat out no u can’t replace a MacBook for pre level video editing and colour grading. For light video editing the iPad Pro is great. Other than that for real work the iPad Pro is useless

[@EditedByMico]

Subbed CAT

[@UmerPlayzGames]

I also have a 4 gen and 11 Inch 😂

[@mefareed]

Why are you doing this to yourself man? Please buy a laptop. You have enough use thousand bucks extra should not be a problem for you. I feel for you. Peace.