Let's start off by assuming you are planning to get into digital video production using a Mac system. Now, typically, I'd say you will need a Mac machine with at least a G3 processor (preferably with a G4 processor).

The next tool I'd recommend you get this Mac software called iMovie. The good news is that iMovie is already available with some Mac machines that you buy. If it's not available, you can buy the program here - it's very reasonably priced.

Finally, you will need a camcorder - click here to learn how to choose one. And one important tip that you need to know - if you are using an old Mac system, you will need a PCI Firewire card. For newer generation Macs, there are on-board Firewire ports and the required software, so no problems there.

When you get into video editing for the Mac, it is important to take note of prices. Now, as a beginner, you can actually do pretty well with an entry level iMac. If you expect to do more heavy duty video editing, you might want to go for second generation iMac computers which are slightly costlier.

For the camcorder, there are many choices available. There is a large range of Mini-DV, flash-based, DVD-based and hard-drive based digital camcorders out there. Click here to learn how to select one that meets your needs.

You can go to a local retail outlet and buy one, or you can actually go online to purchase them. Local outlet prices tend to be higher than the online prices but you have to worry about shipping and delivery. And with auction sites like Ebay, there is a risk of fraudulent sellers. If I were you, I'd only go for trusted online retailers like Amazon.com when purchasing my camcorder.

If you are new to digital video, you will definitely need to spend some time with the camcorder recording shots. Get used to what you're dealing with and think like a film maker. You should also get into the Mac, fire up iMovie and find out how the software works. Get into its guts and understand how to add trim and cut scenes, apply effects and burn a DVD movie.

Video editing software programs may differ from platform to platform, but the concepts are very much the same. Whether you're using Corel VideoStudio, Adobe Premiere Elements or iMovie, you will find the basics very much similar.

The other aspect of performing video editing for the Mac is to get some formal instruction. There are books and courses on iMovie and Mac video editing which you should check out.

So as you can see, it is quite simple and straight forward to perform video editing on the Mac. Assemble the right equipment - camcorder, video capture tools and video editing software - then you're good to go!

Click here to learn more about video editing programs and how to shoot better videos. Reading these articles will set you up for a much better video editing experience on the Mac.