Managing big Canon 7D files in Premiere CS5.5 with an average computer I'm new to editing and I'm trying to cope with a 7D project - very heavy files. Usually I don't have any problems with premiere and don't even have to render, but with these files, it's really difficult to get to the point when I CAN render, since I can't figure out which files should be on the timeline (playback is hardly working.)

Is there a way to render all of the footage? (not that many) Or maybe a better solution?

PC specs:

intel i7 2Ghz

4GB DDR3 memory

Nvidia GeForce GT 540M

Win 7
Do a complete offline edit, it you want the quickest editing, use something like DV NTSC Quicktimes and edit on the fly, it will be SD but you never see the difference, then online to the original by replaceing footage back to your H.264...btw play around with your settings in Premiere and do some tutorials, there shouldnt be a reason an H264 file does not play on that system with those specs.  Transcoded is needed to play 5D or 7D footage within FCP but not within Premiere