To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Normally I'd post this type of thread on my blog but considering the wealth of DVinfo users that have emailed me directly I decided to post my thoughts here.

There's a bit of a panic amongst die-hard FCP users, that since FCP X has been been neutered from many of the pro-features most of us use (and need) that there's no longer an upgrade path for Final Cut. (You do know that you can't import any version of a FCP project into "X", right?)

While the majority of pro users - myself included - have given FCP X a decidedly thumbs-down vote and either won't or literally *can't* use it we're not exactly left out in the cold with FCP 7.

First, as the wealth of scathing reviews and pro users reporting they literally can't go forward with this new version abound Apple will most likely continue supporting FCP 7 - for how long is unclear. In fact as of today you can still get the latest updates via Software Update for FCP 7.

Many of you who emailed asked, "Is this a good time to switch platforms?". The answer is a resounding "No". Don't switch to another NLE package and most certainly don't switch to a PC-only platform. Why?

In both cases switching to another Mac-capable NLE will almost always be wrought with unforeseen struggles and gotchas, regardless how well developed the other NLE is. And god-forbid you tried to migrate a current working project... forget about it!

Those issues will become exacerbated if you try to migrate to a PC-only platform.

And then there's the cost of the migration and, the learning curve of becoming proficient in the new NLE environment - which by the way has it's own associated costs because you'll be less productive by a huge margin over your current FCP 7 workflows.

No doubt, it's damned disappointing that FCP X hoodwinked all pro editors, but if you're serious about taking charge with your current FCP 7 installation, then consider beefing it up rather than abandoning it.

For example, I had been waiting for FCP X to be released before I made any hardware decisions (it's time for me to update my edit system). So the new plan is to get a MBP with Thunderbolt, slap in a couple SSD drives and really go to town with my current FCP 7 rig.

Yes, that's far more expensive than would have been if I'd just upgraded to FCP X, but with this new plan I'll actually be increasing my workload efficiency and actually adding capabilities I didn't have before - such as the new Thunderbolt adapter for the Matrox MX02 offerings.

The main point here, is that FCP 7 remains one of the best Mac-based NLE's ever; it's super-stable and has unparalleled third-party support both in hardware and software offerings. No other NLE - ever - has had this much versatility. Period.

And let's not forget, FCP lives on the best OS ever produced, which is reason alone to not attempt a PC-switchover.

Maybe FCP X will get a total re-vamp and pro users will finally be able to adopt it into current workflows. But if not, you'll be able to stick with FCP 7 literally for years to come with nary a hitch in your profitability.

Panic no more my FCP friends - you'll always have DVinfo here to help you through the challenges.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Hi Robert,

another point to make is that both Avid and Adobe have their NLE's on the Mac Platform too, so switching from a great OS isn't necessary.

I bought FCP X and I'll plan on learning some things. But if Apple doesn't come out with updates and/or clear statements, I will switch to Adobe, but on a Mac of course.
FCP 7 is a good NLE, but we all know that it needs a good under-the-hood update (which is arguably one of the greatest selling points of FCP X, the rewritten engine).

Best regards,

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Thanks for your thoughts Robert. Its kind of comforting.

I'm still on FCP6 as I was waiting for X before forking out for FCS3 as the upgrade seemed quite limited but regret that now of course. Is it possible to still upgrade from FCS2 to 3 or FCP6 to 7? I'm suspecting not.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

If you can still find a dealer that sells it, just act quickly.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

What's the possibility Apple can/will sell the old program to someone that can continue to improve it and make a living with it? Some people don't need to make billions off something to justify its existence. Maybe to one of the companies that make a living selling plug ins for it.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

If you judge by the example of Shake, I'd say the chances are zero.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

I read that they've pulled all existing copies of FCP7 from their shelves. Is this true?

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Is there any real reason (as seen through Apple's eyes only) to keep the MAC PRO around for anything except the old FCP? I imagine the MAC PRO is not raking in billions for them either. Kill the old FCP, so then you can more easily kill the MAC PRO.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

I'm still using V6 too. Couldn't see any benefits to going to 7 but have been eagerly awaiting X.

The new one is mind blowing, but of course has many shortcomings at present. I am going through the Steve Martin tutorials and am hugely impressed by much of what i see. I'm guessing that Avid and Adobe will be stealing from FCPX in the future, as the program seems to be well ahead of the competition in many ways.
By the time Avid and Adobe get up to speed, Apple will have left them standing as FCPX matures into a great video editing app once again.

That's why i'm staying put, even though i'm unhappy about many of the current changes.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

I'm on FCP 6 as well (I was totally underwhelmed by the features in the FCP 7 upgrade so decided to wait for the "next one").

I've got the Steve Martin tutorials and sat down to do them, but I've baulked at the FCP X interface and so have left it for a while. It's the same reaction I had when I sat down to play with the revised iMovie a couple of years ago. I just had an antipathy to it and walked away.

If it were "worth my while" I'd push through the initial interface antipathy on FCP X. But, because it lacks the ability to import previous projects (an absolute deal-breaker for me as I frequently have to re-open old projects and revise for the clients as their procedures change and their training videos have to be updated) plus uncertainty on how well it handles media spanned across multiple drives and raids (another potential deal-breaker for me) I'm treating FCP X as more of a "hobby" at the moment. Whereas a week ago I'd have called it a necessity and was all pumped up to learn it immediately.

I'm in such confusion at the moment as to Apple's intentions with FCP X that I found myself last night revising my hardware intentions for the end of July. I was looking at getting two fully pimped-out thunderbolt iMacs (i7, 16 GB RAM, 2 GB graphics cards, etc.) but I found myself thinking, "Why should I reward Apple by buying their hardware? Am I that much in love with OS X? Maybe Windows 7 is better than the earlier - ugh - versions of Windows that I had a little to do with? Maybe get a cheaper Windows box with the NVIDIA card that optimises CS 5.5 on the PC and switch to a set-up like that?"

I'm not saying I'm going to do that, but I was seriously pondering it last night.

I'm looking at a roadmap over the next 2 years and I thought the new FCP X with pimped-out thunderbolt iMacs would be it. FCP X has the potential to be such a phenomenal time-saver with the features that it does have. Plus the ability to adjust Motion graphics directly in the FCP timeline might also save heaps of time.

But it's all "theoretical gain" when the nobbling of such fundamental features (such as importing old projects) makes it unviable for me to pull it into my workaday pipeline.

Perhaps I'll follow Robert's sage advice at the beginning of this thread and hunt around for a dealer who might have an old copy of the FCP 7 upgrade. FCP 7 would be a pretty stable solution for a fair while and the pimped-out i7 iMac would at least greatly reduce rendering time and exporting time.

At least until we know what updates and upgrades Apple is going to make with FCP X (or not).

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

David,

I agree that not being able to open previous projects is a PITA, but that could yet be addressed. I'd wait a couple of weeks and see what happens. Going to a new NLE and windows hardware is going to be expensive, because high spec windows gear is not that much cheaper, and CS5 is around £1600 in this part of the world at least.
It seems to me that there's nothing wrong with FCP as it is, so what's the hurry?

Also V7 is still a lousy upgrade IMO. Why not stick with 6, or do you desperately need the coloured markers & new speed tools etc?

FCP7 is still largely identical to 6

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Like several here I was reluctant to pay for the incremental upgrades that FCP7 offered over the FCP6 that I've been using very successfully and enjoyably the last 3 years. I also use Sony Vegas (currently 9E) on a Windows 7 PC with an i7 processor and I'm feeling really glad I've kept one foot in the PC camp ever since I started my corporate video production business 3 years ago.

I'm looking at some very expensive Apple hardware on my desk in front of me (2.66 GHz 8 core 2009 Nehalem Mac Pro, multiple 1TB drives, lots of RAM within etc. and a 2008 15 inch MBP). With this FCPX launch it's now far from certain that I'll buy any more Apple branded or Apple dedicated hardware for my business - something I would have thought unimaginable just a week ago. I also now doubt Apple will further develop the Mac Pro (at least in it's current form factor). I hope I'm wrong.

I've loved editing in FCP6 but at least I've learnt that Windows 7 64 Bit is blazing fast and ultra stable too - and Vegas is just as much fun to edit on as FCP - NLE's are just tools we professionals use - and Apple is going to find it increasingly hard to persuade me to part with my cash from this point forward (for hardware and software) unless they set out a VERY clear roadmap for FCPX very, VERY soon (unlikely I know, but the only way they'll stop the hemorrhaging in my view).

I'm sure I'm not unique in my thoughts, experiences and concerns. Might try CS5.5 next - but for now I'll just sit tight and use the great tools I already have.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

i understand your views on FCP and MAC OS X.
but, please, don't base your deductions on "HOW PRETTY CUTE THE GUI IS"
come on, linux has to have the most ugly GUI out there and yet, they are much more stable than anything else!.

so, yes..i love FCP 7, its easy of use, but it lacks alot of stuff Adobe has.

now, if you are so close minded as to think that MAC OS X is the "ultimate" OS, i got bad news for you, buddy. Apple doesn't care about YOU. all they care is about iPad, Iphone and Ipod.....that's what makes them money.

if i were you, i would just start playing around with an alternative NLE so once apple completely messes up FCP or shuts it down because it isn't making them millions, you can quickly jump into another NLE and call it a day.

I have been using Windows 7 Pro 64-bit and it hasn't been anything but good to me.
i really don't understand when people bash on Windows 7 without even giving it a chance :(
I am both a windows and mac user. i actually am writing this on iMac 20inch.
So, no, i am not being biased because i can't afford a mac.

just my 0.0000002 cents.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

I just ordered the Adobe upgrade to Premiere Production bundle for around $800 from VideoGuys. Thanks to Peter Bauer for pointing out this great deal! I had Photoshop, which made the upgrade possible.

I have (among other things) a Mac Pro with quad core and 24 GB of RAM.

If anyone else is considering switching to Premiere Pro CD 5.5, don't upgrade Mac OS to 10.6.8! It conflicts with the Mercury Playback engine! I was fortunate to see the warnings on the Adobe forum section here at DV Info.

I wonder if such incompatibility problems will increase over time.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

I agree with Alejandro 100%

MAC OS X, although a great and stable OS, it is NOT the best OS out there. Linux has both these systems beat by a landslide, however, nobody can make money off of Linux and that is precisely why no one develops for linux.

Windows 7, although plagued with constant updates, works extremely fast and just as well as Mac OS X. Most diehard "Macheads" don't have any valid arguments as to why their Mac's are "superior"...I also find it sad that people feel the need to own a mac in order for their "creativity to explode".

Windows 7 64 + Sony Vegas 10 = An extremely fast, extremely stable NLE WITH real time previews...no need to render.

I was on the fence not too long ago with going Mac or not and after some hands on experience with FCP 7...i'm not convinced AT ALL and FCP is NOT worth the 2k+ cost of upgrades...all I need to do is beef up my quad PC and i'll fly past any Mac.

Don't get me wrong either. I don't hate Mac's, but it is evident that they do NOT care about "Us". They only care about the iPod, iPad and iPhone users...no one else. It's evident in their latest FCP X release and the plethora of whinning "Mac Only" users just proves that Apple doesn't care about its customers...unless they're the iphone, ipad or ipod customers.

All i'm saying is..DO NOT be afraid to go the way of the PC...they have come a LOOOONG way from their past. A well built and specced out PC will SPANK a Mac or be on par with at a fraction of the cost....and Vegas? Best editor out there in my opinion :)

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

In other words, they do care about their customers.

Apple is a ship that is changing the direction of its course, and the consumer markets that it is heading into are some lucrative seas indeed.

Their next step: Apple to start making TVs, report says.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Soylent Green is people! For God's sake, it's people!

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

I am fairly familiar with Windows 7. The one thing I will say about OS X is the merciful absence of viruses and other malicious maladies. I have had way more "fun" with such problems on Windows than a person should be allowed to have, and I have used many flavors of anti-virus software, which I updated constantly.

I now have Windows 7 running in VM Fusion on three different Macs, but the use of the internet is solely restricted to required software updates, and I run Norton. The new, free product for internet security from Microsoft failed for a friend of mine.

Also, the constant updates for Windows 7 never seems to stop, and I have to go through the process over and over again, back-to-back, before it all "sticks"

Other's mileage may vary.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

B&H shows the full and upgrade versions of FCS3 as discontinued. The VideoGuys site says "With the release of the FCPX app, inventory of FCS3 has been very tight. We are now taking orders and hope to have more inventory in 1-2 weeks," and that's for the full version only.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

This has already been fixed, you only need new nVidia drivers.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

i've had windows 7, WITHOUT and antivirus, and i've never gotten as much as a facebook hack done, EVER.

you need to know what to open, i know this, because my last windows 7 install was 8 months ago, use it daily on the internet forums/facebook/youtube/vimeo and editing video!, latest updates (it updates automatically) and my wife, has had the her computer formatted 5 times in the same period! and she has antivirus!, so it all comes down to HOW you use the computer.

people don't write viruses for MAC because
1. macs are cute
2. everyone hates windows
3. bill gates has more money than steve jobs (ok, i kid i kid)

but seriously, pick up better internet habbits and you'll see how good it is...


and...question...why would you want a VM with windows 7 to not be online?
what can u possibly use it for? wordprocessing?

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Yep- internet use is key. I don't run any anti-virus and i'm in the same boat as Alejandro. No problems on that end. Windows 7 does constantly have updates though and that does get tedious.

"In other words, they do care about their customers."

Not across the board so it seems.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

I run the AVG free edition as my only antivirus on my Windows editing system CPU. After 10 years, very good. Long ago I learned that Nortons and many of the the other heavy Anti Virus programs end up crashing things more than any virus out there. They also use a lot of resources.

I had a FCP user in my office the other day as we rush edited a small film on Vegas Pro 10. I pulled three different file sources (mp4, avi, and .mov), all with different aspect rations, on to a timeline with out any pre processing. Editing in this fashion is normal for me and I was wondering why he was thinking I had to do something different.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

AVG is good. Sony Vegas has been able to mix and match footage for quite some time now without problems.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

I'm surprised how much action this thread has started, but I've seen a few points thrown around that need clarifying or reinforcing:

1. Since XP SP2 Windows machines have been every bit as stable as Mac OS X. However they key to keeping things rock-stable is NOT to use your edit system as your general internet browser or game machine. In fact, most serious post houses never connect their edit systems to the 'net at all specifically for that reason.

2. Windows only needs those constant updates for *internet-based* security, not OS stability. If you have a clean install of XP SP2 or above including Win 7 you do not need to ever get updates from Microsoft unless however a compatibility issue with newer hardware comes up.

3. If Sony Vegas had ever been a native Mac OS X application that's what I'd be using; it is a very powerful, fast and stable NLE. It's on par with but not quite as powerful as PP CS5.5.

4. Remember that switching NLE's or worse, switching over to a PC-only platform will COST you money TWICE. First in the expense of purchasing the software/hardware and second, in the time it takes you to get up to speed with the new environment.

DO NOT assume that if you're a master at FCP that you'll breeze through a system migration of any kind; there will always be "gotchas" that will spring up and you need to allocate time to deal with and fix them.

5. Although the future of FCP is now questionable you still have the option of running Boot Camp to get the best of both worlds. So yes, you always pay a premium for purchasing Apple hardware, but you can't run Mac OS X on a dedicated WinTel machine *without* creating a hack-intosh type rig. Definitely not recommended for any user at any cost.

6. If you follow the advice in point #1 you'll NEVER need any antivirus/anti-spyware on your system, thus nothing to slow it down in the background.

I can't stress enough that while FCP X has turned everything sideways for all of us, FCP 7 remains a very compelling reason NOT to spend any new monies on software - not just yet.

For those who are on older FCP versions, "7" is a worthwhile update as it adds compatibility and bug fixes that plagued previous versions.

In the end remember that software/hardware choices are nothing but tools; if you pick the best tool for your type of work then you'll be fine. Making an emotional bond to your tools or becoming blindly brand-loyal is not only counter productive, it's also a great way to toss money out the door.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

You don't have to buy a PC to run Sony Vegas Pro. I've got it on my MacBook Pro, running under BootCamp... the best of both worlds. I've got Vegas on there because I used to do a lot of news, and with Vegas I could cut very fast, then render to an mpeg2 for FTP uploading without having to leave the program. But I don't do news anymore, thank God.

Still playing with FCP X. So far so good. I'm coming around to the new look. The media management is going to tax my old brain for awhile, but I think I can get used to it.

I don't miss FCS 3 (sold mine this week). I was never crazy about it, anyway. But I liked it more than I do Premiere.

If I get into a situation where I need to do some really serious editing and bring other editors into the mix, I can call my son-in-law and use one of his company's Avid suites.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

My boss at work loves Sony Vegas and I have been forcing myself to play around with it under bootcamp. It has a few holes here and there but it is a very solid NLE.

My solution for dealing with viruses with Windows is to do my web surfing on my iPad.

When it comes to Windows it really does come down to three main areas where get viruses.

1. Adult content. Adult sites have a lot of drive by downloads that infect Windows.
2. Illegal software sites. Viruses just waiting to happen.
3. Junk email.

Avoid adult sites, illegal hacked software and take care with email and Windows can be very solid. I refuse to use virus protection because I view it as just as obtrusive as the viruses themselves. Plus I think viruses are a conspiracy and are created just so people will live in fear and waste money on virus protection every year.

Anyway getting back to Vegas. Those of you who work with RED should at least check it out. It supports native R3D files and works very well. At work our main editor uses CS5 to edit our RED footage but the boss loves Vegas and has used it on a few smaller projects. We all protest Vegas so it doesn't get used very much but we are really starting to consider using it more.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

My experience with Windows XP based production switchers and control room transmission equipment is that viruses get in and slowly ruin the system even with no Internet surfing done on the computers. Windows 7, I don't know as many companies still haven't upgraded their control software to it. The kicker is that some popular virus software sometimes treats the control software as viruses! Tricaster switchers have this problem. As Robert says, the best course of action is to isolated the PCs from the internet completely and download updates on another computer if they are really needed.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

If anyone is interested a have an unused copy of FCS 3 upgrade that has never been registered. I tried to sell it on the forum here but no one was interested.

I wonder if anyone wants it now that FCPX is hated by everyone...

I think that I will post it for sale again.... :)

Daniel Weber

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Hey Daniel, I would jack up the price on that FCS3 upgrade and put it on eBay! That thing is going to be like gold at least until the first FCP X update. ;P

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Can't tell any difference between FCP6 and 7 myself. Sure there are a couple of coloured markers/sequence icons, and better speed tools i rarely use, but 6 is solid a a rock IMO. The FCS3 "upgrade" was a lame excuse to sell customers a new box of expensive packaging with very little inside.

Concerning moving to a new NLE/platform due to FCPX i think many should hold off, take a deep breath, and ask themselves if it's really necessary. FCPX is a groundbreaking app with massive potential that is likely to be vastly improved very quickly. I believe Adobe, Avid etc, will be studying the app and looking for stuff to put in their own programs, because there is a hell of a lot of good stuff in this program and it's way too soon to write it off.

Unless you absolutely have to have the things avid/adobe have that apple doesn't, i suggest carrying on with Version 7 (or 6) and getting to know X on the side, because i think X is going to blow the competition out of the water within 18 months (probably sooner).

My 2 cents.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

I've straddled both the Mac and PC worlds as well as FCP and Adobe software. As originally a PC/Premiere user for over a decade, using Premiere with Matrox DigiSuite hardware, I found the sytem(s) to be very stable. For my home systems using Premiere I used AVG Free which provided good protection and didn't interfere with the editing software and continue to use it today.

My current system is Win 7 with Adobe CS5, woefully underpowered, (Quadcore 9450 and only 4GB of 800 mhz RAM), and I can still get realtime editing with color correction and scaling with one stream of HDV and one of AVCHD, both streams 1080i but editied in a standard def timeline.

Meantime, I enjoyed editing in FCP on my Macbook, I like its customizability and I love Soundtrack Pro. But have had speed problems and had the spinning color wheel a few times.

In the end, for me I've found good/bad points with both OS's and with both Adobe's and Apples editing suites. For people wondering what the future is, considering Adobe's CS5 on the MAC or CS5 and Vegas running under Win 7 isn't the end of the world. And FCPX sounds weird but interesting.

In the end, for FCP users, you're futures may be a bit more uncertain but don't get bummed. The alternatives may be better than you think.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

I see so many people living in the icloud, hoping and thinking that Apple will make FCPX into some amazingly useful NLE. If anyone else BUT Apple released this NLE, I guarantee none of you 'wishful' people would be saying the same about an Avid or Adobe 'X'. The Apple kool aid has gone sour ;)

Apple has been working on this 'app' since before 2008. They designed the iMovie interface and released it back in 2008; so, they have been working on it since then. How can you make excuses for a program lacking sooo many features and full of bugs when this app has been in the works for several years? Adobe rewrote not just Premiere CS5, but also After Effects CS5, Encore CS5 and Media Encoder CS5 in less than 2 years. Plus, they rewrote Photoshop CS4 and then CS5 on Mac. And should I mention that all 5 of these CS5 apps were rewritten for BOTH Mac AND Windows at the same time?

Sorry Robert, but I totally don't agree that people should just sit and wait for things to develop. As you know from your testing, the SPEED advantages and ultimately the EFFICIENCY of Premiere CS5 is worth the money to jump ship from FCP because the $800 or so spent on CS5 will pay for itself in time saved and hard drive space by not needing to waste time transcoding everything.

The funniest thing from all of this is that Premiere can OPEN FCP projects but FCP X can't. For those who are not aware, Premiere can use FCP 7 shortcuts.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Excellent info Steve. I'm on FCS 2 (FCP 6.0.6), mainly because I really did not think the minor incremental extras in FCP 7 were worth giving Apple money for - and I wanted to await the 64 Bit re-writing to use all the cores on my Mac Pro.

Well now it's here and I'm looking hard at Premier CS5.5 - for obvious reasons.

Question. Can CS5.5 open FCP 6.06 projects or do they have to be FCP 7? Thanks in advance.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Premiere opens FCP XML from any version of FCP.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

I don't recall saying to simply "sit and wait..." anywhere in my posts.

However as I've been saying it is highly advisable if not a must-do that all professional users of FCP 7 should be looking at options, not just PP but any NLE/hardware package that gets the job done AND comes with true manufacturer support.

Those options being, Premiere Pro, Avid, Edius, Sony Vegas Pro 10, and M100. Like any tool all these come with various capabilities, and a few are PC-only, but again anything that gets the job done and is directly supported is what any pro needs.

The notion that simply jumping off to a newer/different platform comes with costs of time and money, so absolutely nobody should be thinking to simply drop FCP and make a move, but rather spend time learning another NLE either by direct usage or on-line "how to" courses such as Lynda.com to get a real sense of what you're in for.

I've been getting asked often what my personal plan of action is for my own NLE needs, so I'm happy to share what I'll be doing at some point:

- Staying on the Mac platform to take advantage of dual OS's via Boot Camp.
- Upgrading my MBP to a newer 17" inch w/Thunderbolt
- Keeping FCP 7 so I can re-edit old client projects.
- Installing (2) SSD's (second HDD by using the OWC data doubler).
- Adding Production Premium CS 5.5 to my package.
- Take advantage of Thunderbolt with the new R6 RAID from Promise

I'm not going to purchase a new Mac Pro simply because that above setup would actually outperform my old Mac Pro by a small margin. And, I'm not going to a PC-only system because there are apps that I use constantly for pro editing that simply don't exist on the PC - and most likely never will.

As always I advise anyone who's thinking about dropping hard-earned cash to change-up or modify their existing NLE environment to do your due diligence, ask tons of questions and when possible get with a vendor or supplier who can DEMO a newer system for you before you spend a dime.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Hi Robert,

Sorry for the misunderstanding. It was late and I was interpreting your comments about sticking with FCP 7 as 'sit and wait'.

I think I read most of your blog last night and I appreciate the honesty and lack of Apple bias. Personally, I don't like the way Apple operates by limiting what its customers can and cannot do with their purchased hardware and software. For example, Apple uses only 4 ram slots and 4 PCIe slots (and 8 ram slots in the dual-cpu) whereas almost all other manufacturers include 6 or 12 ram slots and 6-7 PCIe slots. There is absolutely NO technical reason for Apple doing this. They do it so people must buy more Mac Pros.

I was waiting for the new FCP to buy a new 6-core Mac Pro to use with Smoke and Resolve and migrate some of the equipment from my Z800 (Areca raid & 12TB R5 array, BM Decklink Extreme 3D, Eizo CG243W and a Panny 1710w). However, my plans have changed even though I was really really looking forward to Smoke and Resolve (because I do most of the post work myself, I need the fastest software for my broadcast work). I have looked at all of the evidence and it appears that Apple wants to move to iOS (and possibly ARM chips). After all, Apple is great at providing an ecosystem designed to make everything easy and simple for their users. So, having the iOS on everything from their phone to their computers would provide the best overall experience.

In contrast, I see an opposite direction from HP with their newish 'Z' line and higher end tablets where HP is catering to professionals. In addition, the fact that Autodesk chose HP for their $40,000 to $300,000 IFFFS workstations rather than the almighty Mac Pro should mean something.

HAVE A GREAT 4th of JULY!

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

I agree, Robert -- I don't really think it's wise to suddenly jump into something new, especially if time can't be dedicated to learning a new program. My last full-time gig as a shooter/editor, I would never have had any time to learn a new NLE, even if it's not to bad of a transition from FCP 7 to Avid or Premiere Pro.

I'm still editing on FCP 7 right now, and I do have PP CS5 and Avid MC 4.5 standing buy if I need it. I also hope to try out FCP X this week, and I'm optimistic I'll be able to cut a test project this coming weekend.

Heath

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Sorry, but how does this make people buy more Mac Pros? What use are extra PCIe slots or RAM in another Mac Pro if you want to expand the system that you are using. The Mac Pro case is pretty tight inside so would need to be larger to accommodate extra expansion slots.

Re: To Mac or not to Mac: The Future for Mac-based editors
 

Robert, I respectfully disagree with almost everything you've said - the only exception being, of course, don't try to switch NLE's in the middle of a project.

I had the transition to Premiere a few months ago and my learning curve was almost non-existent. It is the same paradigm, and with my set up it's even the same keyboard shortcuts. You make it sound scary and time consuming to change, and it simply is not. At all. Either.

There is no significant advantage of FCP7 over Premiere. Each one has a slight lead in some areas, but they are on the margins. And since Premiere is still being updated, I think it is 100% incorrect for people to plan on staying with FCP7 for years.

Also when I made the transition to Adobe, my partner did as well. But since he was ready to buy new hardware, he went with a PC - and got the same processor in my macbook pro for half the cost with twice the memory. And he has had ZERO stability problems, caught ZERO viruses, in short had ZERO problems with it. We share projects between the two seamlessly.

Your evangelism of OSX as "the best OS ever produced" is worrisome to me as advice as well. If you believe that and it matters to you, then great. BUT like FCP vs. Premiere, Win 7 vs OSX is a story of marginal advantages on either side, when it comes to how it functions as a host for an editing station. The computer, the OS, the NLE, they're just tools, not your best friends. And both OSs are completely fine tools that do a completely fine job. Neither is perfect. And if one of them is the best ever made, then good for it. But that's not a difference that matters as much as you imply.

In terms of viruses and instability... it's easy for a conscientious user to not catch them.

Two years ago company I worked with had a Premiere-bases editing shop. They said they wanted to switch to FCP because they heard it was more stable. Being an FCP user at the time, I said, "No. It crashes as much, it locks as much, it will annoy you as much - just in slightly different ways." Six months after the switch I talked to them and they said, "Yup... sure enough." I'm guessing they're regretting that one now...

Long story short - FCP and PR are functionally equivalent, as are their OSs. One has an upgrade path and one does not. It's a pretty simply equation for me.