-
do people still use Avid?
I’m not being rhetorical, I’m just wondering with the lower cost, ease of use, and open architecture of FCP, does anyone still use Avids?
I’m a director and I’m getting ready to shoot a feature and the prodco has Avids. But I think of them as legacy machines, with all the proprietary stuff you have to buy instead of off-the-shelf drives and cards, etc. like FCP. We’re shooting on film and finishing to tape, but may go back to a negative cut later.
So, before I have the conversation with the producers about this – i was seriously wondering if people only use them if they’re stuck in some kind of upgrade path or if they already have them lying around and just haven’t bought into FCP yet.
(I used an Avid for a few projects back in the day (1999), but after FCP came out it was a no brainer: a couple of thousand for a complete FCP system, versus whatever insane prices Avids were at the time. Has that changed? Do they still have you by the short hairs with being forced to use their own brand of drives, et al?)
I am NOT trying to start an argument here in case this is sensitive topic. I’m just trying to plan for post and I’m editing it myself and I am wondering if it’s something I want to fight the prodco on or not.
And of course I’d like to hear if Avid has any advantages at all. Or should I just download the free version and see for myself if I can stand it? (I sure couldn’t if it hasn’t gotten any better since ’99. A bit clunky back then, hey?)
thanks.
-
18 Replies
-
Most of your high-end post houses are going to use avid. Media management is the main advantage. When FCP gets that going they should be able to steal the high-end market share. I think you’ll find where money is less of an issue, people opt for Avid. Getting very frustrated with it myself, but we use >20 rooms sharing media on Unity and FCP just isn’t up to the challenge. Can’t wait ’til it is.
I would NOT use the availability of Avid as a sign that a post house is inferior. Far from it. It’s the gold standard right now, but FCP is catching up fast (ahead in some areas) and I will be happy to see Avid get smacked around a bit by it.
good luck with your project
-Chris -
They already HAVE gotten smacked around a bit by it. The writing’s on the wall, and Avid has seen it and is taking it seriously. Or so I’ve been told by numerous folks I know at Avid.
XPro 6 is coming soon. You might find that it’s a great product, worthy of your project. Otherwise, go with FCP.
Yes, people still use Avid. Avid is still the industry leader. FCP may change that, but not without a fight. Pick the product you feel is best and good luck with your project.
And don’t waste your time with Avid Free DV: it’s not an accurate representation of what the higher-end Avid’s can do.
-
[Cwolfe] “but we use >20 rooms sharing media on Unity and FCP just isn’t up to the challenge. Can’t wait ’til it is.”
We’re running nearly 100 (Yes, one hundred) FCP seats all networked on X-SAN. We share media (over 48 terrabytes), projects and have a “team workflow” exactly like we used to have on Unity… only at 1/3 the price.
So, no need to wait. It’s definitely up to the challenge.
Mark
-
We have 8 seat FCP/Xsan system that is used everyday to cut reality tv shows for broadcast tv. No hazzle.. we don’t even have an own tech guy to look after the system. It just works. Extremely easy to figure out
Anders
-
Avid is for editors. FCP is for computer operators. jmho.
-
Yeah right. If you say tomato etcetc.. then I would have to say that FCP is for the new generation, while as the avid editors will all die out in 10 years..
Hey. I didn’t start this !!
Anders
-
Doubt anyone who has worked with both would say this. FCP does everything Avid does minus the crash my Adrenaline treats me to on an hourly basis. Hard to be an editor when I’m constantly rebooting.
would love to talk to folks about how FCP handles multiple users and ongoing project/media maintanence as well as conforming. All of these were weak areas last time I got on the box.
-
Each has it’s strengths, each has it’s weaknesses.
I use both. I love both, and when I get to choose which platform is right for a specific project, I get the best of both worlds.
And Avid house that hasn’t upgraded in 3 or more years I’d worry about. An Avid house the keeps up shows that they do really good business to be able to keep up. That’s a good sign.
jmho
debe
-
[Cwolfe] “would love to talk to folks about how FCP handles multiple users and ongoing project/media maintanence as well as conforming. All of these were weak areas last time I got on the box.”
I’d suggest you post this on the FCP forum, so as not to antagonize the Avid folks. Besides the Cow, there’s several other FCP boards where you can get some answers, like: LAFCPUG, Final Cut Pro-L, and Ken Stone’s list.
Mark
-
There’s no render time in Avid, which, for me, is a HUGE plus. Much time is saved.
Also, if you’re buying a home editing system, bear in mind that part of what your paying for in a Mac is the shiny, sleek metal box encasing the computer system. The computer’s pretty, but the price isn’t.
If you’re really looking to save a buck, buy a PC that is compatible with Avid Express DV. Many, many people will try and dissuade you from this, instilling all manner of fear about PC’s into you, but trust me, it works fine. You will save money.
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up