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Non-FCP user here, how stable is FCP 6?
Before I begin, I’ll take note that this may possibly be a silly question, but only because I don’t use FCP and hear mix responses, some rumour, some real. I’ve searched this forum and there are a few things discussed that cause crashes. I can’t relate because I don’t use FCP but they seem like minor issues. I’ll explain though why I am asking this question at this time:
I use Avid Xpress Pro and Adobe Premiere CS4. Avid is wonderfully solid but not as flexible as Premiere and so for a lot of recent projects I’ve been using Premiere. Now at CS4 I’m finding that once the project grows to a certain size and especially working in HD, the system starts to crash too often to be productive (this is on PC).
I’ve decided that I will purchase a Mac Pro and move my Adobe software across to Mac. I’m interested in FCP to replace Premiere as my workhorse editor. Since I’ve still got the bitter aftertaste of Premiere crashing too often, if I’m going to invest in FCP, I’d like to feel confident that on the latest Mac Pro with Final Cut Studio 2 I will have trouble free editing on long form projects. I know feature films are edited using FCP but I would just like to know if there is anything I should be aware of to tolerate about FCP before taking the jump. Any small irritating thing that an ignorant newbie may initially be perplexed by? I’d like to avoid surprises and get back to just editing great work. Perhaps there is nothing to worry about 🙂 Reassurance though feels good when making an investment in both time and money for both a hardware and software switch.
Thank you.
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5 Replies
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A probably setup computer with the applications properly installed crashes pretty rarely. I can’t remember the last time mine went down.
All the best,
Tom
Class on Demand DVDs “Complete Training for FCP6,” “Basic Training for FCS2” and “Final Cut Express Made Easy”
Author: “Final Cut Pro 5 Editing Essentials” and “Final Cut Express 4 Editing Workshop” -
Thanks Tom. Can I assume correctly that setting up the machine is relatively straight forward? Does Apple provide a list somewhere of what settings to make to the machine like Avid does? I plan on getting one of the new Mac Pros.
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Our system is extremely stable. I, too, can’t remember when FCP last crashed. Do a little research on the Cow and you’ll find many excellent recommendations on setup and install. Have at least 1GB RAM per core and a fast external RAID for capture. There are a number of good choices for a capture card/box: Kona, Blackmagic and MXO. Having a beefy graphics card like the ATI 4870 will speed certain graphics processes that take advantage of the GPU.
John
MacPro 8-core 2.8GHz 8 GB RAM OS 10.5.5 QT7.5.5 Kona 3 Dual Cinema 23 ATI Radeon HD 3870, 24″ TV-Logic Monitor
ATTO ExpressSAS R380 RAID Adapter, PDE Enclosure with 8-drive 6TB RAID 5Final Cut Studio 2 (up to date)
Pro Tools HD w SYNC IO, Yamaha DM1000, Millennia Media HV-3C, Neumann U87, Schoeps Mk41 mics, Genelec Monitors, PrimaLT ISDN
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[James Iles] “Since I’ve still got the bitter aftertaste of Premiere crashing too often, if I’m going to invest in FCP, I’d like to feel confident that on the latest Mac Pro with Final Cut Studio 2 I will have trouble free editing on long form projects. I know feature films are edited using FCP but I would just like to know if there is anything I should be aware of to tolerate about FCP before taking the jump. Any small irritating thing that an ignorant newbie may initially be perplexed by?”
Don’t skimp on the media array. Most problems with FCP on these forums are people who buy the cheapest, smallest possible solution and then wonder why they get dropped frames, crashes and poor playback.
Put a minimum of 8GB RAM in your machine.
Put in an ATI card if you plan to take advantage of Color.
Put in an AJA Kona LHi if you need a video card. This is pretty much an all-in-one card with HD/SD conversions, Digital, Analog, etc..
Been on FCP since 2001 delivering and FCP 6.0.6 is very very stable. Over 100 HD Broadcast shows, over 200+ SD Broadcast masters delivered and currently working on three feature length documentaries with over 200 hours of raw material.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author.
Credits include multiple Emmy, Telly, Aurora and Peabody Awards.
Biscardi Creative MediaCreative Cow Forum Host:
Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion, Apple Color, AJA Kona, Business & Marketing, Maxx Digital. -
Thank you all for your answers. I’m now feeling excited about the idea of the switch. And more excited about playing with a brand new Mac Pro!
I see that Snow Leopard is coming very soon and there’s news of Final Cut Studio 3 about. So a lot to look forward too.
James
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