[David Mathis]

I am ruining Resolve on a older mid 2012 Mac Pro. Could explain my experience.

[David Mathis]

Yes. Just got a liitle too excited. Going to sit in the corner now. 😉

camera operator | editor | production assistant

Remember kids, tracks are you friends when you charge by the hour. Track Tetris, game on!

[David Mathis]

While part of me does miss Final Cut Pro 7 and versions prior, I have found FCP X to be fast (in most situations), responsive, more efficient and fun to work with.

The biggest thing I miss most is the “Send To Motion” function. I doubt that we will see that feature anytime soon. On the other hand, it is fairly easy to create a custom transition, generator, effect or title in Motion 5 for later use inside of FCP X which is a huge time saver and fun to do.

I did find myself fighting the magnetic timeline at first, granted that tracks are useful but the way FCP goes about editing makes things much faster.

Not sure if you have been following Resolve 11 but in the latest update (still in beta with full version due at end of month) is the ability to perform a swap edit or add a default transition to multiple clips at the same time. Both of these features were in FCP 7 and some earlier versions. Resolve is not yet considered a prime time NLE because of choppy playback but maybe that will be addressed. Until then, FCP X gets the job done and I find it a pleasure to work with.

[David Mathis]

[Scott Witthaus] “And it is something that is natural for young folk too…no pill needed. Once again, I watched my students edit last night and FCPX is just so natural to them. Really amazing to watch. Way more than FCP7 ever was. Apple got something very right here. Now, if they just keep on supporting it…”

Very true. It does feel natural. At first it was confusing and intimidating after being used to a tracked base approach for years but now it is much faster and, most important, fun!

I also like how Motion takes the approach to what would be the equivalent of a pre-comp in After Effects or other layered based motion graphics software. No need to switch between tabs and using a simple keyboard shortcut makes things much more approachable and fast.

I too hope that Apple continues to support this software.

[David Mathis]

[Lance Bachelder] “CC will probably keep growing because folks still need Photoshop and AE.”

There are alternatives to Photoshop, with Acorn being one of them. From what I read, Acorn has a very solid non-destructive workflow. You can also arrange the order of any filters or effects which is a very nice feature. Once you save the project you can always go back and make further changes when necessary.

I do agree on After Effects as Motion does not have some advanced features though there are ways of accomplishing the same task. Perhaps not in the next year it does look Fusion will become a very viable alternative. I love the fact that it is node based but not sure about using it for motion graphics. Still think that layers is a more “appropriate” approach. By the time the next NAB comes about, or shortly on either side, we will learn more about Blackmagic Design has in store for Fusion, really would be glad should it be available for the Mac platform as well. Time will tell. My thoughts on the subject.

camera operator | editor | production assistant

Remember kids, tracks are you friends when you charge by the hour. Track Tetris, game on!

[David Mathis]

I had an interest in Smoke but it is a bit expensive and has a steep learning curve. I hope that Fusion does not get “blended” into Resolve but stays the course as a separate application.

Choppy playback is one reason that Resolve is not considered a full fledged alternative at this point. Hopefully that issue will be addressed in the next version. Otherwise, it looks to be very solid.

[David Mathis]

I have no plans to abandon Final Cut Pro X or Motion anytime soon. I am keeping an eye on what the Blackmagic Design team does with Fusion. If the price is right and there is very good integration between Resolve and Fusion, I might consider gradually moving over to Fusion but still keep FCP X and Motion handy.

I am now considering using Resolve as an editor and for color grading. After all, the tools are excellent to mention trimming and keyframing is much better. Add to that, some of the functionally from Final Cut Pro 7 and versions prior have been added into the mix. The ability to have a swap edit or apply a default transition to multiple clips at the same time with a simple keyboard shortcut is just super duper awesome.

For finishing, I will continue to rely on FCP X and Motion. Despite no “Send To Motion” option, there is still plenty to be excited about. Creating custom transitions, generators, titles and effects is not only a time and money saver but it is super duper fun!

I might even use Fusion to process still images and enhance photos for post-production and editing. Really like the concept of node based compositing though I would use Motion for motion graphics and stuff like that.

I am even considering doing stop motion type of work for a show open or title sequence. Even going the use minimalist type of motion graphics. Guess that makes me the “less is more” type of person.

I might rent Photoshop from time to time if necessary but not go long term. I might even add Acorn just to avoid subscription only scenario.

Sorry for the somewhat long post but those are my thoughts and hope it adds to the discussion. Love to hear to any feedback or opinions.

Cheers!

[David Mathis]

One thing I absolutely can not stand is that darn auto correct feature. How in the world am I ever going to learn how to spell or have good grammar skills when the computer keeps holding my hand and doing the work for me? Everything is too automated with exception of the magnetic timeline in FCP X, that is different. 🙂

[David Mathis]

[Oliver Peters] “Somehow after reading this thread, shooting that Bentley commercial with an iPhone make perfect sense!

;-)”

Was thinking the same thing. Guess a screen door on a submarine will not be far behind. 🙂

[David Mathis]

Thank you for the feedback, very much appreciated. I hope there is some customer award or loyalty type of program as well. I would be willing to spend a little more up front for the old school license with a two year mandatory subscription on an annual or monthly cost basis with a slight discount for those that choose annual. To me that would be of benefit for both Adobe and its customers. This way, people will still be able to open files, regardless if the let their subscription lapse after the two year period. That is the other “concern” I do have.