[Tom Galli]

[Andrew McKee] “I think the problem your having is that Media Composer doesn’t really market itself for lone gunman. Its really a niche product for people who use it to just edit and don’t tend to worry about the rest of the stuff. Unfortunately, if you wanat to use it for post from start to finish, you really have to combine it with another suite of products.”

That is truly disappointing news. And probably, from a cost-of-crossing-over perspective, will end up being a deal-breaker. Dangnabit!

The difference between theory and reality is that, in theory, there is no difference between theory and reality.

[Tom Galli]

After a week, nothing has exploded. I’ve not had a chance to really push the machines, but they’ve been in rotation in the lab, and so far, I’ve not heard any complaints. One of them is being weird about connecting with other machines to share files, I need to investigate that.

In two weeks, I’ll start teaching FCP using one of them as the demo machine. That will be the smoke test, at least from my perspective.

The difference between theory and reality is that, in theory, there is no difference between theory and reality.

[Tom Galli]

Ok, my reinstall disk, 10.6.7, came over the weekend. So far, the results are promising.

If I stick the disk in and click the “Install OS X” icon, it doesn’t work. Of course. But if I restart the machine while holding C, it boots from the disk. It allows me to repartition, erase, and install. Then I use Migration Assistant to install the software and accounts from a backup drive.

With a little luck, I’ll have all 4 machines rebuilt by tomorrow evening. Time will tell if they are stable or not.

The difference between theory and reality is that, in theory, there is no difference between theory and reality.

[Tom Galli]

The machine is model iMac12,1
The retail Snow Leopard disc is version 10.6.3, which I find odd since I bought it just a couple of weeks ago.

There’s a theory that if I could find a reinstall disk from an iMac that has the same hardware but shipped with SL that I could use that disc to successfully downgrade. I spoke at length at Apple tech support, and while they would not confirm that it would work, they cheerfully sold me a reinstall disk for $16. It should be here sometime before the 21st, as USPS was the only shipping option they had.

I’ll report back as soon as that comes to pass.

The difference between theory and reality is that, in theory, there is no difference between theory and reality.

[Tom Galli]

Ok, a new iMac that shipped with Lion cannot be downgraded to SL. It will not boot from a retail SL disc. As a target drive, it will refuse to be erased by a SL computer. This isn’t internet wisdom, this is me having tried it.

However, Migration Assistant DID move everything, including FCS2, to the new machine. And FCS2 launched! I’ll do a little editing on it over the next couple of days, see what I get in the way of stability.

The difference between theory and reality is that, in theory, there is no difference between theory and reality.

[Tom Galli]

Over the years, I have tried several times to downgrade Apple machines. Never once (yet) have I found a case where I could put an older OS on a new machine. If that works this time, I will be MOST thankful! But over a decade of cursing Apple and their forced upgrades tells me that I should not get my hopes up.

The difference between theory and reality is that, in theory, there is no difference between theory and reality.

[Tom Galli]

The 15′ was based on having something wide enough to shoot a full person head-to-toe. The space where we’re planning to hang has a clearance of 7’6″, and working with a (roughly) 2:1 aspect ratio, that gave me 15′. Wider could work, there’s room. And I suppose I could work with smaller.

What’s kind of key (pun intended) due to the university’s grant spending process is that fewer venders is better. If I can find a one-stop shop that has not only my backdrops but the hardware to mount them, that would make the administration smile upon me.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I’ve had better luck with smaller sized rolls. Right now, I’m looking at Infinity Vinyl Backgrounds from Savage Paper and a RollEasy mount from Photo Tech.

Please keep the suggestions coming!
Tom G

The difference between theory and reality is that, in theory, there is no difference between theory and reality.

[Tom Galli]

It’s always nice to see feedback from someone who has taken time to research the program, look at where a class lies in the overall curriculum, and make an educated assessment.

The difference between theory and reality is that, in theory, there is no difference between theory and reality.

[Tom Galli]

Yeah, the decision-making is certainly simplified by knowing your needs. And mine are probably different than most folks. For me, performance and workflow are actually secondary concerns. My major interests are in having a camera that teaches generalizable skills and runs on affordable media.

I keep a stable of 8 pro cameras for an average of 35 students per semester. Each student does multiple projects, all with shared deadlines. So, effectively, I have to have a minimum of 35 pieces of media. More practically, I need 70. Not a problem with $5 mini-DV tapes. Insurmountable problem with $700 P2 cards.

Of course reliability is a concern. If I buy anything besides Sony, I have no local support. Repairs mean boxing it up and shipping it across an ocean.

It will have full manual controls. I am a firm believer that you best learn the techniques and theories by actively practicing them. Transitioning to a camera that does the work for you is easy. Walking into a TV station for a job interview when you’ve only handled prosumer gear isn’t.

I’m glad that I started this thread! I’ve become aware of cameras that are contenders but I had previously overlooked. Both the Sony XDCam and the JVC cameras have potential. And, who knows, there might be something new on the market by the time I do make my purchase.

Please keep the suggestions coming!

The difference between theory and reality is that, in theory, there is no difference between theory and reality.

[Tom Galli]

Wow… that HM700 looks promising! I’d (naturally) prefer a full 50 Mbps data stream and true 4:2:2 sampling, but that seems unlikely in my budget range.

I’m concerned about the $700 batteries, though. I’ve got 6 Anton-Bauer Q2 chargers and many ProFormer 3 Logic Series batteries. The batts are dying and in need of replacement anyway, but it wouldn’t hurt my feelings to be sure that I could buy batteries that are:
A> compatible with by chargers,
B> compatible with the new cameras,
C> under $200 each.

I know, it’s old school technology now. But, really, $700 per battery? And $2,000 per charger? Do I really need that level of technology in my power supply?

The difference between theory and reality is that, in theory, there is no difference between theory and reality.