New P2 User - Still have to pick HD editor

[va-vid]

I'm getting ready to go on my first HD and first HPX170 shoot - I thought I would be getting a new macpro quadcore and FCP latest, but based on the nature of my shooting and short time in the field, I had to spend a chunk on 2 E type 64G cards. Due to slow download issues w/ the 64G cards. Now I'm short on cash.

I saw in a post that Barry Green is not an FCP user. I need some thoughts from more experienced people because I have been afraid that Premiere and Vegas would have many issues and I'd have problems solving them without much support (Canopus, Avid & Media 100 look too expensive as it is).

How important is it for me to ante up for a current MAC solution, can I cheap out and get a used laptop to handle near term needs (like simple editing, some color correcting and perhaps speed adjustments or trimming edges to get a better frame). How easy is it to be successful on a PC solution?

Note I am set up to use Barry's gigabit ethernet transfer to the mac. I'll be downloading my 2 64G cards at night to two hard drives.

[wgzn]

until fcp version 6 i still edited in the field on an OLD 1.0 ghz powerbook G4.

so NO. you absolutely do NOT need the latest and greatest (or even an intel mac) to work with P2 footage. youd be just fine with a decent desktop G5.

BUT BUT BUT!!!

DO keep in mind if you are using after effects CS4 or the most recent version of FCP you will need at least an intel mac.

[Barry_Green]

Use whatever you like to edit. If you like FCP, go right ahead. If you think you're "supposed" to use FCP because it's somehow "better" than the others, well, at that point you'll find a whole lot of disagreement. So if you prefer it for some reason, it'll work fine, and you most definitely don't need the latest hardware in order to run a satisfactory DVCPRO-HD editing environment.

If you like the Mac but don't necessarily need to go with FCP, you also have choices of Avid and Premiere Pro CS4 available to you.

[TedRR]

How easy is it to be successful on a PC solution?

We have been very successful with our XP and Vista systems.
Our only editor is NewTek's SpeedEDIT. Natively supports the P2 workflow. We just finished an HD video this week and made bank on it with our PC's and SpeedEDIT. :happy:

It's not so much the tool, but more about the talent in the hands that hold the tool.
Best of luck!

[ChipG]

Also check eBay for used software, I have seen lots of editing programs (complete with license) sell for 1/3 to 1/2 of what they cost new.

[Barry_Green]

We have been very successful with our XP and Vista systems.
Our only editor is NewTek's SpeedEDIT. Natively supports the P2 workflow. We just finished an HD video this week and made bank on it with our PC's and SpeedEDIT. :happy:

It's not so much the tool, but more about the talent in the hands that hold the tool.
Best of luck!
Hey Ted, are they EVER gonna update SpeedEdit for AVCHD?

[TedRR]

Hey Ted, are they EVER gonna update SpeedEdit for AVCHD?

I'll check on that. There is a new build coming out soon.
I've been pretty busy with work and haven't been here much. So If I don't respond in a day or two feel free to put a boot in my rear and e-mail me. :happy:

[va-vid]

Thanks everyone for the replies.
I'm hoping get some insight on the strengths and weaknesses of the reasonably priced solutions, not just a confirmation of any preconceptions I may appear to have. FCP & a Mac are at the high end of my budget.

I've been slogged down in the past with a less supported NLE (DPS velocity) had a lot of issues and folks in my area seem to almost 100% go for FCP or Avid for the big boys.
I like the almost 1 stop shop that FCP 7 has, but hate big bloated Apple hardware prices.

[Barry_Green]

and folks in my area seem to almost 100% go for FCP or Avid for the big boys.
It's not your area, it's pretty much worldwide. Among the professional video editing shops, FCP and Avid dominate the market. Among news shops, not so much (well, Avid Newscutter maybe, and EDIUS, and whatnot). In smaller shops you'll find a lot of Premiere and Vegas implementations. But any editing house of any size will always have at least an FCP and Avid MC workstation, and any freelancer will pretty much have to know FCP and/or MC to make a living among those types of shops...