Need help deciding what editing software is for me!

[Palace Films]

I've used Final Cut and Premiere but I've been hearing a lot about Vegas, which I have NOT used. I have always been a Mac fan (even though I pretty much use PC), but based on my experience, I LOVE Final Cut Pro, that's what I use at my work. After saving some cash, I'm looking to buy a home editing rig. I don't know what to really do. Should I make the switch?

This editing software would be used to edit feature films, local commercials, and segments for a Chicago based program.

Any suggestions? HELP!

[Ralph Oshiro]

Download the Sony Vegas trial version and play around with it. I did, and I was SOLD!

[Barry_Green]

Vegas is my favorite editing software of the bunch, but only for DV, and not if you're going to the HVX. If you're going to be editing HVX footage, follow your first love and stick with FCP or look at Canopus Edius Broadcast.

[Palace Films]

What features does Vegas have that I should know about? Why is it so loved?

Thanks for your input!, it really helps!

[CaptainMench]

Did my post go away -- or did I forget to hit the Post button????

I thought I had a good one...

CaptM

[Palace Films]

Guess you forgot to hit the post button

[CaptainMench]

Aargh... Ok. I'll try again. Had a glass of wine that's now wore off, but...

After seeing and reading what Adobe has come out with in their production suite it is VERY tempting. After Effects and now Audition are HUGE. Live updating across programs? VERY impressive.

The world is almost done hiring just editors... or just compositors... or just music editors. Today many small companies have the luxury to hire HYBRID production people. Knowing these suite programs are a big help.

That said... Soundtrack stinks. Wouldn't use it for anything other than building loop songs... Motion is a nice addition, but it isn't AfterEffects by a long shot. Compressor... well - there are other programs that do that too.

FCP is a fantastic NLE... that's for sure. It will handle just about anything pro level you can throw at it. But hey -- this is where I turn the corner once again... If you have to go beyond Motion you probably should have hired it out anyway. If you have to go beyond Soundtrack... buy Peak LE... anything more and you should hire out.

FCP has the best package for us Hybrid people as a whole... however, if I was PC based I'd REALLY be looking at the Adobe stuff.

Good luck,

CaptM

[Palace Films]

Well I've decided to stick with Final Cut. What are your Final Cut rigs? I'm looking to get a Dual 2.3 Ghz G5 with 4 GB RAM and 500 GB Hard drive. and 2 17 inch NEC LCD monitors. Good?

[CaptainMench]

I'd buy a few 500Gig HDs.

I've got a friend who raided a few together in his G5 box... tied them together and spaced them out with popsicle sticks.

I'll send you the info in a bit...

500 gigs isn't enough. Plus, if you want to do Uncompressed sometime you'll need a RAID.

CaptM

[BenB]

Not to mention that in about 6-8 months Apple will replace the high end G5 towers with yet unreleased Intel CPUs that will totally ROCK! And you'll be able to run Windows on it. And not just that, but Windows is running better on the Intel Macs than it does on Windows PCs. Go figure...