AC130: AC130 and Mac

[Zim]

I think the AC130 will probably meet my needs for my DVX100b replacement. Can any of you AC130 users, Barry or Jan tell me if there are any issues using this camera with MacBook Pro (10.8.2) and Final Cut Pro? I'm using 6 now but will upgrade to Final Cut X. I don't want a big hassle getting the computer or FCP to recognize the camera. I want to plug and edit. Thanks for your help

 

[rzr219]

I was using final cut 6 and tried FCX, what a joke after using 6. If you are thinking about a new NLE try Adobe. I switched and love it, footage drops right in and works. However to answer your question either system is mostly plug and play just follow the steps listed (in the software manual) and you will have no issues.

 

[Zim]

Thanks and I looked at some info on Adobe CS. Looks pretty good. I might give it a shot. I get the feeling that Final Cut X is more like iMovie?

I was using final cut 6 and tried FCX, what a joke after using 6. If you are thinking about a new NLE try Adobe. I switched and love it, footage drops right in and works. However to answer your question either system is mostly plug and play just follow the steps listed (in the software manual) and you will have no issues.

 

[jchristie]

I don't think that the AVCHD log and transfer plug-in works with FCP 6. I have an AC160 and I've had no problems working in FCP 7. It also works fine in FCP-X. Those who've put in the hours to get comfortable with FCP-X really like it. But it's a different mindset and a different way of working. I'll probably switch to Adobe myself at some point. Try the 30 day trial of FCP-X before you commit.

 

[Zim]

Good idea thanks

I don't think that the AVCHD log and transfer plug-in works with FCP 6. I have an AC160 and I've had no problems working in FCP 7. It also works fine in FCP-X. Those who've put in the hours to get comfortable with FCP-X really like it. But it's a different mindset and a different way of working. I'll probably switch to Adobe myself at some point. Try the 30 day trial of FCP-X before you commit.

 

[Ram S.O.S]

I have an AC 160 and I've completed projects in both Premiere Pro CS6 and Final Cut X 10.0.7 and both of them are more than capable with the AVCCAM cameras. In fact they both support native AVCHD Editing. I'm a long time FCP User since version 1.2.5, I've been using FCP 7.0.3 for years now and I've decided it's time for a change. The initial release of FCP X was lacking and dumbed down in my opinion, so I did one project in it a year ago then went back to 7. Fast forward a year and I decided to try Premiere Pro CS6 and I felt it was a lot like what FCP8 should have been. True native support for every format available, just point the media browser to your private folder and you have instant access to you clips. You then select the clips you want to choose and import them into your project instantly. And start editing. I'm using an i7 quadcore Macbook Pro with 12 Gigs of Ram, and A Quad Core i5 Imac in my office also with 12 GB of Ram, they both are running Mountain Lion.

I find that premiere pro runs very well on both systems, occasionally I get some audio lag but if I stop playing and start playing again everything works fine. I was sold on CS6 especially since it has a FCP keyboard shortcut preset. There were a few things I didn't love about CS6 so I decided to take one more look at FCPX before choosing a standard software for my work. I have to admit that I seriously resisted FCPX and down-talked it to my friends. What I have learned is if you are willing to open your mind a little bit FCPX is very powerful and efficient now after a couple major releases. I have never touched iMovie so it was a foreign concept to me.

I watched a few tutorials and tried it out and I have to say i really like it. There is something you need to know about how it handles native AVCHD, you have to import AVCHD footage into your event folder but It does not alter the file size at all. The process of importing it rewraps the files as Quicktime Movies. You do not have to wait for this process to happen to start your edit, you can start editing as soon as you choose the clips you want to use and the importing is done in the background while you work. The magnetic timeline takes some getting used to. I really love the multicam built into X, I've done a 16 angle multi-cam edit with no problem using proxy media. FCPX can automatically create proxy media to use for multi-cams then you can switch back to your original media after choosing your shots.

Bottom line is they are both great software and will both work great with your camera. If you want to use software that is similar to what you are used to go with PPCS6, if you are willing to open your mind and try something different give FCPX a try you can't go wrong either way. Here is a link to a really cool workflow tutorial for FInal Cut X that shows how a pro post house harnesses it's abilities. Superb walk through tutorials on making trails with Final Cut Pro X on shared storage

 

[Ram S.O.S]

I forgot to mention that both Premiere Pro CS6 and Final Cut Pro X have real time preview playback of just about every thing you do, this includes Filters and Transitions including 3rd party. The real time performance is based on your system, the more RAM you have the better and with Premiere pro certain video cards help a lot. FCPX can do background rendering while you continue to work. I run 12 gigs of RAM and I think that's the sweet spot but I recommend at least 8 and more than 12 is even better.

 

[Zim]

Thanks Ram I'm glad to hear you like FCX. So you can mix HD and DV footage in the timeline with out screwing it up, that is good to hear. FCX is a few hundred cheaper too. I guess I'll try it out for a month like j said. I use a DVX100b so I probably need to look at some Mac upgrades. My mac is 4GB of ram I think. Probably could use a little more.

 

[Ram S.O.S]

Thanks Ram I'm glad to hear you like FCX. So you can mix HD and DV footage in the timeline with out screwing it up, that is good to hear. FCX is a few hundred cheaper too. I guess I'll try it out for a month like j said. I use a DVX100b so I probably need to look at some Mac upgrades. My mac is 4GB of ram I think. Probably could use a little more.

4 Gigs of RAM will work it's just the minimum you can get away with. One thing about FCPX is it has very limited tape based support, You can capture from a tape via firewire but you are limited to a capture now option. You cannot log and batch capture media. And there is no support to go from your timeline to MiniDV, you are limited to file based output and optical media. Honestly I haven't used it with dv tape but I have read about this. However I believe Premiere Pro CS6 still fully supports a MiniDV workflow so that's something to think about. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong about this. So if you still shoot to tape Premiere Pro CS6 is likely the best choice for you and it's some great software.

 

[Zim]

If I keep using the DVX100b I'd probably just stay with FCP 6. But I'm thinking about getting the AC130a so I'd upgrade. The more I read about CS6 the more I like it.

4 Gigs of RAM will work it's just the minimum you can get away with. One thing about FCPX is it has very limited tape based support, You can capture from a tape via firewire but you are limited to a capture now option. You cannot log and batch capture media. And there is no support to go from your timeline to MiniDV, you are limited to file based output and optical media. Honestly I haven't used it with dv tape but I have read about this. However I believe Premiere Pro CS6 still fully supports a MiniDV workflow so that's something to think about. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong about this. So if you still shoot to tape Premiere Pro CS6 is likely the best choice for you and it's some great software.

 

[LanceOregon]

If I keep using the DVX100b I'd probably just stay with FCP 6. But I'm thinking about getting the AC130a so I'd upgrade. The more I read about CS6 the more I like it.

As always, it is best to download and use the 30 day trial first. That way you will know exactly what you are getting into.

One great thing about Adobe is that the software does have a lot of online help and tutorials available. And good support from third party books. So there is no shortage of resources to go to, if you should run into any issues in using the software.

 

[Michael Carter]

I went from a DVX100b to an HMC150 and now an AC130. It's pretty seamless and you'll feel at home very quickly. The newer cams give you much better focus and exposure tools though; the 130's focus peaking is really nice, and using it with even a smaller pro monitor is a dream. I find the 130's LCD to be a huge step up from the 150's blueish mess, too.

If you'd like to get into keying and compositing, the 130 beats the 150 by a mile - those full raster chips make keying easier - and either one blows DV away. The dual cards in the 130 really give you some peace of mind, too. I just did some handheld footage from a helicopter and I was honestly blown away by how effective the VR in the 130 was - really saved the day. People have complaints about the AF in the 130, but I don't do a lot of run & gun so it's not an issue I can comment on.

One note - I converted my medium format (film) case when I got my DVX. The HMC was a tight squeeze - and the 130 wouldn't fit in anything that I had. For carry-on I had to get a decent sized backpack and it's a squeeze. They get bigger with every generation...

 

[Zim]

Thanks Michael. It does look a little bigger and my converted camera bag might need replaced.

I went from a DVX100b to an HMC150 and now an AC130. It's pretty seamless and you'll feel at home very quickly. The newer cams give you much better focus and exposure tools though; the 130's focus peaking is really nice, and using it with even a smaller pro monitor is a dream. I find the 130's LCD to be a huge step up from the 150's blueish mess, too.

If you'd like to get into keying and compositing, the 130 beats the 150 by a mile - those full raster chips make keying easier - and either one blows DV away. The dual cards in the 130 really give you some peace of mind, too. I just did some handheld footage from a helicopter and I was honestly blown away by how effective the VR in the 130 was - really saved the day. People have complaints about the AF in the 130, but I don't do a lot of run & gun so it's not an issue I can comment on.

One note - I converted my medium format (film) case when I got my DVX. The HMC was a tight squeeze - and the 130 wouldn't fit in anything that I had. For carry-on I had to get a decent sized backpack and it's a squeeze. They get bigger with every generation...