Final Cut Pro X – A Viable Update?

Six months after its release, there is another update for FCPX that might make users give it a second chance. Multicam support, XML, broadcast monitoring, and an app that allows you to transfer FCP7 files. It’s a big step, but is it enough?

Apple has posted the info of the update, and the internet has already begun talking about it. Check out the full post from Planet5D breaking it all down.

I have yet to edit a full project using FCPX. I feel awkward and uncomfortable, and if I want to get anything done quickly I have to go back to FCP7. I do know people who like it, and a colleague of mine absolutely loves it. This is not some chump who decided to start editing one day. He’s a USC Film School graduate, and feels that the speed and power of FCPX gives him more time to spend on other things.

However you feel about FCPX, I think this could be a step in the right direction. Many users have already made the switch to Adobe Premiere or even Avid’s workhorse Media Composer 6. Editors have options now, and I think it would behoove Apple to take notice. Their first good idea was to allow a 30 day trial for users. This took place back in September with the program’s first update. My main issue with X has been that it’s a completely different system. If I’m able to take the time and bridge the gaps, there might be some hope.

Afterthought: a few weeks ago I got around to reading a white paper from Apple explaining the differences between FCPX and FCP7. The doc is no longer online, and I’m guessing that it’s being revised to work with this new update. I’ll keep an eye out for the new doc, because I think I’m finally ready to give this program another shot.

Update! Check out this great post from Philip Bloom’s blog, with 7 pro FCPX editors explaining why they use the program.

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Unable to Render? Look At Your Settings.

Usually when I use Magic Bullet Quick Looks I will run into this error message. I’ve always assumed it had to do with the fact that I’m just using a MacBook. I am usually able to get around the error by rendering clips on their own rather than all at once. Very annoying, but a work around to use. Tonight though the message wouldn’t go away. I tried everything that had worked for me before, and then hit up Google for some help.

Luckily, Red Giant already has the answer in their help section. All you need to do is change your render settings.

I started by closing the lid on my MacBook to use only one monitor. I then went into my Sequence settings, and under the Video Processing tab I selected Render in 8-bit. I went back to my timeline and started to render, voila!

I’m sure someday I’ll be able to upgrade, but it looks like for now I’m doing just fine with my good ol’ MacBook.

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Update to the EOS Movie E1 Plugin

If you use Final Cut Pro and work with HDSLR footage, you are very aware of the need to transcode your footage for editing. There are a few third party options, and just recently we all gained a major leg up from Canon. The EOS Movie E1 plugin allows you to transcode your files directly into Final Cut using Log & Transfer, including timecode. Select your files, and bring them on in. It’s decently fast, and very simple. The plugin is not supported for T2i users, so there is a quick and easy hack to get you going.

I still use MPEG Streamclip most of the time, but only because I am bad at sitting down and working on an edit as soon as I shoot. I generally need to dump my files onto my hard drive to work with later. Why is this a problem? I’ve never actually been able to mount my files correctly so that the plugin recognizes them. I am only able to use it straight off my memory cards. If anyone has any hints for that, I’d LOVE to hear them. When I am able to use Log and Transfer, I really like it. It takes a bit longer than MPEG Streamclip, but I like being able to scrub through my stuff and make sure I’m bringing in what I really need.

The plugin has been around for a few months, and Canon has just updated it. This newer build takes advantage of your system’s dual cores to process footage more quickly. It also adds compatibility with the new 60D, but no mention of the T2i. This could be because of the known hack, or maybe they’re just ignoring the users all together. Not a nice move, but probably not the end of the world since we’re a crafty bunch.

Canon Europe has the new E1 plugin available for download.

Thanks to Wide Open Camera for the heads up!

Note: Some users have experienced a pretty random loss of footage using this method. Their files are transcoded and appear normal, but they are finding that their clips are missing info. Be sure to double check your clips to avoid losing important shots. This might be fixed with the upgrade, so we’ll have to wait and see.

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Firsties!

Everyone remembers their first time.

Especially when it’s color correction, shooting a party, and that addiction-inducing first timelapse. Here are my very special firsties.

Color correction using Magic Bullet Quick Looks was and continues to be a lot of fun. I haven’t been using many of the more extreme settings lately, but I’m sure I will in the future. This was my first crack at it, right after I started using Final Cut Pro.

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