Which version of FCP should I get?

Hi, Noel here, iMac 3.06 Ghz i3, 4GB 1333 Mhz DDDR3. I will be assemble editing a short piece shot at 720P on P2 cards. (Panasonic HVX 200A)
after doing the assemble edit, I will be sending it to another editor who works on FCP studio 2, I believe that is FCP 6. I've never sent out a project to another editor so that will be a new experience. Should I find a used copy of FCP 6 and send him the project file from that or is there good reason to assemble it in FCP 7 and send it to him using XML files? Be gentle, I have been away from video since the FCP 2 days.
Thanks!

Export an XML. Experiment with which version of XML you should sent (or send multiple ones); XML import can be a bit hit-or-miss when crossing software versions.


www.derekmok.com

Thanks Derek, probably best to not go too many versions down, so maybe FCP 7 is the best choice?

That would be XML v4.

However, my suggestion would differ from Derek's. As a general rule when working between workstations, use the same version of everything, from machines, to OS, to QT versions, to FCP versions. At the very least, the same version of FCP. Update both FCP versions to 6.0.6.

There are things that do not translate very well, if not at all in XML land, such as multiclips. It also makes sure that whatever format you are importing, he won't have an issue with either.



www.strypesinpost.com

Neither. I would start really looking in here:

[www.lafcpug.org]

When life gives you dilemmas...make dilemmanade.

If you're not going back and forth too many times, it should be okay. And the traffic is one-way. The other editor doesn't need to use XML; he can simply send you his project file, or an abbreviated version of it containing only pertinent sequences.

However, test, test, test. And as strypes pointed out, there are limitations to XML -- longer Sequences often flat-out fail, for example, and it can necessitate a pain-in-the-ass operation Jack-the-Rippering a timeline into multiple parts.


www.derekmok.com

Yea, what Derek said too. Large XMLs just don't work.

My recommendation on compatibility is to use the same version of FCP. But it shouldn't be a huge issue to work on 7.

However, as Joey mentioned too, I do not have an inclination to make an advise on buying dead software.



www.strypesinpost.com

Strypes, that sounds like the sensible thing to do, is log and transfer the same in FCP 6 and FCP 7.

I am reluctant to buy dead software as well, but this is a pretty important job for me and as I am unfamiliar to handing off a project like this I want it to go as smoothly as possible. I think I can find used copies of FCP 7 within my budget.

Just to be devil's advocate: The flip side is that since the old FCP has been discontinued, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to find a usable copy. So if you think you'll still be using FCP7 for a little while -- and a lot of companies I know haven't upgraded one way or another, nor moved to Avid or Premiere -- there's a ticking clock on buying FCP7.


www.derekmok.com

I have to do it soon, there are copies on ebay that seem legit.

NN

Thanks for the input everyone!

What would constitute a long clip in terms of XML stability?

Quote
NoelN
... there are copies on ebay that seem legit.

Maybe it is time, after Apple's abandonment of those they tantalized with FCP3-7, to review the ethics of using pirated copies.

Dennis Couzin
Berlin, Germany