Video: Editing RED on the new MacBook

[Josh Negrin]

I agree with needing the RAID to playback files. I would highly recommend looking at the new MacBook in a different light than the old one.

 

[Steve Sherrick]

JN, I think the Macbook could be used in a limited role on set for certain productions, i.e. ones which you have control over how the media is backed up, etc.

Where it becomes limiting to me is that typically I will bring my own backup drive/RAID, but will have the production provide either 2 firewire/e-sata drives or their own RAID. So, there needs to be interfaces for these things. USB is just not considered on most shoots that I'm aware of. That's a big drawback. And I have never used a USB drive for editing. I also would never use the internal drive of a laptop for media that will be used in an edit because the media and system drives shouldn't be one in the same. Often times, I will use a bus powered FW800 drive to do my portable editing, and that works very well, especially with P2 material.

So, the new Macbook I'm sure is capable of performing some duties on a Red set, I just don't see it being used in a professional environment where everyone's jobs are on the line. It's a bit too limited for that. The Macbook Pro just barely gets the job done as far as I'm concerned. I'd rather have the power of a Mac Pro, but that's not very portable.

 

[Alex Carr]

JN, I think the Macbook could be used in a limited role on set for certain productions, i.e. ones which you have control over how the media is backed up, etc.

Where it becomes limiting to me is that typically I will bring my own backup drive/RAID, but will have the production provide either 2 firewire/e-sata drives or their own RAID. So, there needs to be interfaces for these things. USB is just not considered on most shoots that I'm aware of. That's a big drawback. And I have never used a USB drive for editing. I also would never use the internal drive of a laptop for media that will be used in an edit because the media and system drives shouldn't be one in the same. Often times, I will use a bus powered FW800 drive to do my portable editing, and that works very well, especially with P2 material.

So, the new Macbook I'm sure is capable of performing some duties on a Red set, I just don't see it being used in a professional environment where everyone's jobs are on the line. It's a bit too limited for that. The Macbook Pro just barely gets the job done as far as I'm concerned. I'd rather have the power of a Mac Pro, but that's not very portable.

Exactly, I rarely rent my MacPro and Magliner setup because of the Locations, budget or Post House takes Duties. If you don't at least have a Macbook Pro chances are you won't be a DIT on Low to Moderate to High Budget Shows. Maybe Ultra Low... But Macbook Pro / Magliner / esata Raid works great and I don't need to change. Laptops don't encode media, so Backing up footage and creating RSX logs are about it.

 

[Josh Negrin]

Excellent point, good thing I'm not a d.i.t. I have worked with one, though, that turned out to be a fantastic d.p.

So we'll say the verdict on the new MacBook is.... if you want to be taken seriously as a d.i.t. get the MacBook Pro, if you want to be taken seriously as an editor get the Mac Pro (desktop), and if you want to maintain your "sunglasses at night" coolness get the sleek looking, portable MacBook aluminum.

 

[Steve Sherrick]

Excellent point, good thing I'm not a d.i.t. I have worked with one, though, that turned out to be a fantastic d.p.

So we'll say the verdict on the new MacBook is.... if you want to be taken seriously as a d.i.t. get the MacBook Pro, if you want to be taken seriously as an editor get the Mac Pro (desktop), and if you want to maintain your "sunglasses at night" coolness get the sleek looking, portable MacBook aluminum.

Or, own all three and be ultra cool. :biggrin: