FCPX performance on M1 chip

[yoak]

I picked up a MacBook Pro with the M1, 512GB storage and 8GB RAM, and been generally impressed.

The battery life is great, and general system performance feels far better than on my 2019 Mac Pro and 16-inch i9 MBP.

I edit in Final Cut Pro X, and while the initial performance of 4:2:2 10-bit HEVC footage from my Canon 1DX III and R5 is amazing, it falls off substantially once you get into the editing process. I get weird stuttering and hesitation at times, and some sections simply won't play correctly without rendering, it's like the play head is skipping back and forth.

It also HATES the 4K Canon Cinema RAW Light from my C200. It will not play it smoothly, requiring rendering.

So yeah, definitely excited by the promise of Apple M1, and this machine is great in the field for downloading, reviewing shots and the occasional quick edit, but will certainly be looking forward to the more powerful machines to come.

Thanks for posting these observations. I didn't end up buying a M1 Mac in the end. Had a Mini on order, but cancelled (as I needed funds to buy another FS7 camera for TV series I'm filming right now). Looks like I'm better off holding out anyways