Final Cut Studio...Buy now or wait?

[hotwire132002]

I'm looking at upgrading to Final Cut Studio, but my concern is that right after I upgrade they'll come out with a new version. Pretty simple question--any idea on the frequency of updates to Apple's video software? Any estimates on how long it will be before the next version comes out?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bear]

They seem to do major ($$$) updates to Final Cut Pro in the April timeframe every year or two. I'd say buying Final Cut Studio now would be fairly safe since the last update was under 6 months ago.

 

[nagromme]

One reason to be conservative and wait is if you plan to get an Intel-based Mac any time soon, and will want to move Final Cut onto it. We don't know yet if the Intel version will be a free "sidegrade" or if you'll have to buy the next major version upgrade. My app buying is on perma-hold until companies start promising free Intel upgrades. Without that promise, I'm waiting until universal binaries hit the shelves next year.

But, you need it when you need it!

 

[Mr. Anderson]

But, you need it when you need it!

Exactly - if you need it now, buy it - don't expect any major update for a while and until then, if you don't have it, you won't be able to do any work. That should be the deciding factor.

D

 

[Bear]

One reason to be conservative and wait is if you plan to get an Intel-based Mac any time soon, and will want to move Final Cut onto it. ...

A lot of "Pro Apps" may not have universal binaries until late 2006 or early 2007. Rememeber PowerMacs are going to be the last Intel based Mac released.

Any non-pro app that Apple releases starting in January 2006 has a good chance of having a universal binary.

 

[hotwire132002]

Thanks to all for the advice! I now have a much better idea of the timing of releases--and I'll probably upgrade to FCP Studio pretty quick here. (I don't plan to switch to Intel until I need to, and aside from that my current HDV workflow is a pain.)

Thanks again!