I have been using MSP since version 6. I really liked the upgrade from 6 to 6.5 and then version 7. The upgrade to version 8 though, i'm not so sure about. It got me thinking, it sure would be nice to have the best of both worlds.
Things i like about v7 over v8:
1. I like separate Source and Preview windows (v8 has a combo 'smart' window, which frankly isn't that smart).
2. I like the v7 tool icons much better in the Timeline. v8 icons are weird.
3. I like the v7 Source window's shuttle button. This was changed to a different style button in v8 that doesn't work as well.
4. I like the simplicity of the v7 Text window. v8's text window does give more features, but the features come at a cost of complication.
5. I like the v7 Preview window's pre-rendering. v8 does rendering on the fly which is quicker IF you don't have any serious Text effects. If you do, man it just does not work.
6. The added v7 external tools like Video Paint.
7. V7 remembers my timeline view and position (v8 does not).
Things i like about v8 over v7:
1. I like the lack of the Fx timeline and that i can use transitions anywhere. That's a BIG benefit of v8.
OK so i can't think of a lot of v8 features i really like. Is the one added feature worth it? I'm not sure. Comments appreciated.
MSP v7 versus v8
If I may say so, this list is typical of someone who has just made the switch without having given himself the time to study the finer points.
1. Of course you can have separate source/preview windows if you want. The default tabbed windows are simply space savers, to allow room for the powerful Effects Manager. You can set up whatever layout you wish.
2. The whole GUI was developed to help pros who work in very subdued lighting, using a minimum of bright colour. This is just a matter of taste and not functionality.
3. Why doesn't it work as well. It may take a few minutes to get used to it, that's all.
4. V. 6 had an even simpler test window. Again, it's a matter of taste and the greater flexibility of multiple texts is marvellous.
5. You have both possibilities in both versions.
6. You can use your v. 7 VP and CGI in v. 8 if you don't wish to buy the new one.
7. Agreed, but this is because of the powerful new multiple timeline function.
I have used v. 8 from its pre-beta version (ie for nearly a year) and, believe me, after a few days of intensive use of v. 8, you will find going back to v. 7 is like going back to the stone age. Perservere with v. 8 and get used to it and you will increasingly like it and its MANY powerful new features, not just the lack of Fx in the timeline. In Charlie Hills' book, he has a "Getting reoriented" chapter of 10 pages to give a very brief summary of the functional differences between v. 7 and v. 8. Of course, these are expanded in the rest of the 467 pages.
Good luck with your deeper exploration of the functions.
1. Of course you can have separate source/preview windows if you want. The default tabbed windows are simply space savers, to allow room for the powerful Effects Manager. You can set up whatever layout you wish.
2. The whole GUI was developed to help pros who work in very subdued lighting, using a minimum of bright colour. This is just a matter of taste and not functionality.
3. Why doesn't it work as well. It may take a few minutes to get used to it, that's all.
4. V. 6 had an even simpler test window. Again, it's a matter of taste and the greater flexibility of multiple texts is marvellous.
5. You have both possibilities in both versions.
6. You can use your v. 7 VP and CGI in v. 8 if you don't wish to buy the new one.
7. Agreed, but this is because of the powerful new multiple timeline function.
I have used v. 8 from its pre-beta version (ie for nearly a year) and, believe me, after a few days of intensive use of v. 8, you will find going back to v. 7 is like going back to the stone age. Perservere with v. 8 and get used to it and you will increasingly like it and its MANY powerful new features, not just the lack of Fx in the timeline. In Charlie Hills' book, he has a "Getting reoriented" chapter of 10 pages to give a very brief summary of the functional differences between v. 7 and v. 8. Of course, these are expanded in the rest of the 467 pages.
Good luck with your deeper exploration of the functions.
[b][i][color=red]Devil[/color][/i][/b]
[size=84]P4 Core 2 Duo 2.6 GHz/Elite NVidia NF650iSLIT-A/2 Gb dual channel FSB 1333 MHz/Gainward NVidia 7300/2 x 80 Gb, 1 x 300 Gb, 1 x 200 Gb/DVCAM DRV-1000P drive/ Pan NV-DX1&-DX100/MSP8/WS2/PI11/C3D etc.[/size]
[size=84]P4 Core 2 Duo 2.6 GHz/Elite NVidia NF650iSLIT-A/2 Gb dual channel FSB 1333 MHz/Gainward NVidia 7300/2 x 80 Gb, 1 x 300 Gb, 1 x 200 Gb/DVCAM DRV-1000P drive/ Pan NV-DX1&-DX100/MSP8/WS2/PI11/C3D etc.[/size]
-
cfh
I suspect you're right about re-orienting myself. But i have done several projects with v8 so it's not like i just bought it yesterday. The problem i have with v7 is it's small bugginess that drives me nuts. Like in the Source window, after using it awhile, i lose control over the source stream. Restarting v7 fixes that, but it's anoying. I also have some problems with editing in the sound source window which crashes v7.
I am using v8 and generally don't use v7 anymore. But i did bring a v7 project into v8 and it would crash v8. The project had a lot of animated text, and v8 just barfed and would crash. So i was forced to stay in v7 for the remainder of that project.
I am using v8 and generally don't use v7 anymore. But i did bring a v7 project into v8 and it would crash v8. The project had a lot of animated text, and v8 just barfed and would crash. So i was forced to stay in v7 for the remainder of that project.