Michael Webber

Blog

  • Final Cut X – Apple’s Response to Criticism

    Final Cut Pro X - Everything Just Changed In PostI’m still in a state of denial.  How could the Apple screw up Final Cut so bad? Is Apple really dumbing down the software in order to hit a larger market?  Is this really iMovie Pro?

    Maybe, but I remain hopeful (note my denial)…hopeful the Final Cut Pro team can perform a course correction and address the laundry list of issues.

    Final Cut Pro X is a breakthrough in nonlinear video editing. The application has impressed many pro editors, and it has also generated a lot of discussion in the pro video community. We know people have questions about the new features in Final Cut Pro X and how it compares with previous versions of Final Cut Pro. Here are the answers to the most common questions we’ve heard.

    – Apple.com

    Check out Apple’s answer sheet, which attempts to provide a status update on the missing features: http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/faq/

    Beyond the missing features and new user interface; many professionals are loosing trust in Apple. Where was the communication with the pro users before launch?  For some, this program is their livelihood!  Many businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations invested their limited resources into the Final Cut Pro workflow.  These folks invested in years of training and skill development.  I’m not opposed to change, I think many of who work with technology actually enjoy changes, upgrades, and improvements.  Somehow it seems Apple failed in their product development and launch execution.

    Larry Jordan posted a blog article a few days ago criticizing Apple’s handling of the product development process, the lack of communication, and issues of accountability. Well worth the read: “Who’s Accountable?”

    For me, I continue to hold out hope that Apple will fix the problems and begin the restore credibility.  That said, part of me fears it may be too late!

  • Camera Boot Camp

    I was turned onto these commercial spots by a a colleague, all featuring a cameraman army style boot camp. The commercial series promotes the Rugby World Cup 2011

    Second Commercial in Series – Camera Operators Don’t Speak!

    Third Commercial in Series – Announcers

  • Final Cut X Fallout

    Larry Jordan's Podcast, "Digital Production Buzz"

    I still don’t understand Apple’s new direction with Final Cut…Bizarre!

    For those looking to walk away from Final Cut, you should check out Larry Jordan’s (you may now him from Lynda.com training videos) podcast, “Digital Production Buzz“.  Larry has been doing a great job covering the new release and all the controversy.

    Last week he discussed Avid and Adobe Premiere alternatives, interesting conversations…worth a listen.

  • Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-07-17

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  • Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-07-10

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  • Ripley Falls 2011

    Ripley Falls 2011 by mediaguy4

    I’m starting to go through vacation photos and video from our trip to the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

    This photo of Ripley Falls is one of my first attempts at HDR photography and I’m somewhat happy with the result.

    Click on the image to view a high resolution version on my Flickr page.

    Ripley Falls is 100ft tall and one of the easier hikes in Crawford Notch.  A great adventure for a family with young children.  We brought our two boys, 5 and 2 1/2 and they did just fine on the trail.

     
    Ripley Falls 2011, a photo by mediaguy4 on Flickr.

  • Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-07-03

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  • Great Weather Site

  • Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-06-26

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  • Old Bridle Path to West Rattlesnake Mountain

    June 24, 2011 – This was our second time on the Old Bridle Path trail leading up to the scenic ledges that overlook Squam Lake.  Scenic is sort of an understatement, ever since our first hike I’ve noticed that nearly every tourism brochure features stunning photos from this location.

    Unfortunately the weather was not so great this time, although the scattered showers were mild and the mid-70 temperatures were comfortable.

    The property is owned and managed by the University of New Hampshire’s Office of Woodlands and Natural Areas.  There’s a great PDF brochure with a trail map, and background information about the area on the NH Division of Forests and Lands website.

    If you have kids, this is a great trail as long as you’re careful about slippery rocks and the steep ledges at the top.  Our two boys (2 and 5) made it all the way to the top on their own.  The trail itself is almost 5ft wide all the way, and VERY well maintained.  Lots of crushed stone to help with potential mud, and steps to deal with the steep areas.

    I did cary the 2 year old back down in his backpack carrier, but that was expected.  We also discovered what appeared to be a bad bug bite on the younger boy’s face.  He had a reaction to whatever it was, with red spots, and red skin areas all over his body.  We called our doctor and stopped by a local pharmacy to pickup some over-the-counter medication to be safe.  The redness and spots seem to go subside over the next 10 hours.

    Hopefully the weather breaks and we can go for some longer hikes.  I’ll add some photos to this post as soon as I get connected to a better internet connection.