Media Pro becomes Media Pro
Same again, please
So. It’s finally happened. (Microsoft) Expression Media, ex iView Media Pro, is no more, and PhaseOne MediaPro 1 is with us. And in theory - or it least, in marketingspeak - the integration of Media Pro and CaptureOne, which I wished for at least as far back as 2005, is here to.
Well sort of. This is what we actually have:
BEFORE
Expression Media ... or is it MediaPro ?
AFTER
MediaPro ... or is it Expression Media ?
So the difference is… the panels are dark grey instead of light grey, the colours are a taste to be acquired, to be polite, and the icons are nearly invisible. Excellent.
The much trumpeted CaptureOne “integration” is at lipstick-on-a-pig level, and apart from that very little has changed, although if you take a look at the product forum, you might conclude that an impressive range of exciting new bugs has been inserted.
In itself this is hugely disappointing, but on the plus side, the product is at least being developed, and by a focused and far more appropriate owner than Microsoft. I think we’ll have to wait and see what Phase One manage to do over the coming months. If release 1 is a stable (cough) baseline which they will then build on with frequent updates and bug fixes, including some significant new features, fine. If on the other hand they think they’re done here, and can sit back for two years and then release another facelift, well then it’s RIP.
As far as I’m concerned, I would like these features:
- reworked and easily application-interchangeable hierarchical keywording
- proper integration with Capture One, not whitewash
- support for versions, stacks, whatever you call variations on a master image. ANY master image, including scans (this then helps with proper C1 integration
- options for UI colour scheme
4 comments
Robert Boyer May 21, 2011 - 7:37I knew about this but I can say the even though I was never a real customer with Phase One they were amazing in the service department - at least with me years ago - I only purchased their software and rented a few of their digital backs while I was comparing to Leaf at the time. Leaf won me at that point but those things are usually point in time.
I think their is every reason to be hopeful - Phase One is a serious company that doesn't rely on mass markets to develop and maintain superlative products. This is a good fit for them. Hmmmmm maybe Aperture would be better off with Phase One as well.
RB
4 comments
Robert Boyer May 21, 2011 - 7:39I know you are not into getting new hardware frequently but I have to say the new Sandy Bridge iMac 27" machines are really worth a look = absolutely stellar performance, a great growth path forward with Thunderbolt, and.... dirt cheap.
4 comments
Robert Boyer May 21, 2011 - 7:47Pss.
Wondering if we could chat about your wet-mount scanner experience when you have a moment....?
RB
4 comments
david mantripp June 28, 2011 - 11:04