[jcoley2]

I am currently using FCE 3.5.1 and am using it primarily to view and edit youth sports game tapes. Is there a compelling reason to upgrade to 4.0?

[hmurchison]

With a potential new version of Final Cut coming next April you'd probably want to go ahead and stick with 3.5 and wait to see if the jump to FCE 5 is worth making (I assume it will be)

[NosferaDrew]

FCE 4.0 added support for AVCHD and HDV, so if you are not shooting Hi Def there's no great reason to upgrade.

From this MacWorld article:

Macworld’s buying advice The question with any upgrade is whether the new version is worth it, or if you can get along fine with what you currently own. With Final Cut Express 4, as always, the answer depends on your situation. Obviously, Version 4’s AVCHD support is a draw if you own a new camera that shoots in that format. As an upgrade from Final Cut Express HD 3.5, however, version 4 isn’t compelling unless you need AVCHD support or FxPlug plug-ins. If you’re an iMovie user feeling limited by its capabilities—or you’ve chosen to skip the revamped iMovie ’08 altogether—Final Cut Express 4 is a great way to jump into semi-professional video editing at a fraction of the cost of Final Cut Studio.

[jcoley2]

Originally Posted by NosferaDrew FCE 4.0 added support for AVCHD and HDV, so if you are not shooting Hi Def there's no great reason to upgrade.

Thanks, I am shooting in HD but using mini DV so that is supported by 3.5.1. So it sounds like I should hold off for now.