-
Basic FCP questions
I’m sure this has all been asked before but I couldn’t find anything trying to search the archives. If someone knows of a web link with the answers please share. Since software is constantly evolving maybe its time to ask these questions again.
I’m a three year Premier Pro editor and I need to buy a new system. I originally planned to buy a Mac to get away from all the PC updates and bugs and install the Mac version of Premier. Then I began reading about all the bugs. Now I’m looking at switching completely to FCP6 and need some very basic questions answered. I have read all about the “new” features but can’t find out much about the “old” ones.
My questions;
1)Can FCP edit (previously captured on my PC) AVI files or do I have to recapture everything as MOV files?
2) Can FCP export AVI files?
3) Can FCP export web ready video such as WMV?
4)Does FCP have the ability to burn a basic DVD from the time line or does it have to be saved out as a video file, compressed to MPEG2 and dropped into a DVD authoring program?
5)I have a ton of completed graphics, (all AVI) that I would need to convert to work on my FCP time line. If FCP will not handle AVI files from my PC can I save them as MOV files with Premier or Quick Time Pro on the PC then transfer them to FCP? (I heard that FCP didn’t like MOV files from a PC)
6) How quirky is FCP about using EDL files from Premier Pro so I can move basic projects over?
7)Does FCP have integrated titling tools or are they separate apps?
8) I’d be using Adobe’s new production suite for the Mac. Anyone know how well they work with the FCP6. Any issues with getting projects from say, FCP to AE and back?
I’ve been told that the user interface between FCP and Premier Pro is pretty close with minor differences in file locations and effect names and such. I’m assuming a pretty quick learning curve. Any surprises (nasty or pleasant) in store if I switch?
Thanks!
-
3 Replies
-
1. It would be better if you recapture the material or convert it to a QuickTime file in the correct format and codec.
2. Yes, but don’t if you can avoid it.
3. Only if you have third party software installed as well. With Flip4Mac installed you will have WMV export from FCP.
4. You have to export.
5. Yes, you should convert the files. I’ve not heard that about PC QT files.
6. I don’t know about EDLs from Premiere. EDLs are a format that goes back almost 30 years so it can be very quirky when trying to interpret digital video projects.
7. There are integrated titling tools as well as separate motion graphics applications.
8. You need to be specific about this. You can take media from FCP into AE and back if you do it correctly. Obviously FCS is not integrated with CS the way the Adobe applications are.
All the best,
Tom
Class on Demand DVDs “Complete Training for FCP6,” “Basic Training for FCS2” and “Final Cut Express Made Easy”
Author: “Final Cut Pro 5 Editing Essentials” and “Final Cut Express 3.5 HD Editing Workshop” -
[Rex Summerfield] “1)Can FCP edit (previously captured on my PC) AVI files or do I have to recapture everything as MOV files?”
FCP does not work natively with AVI files, that’s a PC format.
[Rex Summerfield] “2) Can FCP export AVI files? “
Not natively, with third party plug-ins and software, yes.
[Rex Summerfield] “3) Can FCP export web ready video such as WMV? “
With the plug-in Flip for Mac, yes. Obviously FCP can export web ready H.264 files.
[Rex Summerfield] “4)Does FCP have the ability to burn a basic DVD from the time line or does it have to be saved out as a video file, compressed to MPEG2 and dropped into a DVD authoring program? “
To get the best quality DVD, you export the Quicktime Reference File (this is different than a self-contained movie, compress in Compressor or third party app like BitVice, and create your DVD in DVD Studio Pro.
If you want something quick, you export the Quicktime Reference file and send that into iDVD which will compress the file and create the DVD in one shot. Not as good a quality as option 1, but faster and easier.
[Rex Summerfield] “5)I have a ton of completed graphics, (all AVI) that I would need to convert to work on my FCP time line. If FCP will not handle AVI files from my PC can I save them as MOV files with Premier or Quick Time Pro on the PC then transfer them to FCP? (I heard that FCP didn’t like MOV files from a PC) “
As long as they are exported to something FCP can natively use, then they will work fine.
[Rex Summerfield] “6) How quirky is FCP about using EDL files from Premier Pro so I can move basic projects over? “
Actually we’ve done a few tests with this and they work surprisingly well as long as they’re pretty simple. As a rule, OMF and AAF transfers work better, but you’ll need the Automatic Duck to read them and I’ve never tried an OMF from Premiere, only Avid.
[Rex Summerfield] “7)Does FCP have integrated titling tools or are they separate apps? “
Boris 3D is a great titling app included in FCP and then you have LiveType and Motion for even more flexibility.
[Rex Summerfield] “8) I’d be using Adobe’s new production suite for the Mac. Anyone know how well they work with the FCP6. Any issues with getting projects from say, FCP to AE and back? “
You’ll want the Automatic Duck Pro Importer for After Effects. This allows you to send an entire FCP timeline straight into After Effects.
[Rex Summerfield] ” I’m assuming a pretty quick learning curve. Any surprises (nasty or pleasant) in store if I switch? “
We have no idea what your skill level is or how complex your projects are. It should be a simple switch from one to the other, but the best advice I can give you is contact a local VAR or editor who’s using FCP and have them give you a once over on the interface and operation of it BEFORE you make the decision to purchase.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR Apple Color Training DVD available now!
Read my Blog!
-
Thanks guys! That cleared up a lot of questions, though I admit it may have stirred up a couple more. I freelance edit for a weekly Cable series. Though, admittedly on a small budget, we manage to turn out some nice pieces.
It seems that if I make the switch I’ll have to change my work flow a bit as well as some of the programs I am already familiar with. I’ll definitely have to do some more digging.
The compatibility issues with my current work flow is disappointing but I’m sure there are other benefits that FCP offers that Premier does not. Until I can set down and do a side by side comparison, as you suggested, it will be hard to make an informed decision.
I know FCP users are a fiercely loyal group. That wouldn’t be the case if they didn’t honestly like the program.
Thanks for the info!
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up