FCPX Newbie – is learning FCPX worth the time?

[David Powell]

You weren’t missing out on any jobs in FCP X and my guess is you won’t be for a while (if ever). There are plenty of jobs still going around in FCP 7. It is a bummer to have to learn a software that’s EOL, but, all track based editors are similar, and you can figure it out, especially if you’re using CS6 as well.

[Chris Harlan]

[David Powell] “You weren’t missing out on any jobs in FCP X and my guess is you won’t be for a while (if ever). There are plenty of jobs still going around in FCP 7. It is a bummer to have to learn a software that’s EOL, but, all track based editors are similar, and you can figure it out, especially if you’re using CS6 as well.
“

Chris, I don’t know where you are, geographically, but I echo David’s sentiments. I also think that Pr 6 has VERY much in common with FCP 7, so learning one will help you learn the other. If you are in a very dense media market like LA or NYC I’d also recommend learning Avid Media Composer. Currently, I look at FCP X with some curiosity, but have–for the near future–little to no interest in pursuing it professionally.

I’ve always liked Sonic Foundry’s (Sony’s) software. I was using Vegas back when it was just a DAW that could also do video. My gut is that you will find Premiere and FCP 7 a much easier transition than going to FCP X.

[Mark Dobson]

[Christopher Key] “What I’m wondering is… Is learning FCPX worth the time? I don’t want to miss out on any potential jobs – but from the little bit of research I’ve done – most of those editor wanted ads were talking about Final Cut Pro 7 not FCPX.”

More and more people are coming round to the advantages offered by FCPX over the more traditional offerings from Adobe and Avid.

If you are a freelance editor you will probably need a high skill level in all NLE programmes but if you are a freelance programme maker mainly working on your own FCPX is well worth learning. Get over the fact that it is different and learn how it actually works.

[Christopher Key] ” I’ve just started playing around with Final Cut and not much of it seems intuitive and a lot of what I’m seeing seems unnecessary – the magnetic track – audio and video grouped into one track – folders called events.”

There are a lot of new ways of doing things in FCPX and to call key features unnecessary without actually getting to grips with them could be a bit short sighted. There is now a large resource of affordable training material available for FCPX and whilst there are still many annoying workflow anomalies I would definitely recommend that you get to learn how to edit with FCPX.

Editing is a core part of our production company workflow and I really value having learnt FCPX and can see no advantage in returning to FCP7, or of learning Premier Pro.

[Chris Harlan]

[Mark Dobson] “Editing is a core part of our production company workflow and I really value having learnt FCPX and can see no advantage in returning to FCP7, or of learning Premier Pro.
“

I was gonna argue with you, Mark, but I figure what’s the point. Lets just say I can see an advantage in returning to FCP7, or of learning Premier Pro.

[Mark Dobson]

[Chris Harlan] “I was gonna argue with you, Mark, but I figure what’s the point. Lets just say I can see an advantage in returning to FCP7, or of learning Premier Pro.”

For someone working with file based formats, doing everything ‘in-house’ and delivering a file based end product what possible advantage is there in returning to FCP7 or Premier Pro?

FCPX does everything I need to a really high, broadcast quality, standard with a minimum of fuss and complication.

I don’t want to return to the square clunky world characterised by FCP7 and emulated in Premier Pro.

[Chris Harlan]

[Mark Dobson] “For someone working with file based formats, doing everything ‘in-house’ and delivering a file based end product what possible advantage is there in returning to FCP7 or Premier Pro?
“

I find it very difficult to believe that you are asking that seriously. Multiple open timelines. Advanced sync indicators. The ability to customize your screen or screens to your liking. Source windows. Tracks. A mixer. The list just keeps going. You may not use any of this stuff, but I assure that other people do. Pretending that you are unaware of this seems a tad bit snide.

[Mark Dobson] “FCPX does everything I need to a really high, broadcast quality, standard with a minimum of fuss and complication.
“

I’m happy that you’ve found something that you like. I’d say that your description fits my thoughts about FCP7, Premiere 6, and Media Composer 6. It is not, however, what I think of X. X certainly does not do everything I need. But, bravo that it works for you. I need sync marks. I like multiple timelines. I want a mixer. I want easy, apparent access to my audio files in the form of tracks.

[Mark Dobson] “I don’t want to return to the square clunky world characterised by FCP7 and emulated in Premier Pro.
“

There’s no reason that you should have to, especially if you are happy with the “square and clunky” world of FCP X. I mean, jeez, you can’t really rearrange anything. Yeah, you can make it do two monitors, but just barely. It just doesn’t have the versatility of either FCP 7 or Premiere. But, hey–some people like that whole square, clunky locked-down thing. I mean, who wants all those choices, right? I mean, that kind of freedom can be a little overwhelming, huh?

Mark, square and clunky are in the eyes of the beholder, and to me, X has been severely clunkified. That doesn’t mean that I think there aren’t any number of uses that X might be best for. And, I don’t insult people for using it, or liking it over any other bit of software. What I get a little tired of, however, are evangelists–on both sides of this issue–who can’t or won’t see beyond their own needs.

[Mark Dobson]

[Chris Harlan] “Mark, square and clunky are in the eyes of the beholder, and to me, X has been severely clunkified. That doesn’t mean that I think there aren’t any number of uses that X might be best for. And, I don’t insult people for using it, or liking it over any other bit of software. What I get a little tired of, however, are evangelists–on both sides of this issue–who can’t or won’t see beyond their own needs.”

Well you have to evaluate things from how they will serve you and yes for me FCPX works well. It does not easily fit into the world of large production houses or with people who need to collaborate a lot with other
editors.

But for editors working on their own and small production companies FCPX is a self contained and powerful piece of NLE software.

Going back to the original question of this thread – is learning FCPX worth the time? – Yes, definitely if you are prepared to learn how to use it properly. You can’t just dip in and get a good workflow going immediately.

It is very different.

But if you want to be able to quickly organise, color correct and edit and output file based media it’s definitely worth investing the time to learn how to use it.

[Eric Santiago]

Both worlds have their own quirks and positives.
I for one get confused going back to MC from FCPX.
Why do I have to keep toggling that damn Smart Tool on and off?
I find editing, yes just editing and nothing else in FCPX is a breeze and lets me move naked thru the park without having to shut off a track and figure out why I cant do precision trimming.
dont get me wrong, I love Avid MC and I can fly in it too.
But when you work in FCPX for a few days then back, its a bit of a mind f*** 🙂 In a good way of course ;
For the subject, sure learn it if you have time.
Trust me it wont take long to get it.
Ive been teaching it to brand new computer users for the last year.
It amazes me how fast learning FCPX is compared to legacy for my students.
Ive been doing that for almost 10 years with FCP.

[David Eaks]

I resonate with Marks comment-
“For someone working with file based formats, doing everything ‘in-house’ and delivering a file based end product what possible advantage is there in returning to FCP7 or Premier Pro?”

FCPX works well for me, very well, but everyone’s workflow and requirements vary greatly. It may or may not fit your needs now but maybe it will completely fit your needs, better than any other NLE after the next couple of updates. I’m not saying I expect it to be perfect, but I’m optimistic that many of the remaining missing features and minor “gotchas” will be reimplimented and fixed.

I definitely think it is worth learning but be warned! In the beginning you may feel confused, even disgusted by its very existence. Then irritated and betrayed simply because it makes you feel this way. Stumbling around places you are sure that you should be familiar with, everything seems simplified but you still can’t figure it out. It is offending and off-putting. After a while strange things will begin to happen. The world seems to shift around you, yet somehow everything is still in its proper place. Your belongings are available to you without having to go find them. Being unable to travel, yet capable of arriving at the destination. Just as you regain your bearings and can exploit the benefits of this new way of interacting with your surroundings it is too late, captured. The beast gently coddles you, imprisoned within in its fierce claws. Transforming you and your way of thinking, molding you to its will. All the while trying to observe your needs but fumbling with such a small and very demanding thing in it’s massive grip. Struggling not to rip you to shreds while it keeps you from slipping between its fingers. You are free to pick up and leave at any time, though not without the possibility of having been permanently infected. If so, nothing else will satiate the hunger. Should you accept this existence as a new being, a hybrid created in the reality distortion field of this omnipresent but only self-aware entity, you may be viewed by some as a freak. Although somehow you know that you have been bettered by the experience. Greatly enjoying your new life and feeling confident that FCPX will eventually make up for its own shortcomings. At least that’s how I experienced it, maybe a tad dramatized. YMMV.

Even if you just decide to go with another NLE in the end, it’s worth it. Who knows? You might like being a freak. A “ProX”, I do.

[Chris Harlan]

[David Eaks] “Should you accept this existence as a new being, a hybrid created in the reality distortion field of this omnipresent but only self-aware entity, you may be viewed by some as a freak. Although somehow you know that you have been bettered by the experience. “

David, do you have to shave your head to make it fully operational?