Newbie-which FC program to buy?

[David Johnson]

The regular FCP (the last version is FCP7) is being phased out so it doesn’t seem to make sense for someone just learning to learn software that will be obsolete by the time they learn it. FCPX is largely based on iMovie so, since you already have iMovie, that would be a good place to start before spending money to buy FCPX just yet. By the way, you are correct that it is primarily professional editors who are displeased with FCPX since the features it lacks are ones typically only needed by professionals.

That is just my opinion and I’m sure you will get other opinions that either support or contradict mine … no matter … the decision is ultimately yours.

With that said, what is really important is that you understand going into it that we are just talking about tools … all of which come and go over time. For example, I’ve been editing video for almost 20 years now, started with linear editing (before computer-based editing, aka non-linear editing) and, since the advent of non-linear editing, have edited with at least a dozen different software packages. The important thing is not the software tool you learn to edit with … the skills you learn should be transferable to any software so you will be better off to focus on learning the craft of video editing (audio-visual story telling), rather than just a particular tool that is used for that purpose.

Best of luck.

[Jay Harley]

Thank you David. Your response was insightful and helpful. And it was a timely response too, because today I decided that I would conquer iMovie as a first step, and gain some skills in editing until I reached the point where I felt I needed more advanced tools.

I’m glad to hear that FCPX resembles iMovie. That reinforces my decision.

It’s always difficult reading reviews on a new product, because one doesn’t know anything about the author. Perhaps in the Apple forum, many of the reviewers were experienced professionals for whom the latest program lacked specific components. For someone like me who wants to produce quality work, but not as a profession, maybe the FCPX will ultimately be the right program.

Thanks again David,
Cheers
Jay

[Rafael Amador]

Apple is proposing a new video editing philosophy.
If you think that “FCX and the Apple Video Editing Re-invention” is the future, go to FCX.
If you think that the new fashion will beat the classic (FCP, AVID, PP, Edius,..) go for FCX.
You are starting from scratches so whatever your decision (even FC.7) makes sense.
rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com

[David Johnson]

My pleasure, Jay. I’m glad you found my input helpful.

I’ll add to my comments just to further clarify my points …
I agree with Rafael … if you believe the new paradigm in video editing Apple is trying to create with FCPX will take hold (which most pro editors do not seem to believe), FCPX will eventually become the software choice for most editors going forward. If you don’t believe that, it will only be the software choice for hobbyists who use Macs. So, my suggestion to start with iMovie and possibly move to FCPX later is based on three things:
1] you already have iMovie so it seems premature for someone in your situation to spend money on a new venture before its truly necessary
2] you’ve stated that you intend to pursue editing only as a hobby
3] any true editing skills you acquire should be transferable to any software … and they have to be since all editing tools eventually go away (in my opinion, the most important factor)

Cheers.

[Jay Harley]

Good advice, David. Thank you again. I’ve cut and pasted your two replies for later reference,when I’m an iMovie master!!
Thanks,
Cheers
Jay

[Jay Harley]

Rafael, thank you very much for writing, and I do appreciate your advice. I will refer to this again in the future when I have mastered iMovie.
Your comments were most appreciated,
Cheers
Jay