Why is Final Cut so popular?

1. RogerB1
   Member

   
   Vegas is fast, Premiere is almost as easy to use. I find Final Cut TOO different. So, why is it so popular? Just wondering.
   Roger
   
   PS I have Final Cut Express HD 3.5 and really don't care for it very much. I am trying to do a project with it now and even getting a simple transition to work is a drag. What's up with that program? PSS I have tried to use this for 6 months. Still having problems getting used to it.
   
   Sorry for the rant.

   Posted 4 years ago #

2. brandon0409
   Member

   
   Here is my thought. Take it for what you will.
   
   I just bought FCP Studios about 2 months ago. Now to preface, I have been a Windows (and Win app user) my whole life. I know all the keyboard shortcuts for the OS. When it comes to the editing software they are all basically the same.
   
   I bought my first MAC Pro (powerful and all bells and whistles). To be honest, it was like learning to walk all over again.
   
   BUT...
   
   Once I got the hang of the basic commands on this comuter vs the Windows I was okay. For example:
   Windows Copy = Ctrl C Paste = Ctrl V
   MAC Copy = Command C Paste = Command V
   
   Obviously there are many more but, once I learned what was what, I have found that FCP is very similar to most of the Wintel apps like Adobe Premiere Pro etc.
   
   I think it just all comes down to the differences in the Operating system key strokes, not the applications.

   Posted 4 years ago #

3. SpencerStewart
   Member

   
   apple computers have a fair history editing video as well... just a note

   Posted 4 years ago #

4. brandon0409
   Member

   

   Spencer Stewart Wrote:

   apple computers have a fair history editing video as well... just a note

   
   
   I agree 100%. That is why I bought the MAC in the first place. Stability and speed and reputation and I have not been disappointed yet.

   Posted 4 years ago #

5. M-323
   Member

   

   Hello everyone.

    I was a full time PC user as well but Ive been sober now for just over a year after seeking the help of Mac. (clapping - thank you, thank you very much)

    I converted cause I simply couldent keep the pc running!!

     loved Premiere Pro 2.0. It was fast simle and I had the add ons like After Effects whcih I was just getting used to.

    MAc OS is based on the Linux OS. its far simpler than the OS for XP - Im not a programmer but Ive heard quotes like 10x less code to make it run! therefore 10 times less vulnerabilities -- look at it this way, the CIA uses LINUX for thier servers - must be a reason for it?

   I bought a mac pro - they are liquid cooled and very quiet - Ive maybe had ONE lock up in a year whereas I maybe had the PC actually RUNNING once in a year!

   most of the time it was vacationing in the PC shop - to the point where the shop threatend to charge me rentl storage on top of the diagnostics!

   Now there is a Permeire for mac - Adobe was originally backing mac, strayed for a while but now they are back. I havent tried Premiere on Mac but taht sounds like a good sandwich!

    so for now Im using Final Cut Studio and I have Shake and motion as well for effects.

    once you go mac, yu'll never go back.

   Posted 4 years ago #

6. Ryan3078
   Member

   

    I have a PC at home for editing and use an iMac at school with FCE HD and After Effects.  I've just never really gotten into the Mac since it seems to take longer to render.  That, plus a mouse with no right click drives me mad!

   I've used both, and it's really easier to use depending on what system you grow up on.

   Posted 4 years ago #

7. brandon0409
   Member

   

   I read peoples responses about using FC Express and how different it is compared to the rest.

   Here are my thoughts on that.  FCE is like all the other consumer grade video editing softwares out there.  In my experience it is nothing like the professional version.  I've used all of the consumer grade and to me none of them are like the pro versions.  Personally I find them much more difficult to use than the pro versions.  SO I don't think those are very good representations of the pro versions.  I find FC Pro much easier to use.

   Posted 4 years ago #

8. ralck
   Member

   

   I've not really understood why Final Cut is popular either. I guess I'm sort of opposite of most people. I never have a problem with my PC (It never crashes or screws up), yet when I try to use a mac (some of my school's labs are macs: the new ones that have all the upgrades too), I always have a lot of problems. For some reason macs always crash with me; I don't know why... it could just be that I'm used to a different interface so I'm doing something wrong? Of course people that are more comfortable with a mac probably have as good success as I do with a PC.

   Anywho, I'm not a big fan of Final Cut myself. I've tried it and it's okay, but I think I like some of the other programs better. And to be completely honest, I don't like that it's only on one platform. With something like Avid or Adobe, I can work on it on a PC, transfer the project to a mac and continue working on it instead of being forced to only use macs (What if I only had access to the PC computer labs on campus?).

   My guess of why it would be so popular is because of the reputation mac has gained in the editing world along with some funny (although usually untrue or largely exaggerated) commercials.

   In any case, the big editing software will get the same job done no matter which program you use or what OS you run it on. I'm a fan of choosing the platform your most comfortable with (for me, PC) which is why I'll stick to other editing programs.

   PS: OSX is based on BSD, not Linux.  BSD is similar to Linux, but there are some major differences.

   Posted 4 years ago #

9. brandon0409
   Member

   

   BSD is UNIX which what linux is based on.

   BSD is more powerful than linux with less instructions.

   Posted 4 years ago #

10. chrisColorado
    Member

    

    I also don't like Final Cut and I hate Macs.  Vegas and PCs for me. There is also Adobe stuff that won't run on Macs.

    I don't know, PCs make more sense to me. Two button mouse and no command key. I like it.

    Posted 3 years ago #

11. brandon0409
    Member

    

    Actually Macs DO use a 2/3/& even 4 button mouses.  Which ever you prefer to have.

    I vary my usage between a 1 & 2 button depending on my mood.

    The original question of this post is: why is FCP so popular.

    I don't think it's that it is so popular, I think that MAC's have always been know for their extraordinay processing capabilities and reputaion for reliability.  You will have to admit that PC's crash, ALOT. MAC's don't.

    Many Many movie studios use MACs to edit their videos.  I have watched ILM DVD extras, Michael Bay and many other directors and production studios.  Most of my observations come from DVD extras, interview, etc.  ALL of them will demonstrate with their handy dandy 4 screen MAC.  With FCP.

    I think that since they have always used the MAC and FCP, they just continue to use it because it has always been reliable for them.  And I know from experience that Editors are more efficient with software they are comfortable with.  So why change.

    I changed to MAC because I have constantly . . . CONSTANTLY had trouble with EVERY editing application (Adobe Pro and Consumer - Pinnacle Pro & Consumer - SOny Pro & Consumer) I have ever loaded on my computer.  I know it is not the Software necessarily but the Windows computer crashed more times than it was actually working.  I just wanted something more stable.

    Since I've switch, Nearly 1 year ago, I have had No problems . . . NONE.  Not one crash and no lost information or files.

    Like I said in a previous post on this topic, Once I learned the basic commands, I found the FCP was almost exactly the same as all the other pro editing apps.  Adobe CS3 is available for MACs if that's what you like, but you are going to run into the same problems with the key stroke.

    If you use CS3 on a PC then switch to a MAC, you WILL have to reaclimate yourself to the new keystroke.

    In conclusion, It's all personal preference.  I don't think it is necessarily the FCP that is preferable is the Computer (MAC), and FCP just happens to be the native NLE.

    Posted 3 years ago #

12. Johnboy
    Member

    

    I will have to say that FCP has a deep market base, and most people know about it.  I don't edit on a MAC.  I have a stable PC, always have had stable PC's.  You have to know how to properly maintain them.  I use Sony Vegas Pro 8, and I've only experienced 2 lockups in the entire time I've used it.  Both times were my fault.  I've edited on earlier versions of Vegas, really, no issues to speak of.  I looked at Adobe products as well, yeah integration is nice, but to darn expensive.  And I constantly hear about issues with those products.  I am in business to make money.  I've never had a job turned down because I don't use FCP or AVID, basically I produce a product, and as long as it meets the client's needs, they don't care what it was cut on and they don't need to know either.

    John

    Posted 3 years ago #

13. brandon0409
    Member

    

    I agree with that exactly. 

    In my opinion, It all comes down to what you are comfortable with.  THe client won't know any better what you use.

    Posted 3 years ago #

14. robGRAUERT
    Member

    

     Maaan, I can't stand when people complain about the one-button Apple mouse. I agree, the mighty mouse is a piece of crap, but luckily I live in America, and I get to choose which mouse I want to use! And you can tooooo! Hahaha.

     Seriously, why are PC lovers under the impression that if you buy a Mac, you're stuck with a one-button mouse. They should be more worried about the fact that if they get a PC, they're stuck messing around with viruses rather than their project...or myspace. 

     And has anyone seen that video on youtube of Bill Gates talking about Vista and it's new features? The interviewer says something along the lines of, "it seems a lot of this is already seen in Apple's OS." And Gates is all like, "No no, it has blah blah blah..." And in the CUs of the computer screen, all you see are ripped off Mac features. It's hilarious. And what's with the web browser?! I was on my grandmom new PC that she was psyched about and it has a 19in screen. When I looked at it I couldn't figure out why it looked so tiny though. (Granted, I have a 23in screen) But then I realized it! THE TOOL BAR IN THE WEB BROWSER TAKES UP HALF THE SCREEN! Who needs all that crap? 

     Anyway, this thread was about Final Cut. At my college it's actually seems that they teach FCP more than Avid. They don't even teach Premiere; however, we have that as well. All the kids say FCP is easier to learn. I understand if you've learned one NLE first, going to any other program will be difficult. I have used Premier and found that it wasn't really that hard to get used to, so I don't see why it would be hard vice versa. Avid? It's just ass backwards and will fade out. All the people who say it won't, are wrong. What's the industry going to do when all the kids in school now reach graduation? They all know FCP and everyone hates Avid. 

     Basically, FCP is easy to learn for beginners and I'd be willing to bet if someone went from Premiere to FCP, it wouldn't be too difficult either. Not to mention you get everything you need to make a damn good video in the Final Cut Studio Bundle. I've had it since the end of Summer and I couldn't be more pleased. Soundtrack has fixed some absolutely rediculous sound problems that I've encountered from brain dead camera ops. Color is an AMAZING color grading program as well. And of course Final Cut lives up to it's name. 

     Apple just give the videomakers on a low budget a HUGE tool that evens the playing field at a price where you'd think Apple is getting ripped off. That's what I think. I'd totally put up with a one button mouse so I could enjoy Final Cut Studio. 

    Rob Grauert, Jr
    http://www.robgrauert.com
    http://command-r.tumblr.com

    Posted 3 years ago #

15. brandon0409
    Member

    

    Amen!  my brother

    Posted 3 years ago #

16. robGRAUERT
    Member

    

     Hey RogerB1,

     It's funny that you mention that adding a simple transition is a drag because all you have to do is go to the effects tab in the bin, go to the video transitions menu, and then drag it to the cut. Ha...you're right. It's literally a drag. Atleast, you can do that in Final Cut Studio. 

    You can also set default transitions and set the duration so that when you right click on a cut, you have a quick menu to select your commonly used transition. I prefer a 10f cross dissolve.  

    Posted 3 years ago #

17. rhelmy
    Member

    

    Hi, new member here.  After all the research that I have done on editing/importing and exporting and being a PC user for over 20 years, I have put down the cash to buy the iMAC 3.06ghz and 24" monitor and Final Cut Pro, as it seems that this is the best you can get for less then $4,000.  I have been doing PC editing of video and now I am getting real business in editing, so I made the plunge.  This was also after reviewing video cameras, both consumer and prosumer, I decided that this system should be the best going forward.  Adobe appears to not support the AVCHD format that left out Premiere Pro.  So I am betting my government rebate on the iMAC. 

    Posted 3 years ago #

18. jerronsmith
    Moderator

    

    A little history lesson for you young guys.

    I remember when the desktop editing movement began. While Avid had been the professional turnkey standard for a long time. Premiere (Not Premiere Pro then) was the first under 5K desktop editing system. Final Cut Pro was considerably later, but was able to jump ahead of Premiere and other systems by offering things like camera control via firewire and rt effects. Combine the application features with the fact that Apple made the hardware as well and they had the best desktop editing system at the time. Combine this with really, really good marketing and they were able to position themselves for the independent film and later hd markets. Adobe had to completely scrap there applicatioin and rebuild it from scratch to really create a product that could compete with Final Cut. Now I tend to think that FCP and PP are almost the same program, they share similar keyboard commands and workflows. There are differences in the way they each want you to work with clips and the timeline and alot of differences behind the scenes but if you know one you can pretty quickly learn the other. I always suggest to my students that they learn at least two of the three (Avid, FCP, or PP) to be competitive.

    There are differences in the way macs and pcs work but the one button mouse compliant is silly. The mac has accepted two buttons and more on mice since OSX. Apple's mighty mouse takes a little getting used to but if you don't like it go and buy any 3-button usb mouse. The mouse I use on my mac is made by Microsoft.

    Jerron Smith
    Editor-Animator-Educator
    blog: http://www.thepixelsmith.blogspot.com

    Posted 3 years ago #

19. Aspyrider
    Member

    

    Another thing, some folks are just proud of their editors. Kinda like no matter what motorcycle you buy, when you tell a friend they all ask, "Is it a Harley?" It's a name.

    It depends on what you learned on and what you are comfortable with too. There are die-hard (insert NLE brand here) users who will argue the finer points of their editor. It all comes down to what you like and feel comfortable with.

    Harley makes a fine bike, so does Yamaha and Honda. But in the end we are all just riders.  If (insert NLE brand here) gets your motor running, ride it like you stole it! ;-)

    J.

    Posted 3 years ago #

20. Ken
    Member

    

     I've been using the pro version of Vegas on my home computer for about 3 years. Last week we got a Mac editing station (with FCP) at work. The thing looks amazing. Not quite as simple to use as my Vegas...... but Wow! By comparison to my home system, this Mac/FCP system looks...... well, it looks sexy. I don't know how else to put it.  As far as overall editing power, I'm sure it would beat my home system, but then it costs over 10 times what my system costs.  I'm still happy with Vegas.  (And I wonder how it would compare with the MAC/FCP system at work if I tricked out a PC/Vegas system at about half the cost of the one at work.)   BTW, Vegas seems more self-contained than FCP; Don't need to buy plug-ins to do things. I've noticed that Mac users seem very happy with their systems, and that's worth something.  8-)

    Ken

    Posted 3 years ago #

21. FallingStarFilms
    Member

    

    I've been a PC user for ... ever.  I've been using Vegas Movie Studio Plat. for a while now.  I even bought Cinescore.  I really like Vegas and it has never failed me.  Recently I've been asked to do some professional work and the firm that I now work with is politely requesting that I make the switch to FCP and, of course, Mac.  I have been terribly torn.  While I love the Vegas software, my more experienced video buddies have poo-pooed me for not switching to Mac and FCP.  I finally closed my eyes, hit the throttle and pulled the trigger on a Mac book pro and FCP.  It was painful financially, but after hearing you guys talk about not regretting making the switch, I'm hoping I made the right decision.  At the end of the day, I have to ask myself, "Am I in this or not - do I go half way or do I go for it and step up to the next level.  I've gone Mac  because of VISTAs slack.

    Posted 3 years ago #

22. Aspyrider
    Member

    

    I agree with you on Vista. Vista was just a bad idea.  It has more holes than a golf course. I recently purchased a new Dell and insisted on XP professional for this reason. So far I haven't had any issues with XP.

    The OS is another thing to look at when deciding on your NLE. I know people who detest macs, and others who love it.  And the same for PC's. If you are a Mac guy then a PC program is not for you, and if you are a PC guy a switch to Mac could be a jolt. I understand where Fallingstarfilms is right now. It was a big step. He was happy with Vegas but it seems Vista made the choice for him, and a bit of corralling from his friends. The NLE wasn't at fault, it was the platform it sits on.

    He could probably do anything he ever wanted to do with Vegas. He was comfortable with it. But the OS was unstable.

    This is why I have a big issue with Vista. Not only is it crap. But it has probably forced more people like fallingstarfilms to take chances and make changes. In time I'm sure he will become proficient with FCP, but his dilemma was unnecessary.

    I'm happy with XP and my NLE, but if/when I have to, I'd probably switch too.

    If "Windows" doesn't get it's act together soon, there may be a mad rush over to Mac.  :-D

    J.

    Posted 3 years ago #

23. robGRAUERT
    Member

    

     I hope there isn't a big rush to mac from the consumers. I like being the cool kid on the block.

    Posted 3 years ago #

24. TheDVshow
    Member

    

    One word: MARKETING

    Apple is the BEST at marketing. Hollywood style marketing.

    If Apple announced they were selling Crap (or let's call it iCrap) it would be a hit.

    Why?

    They actually don't sell products. They sell an idea. "You're more productive with iCrap around" You're just cool with iCrap"

    People buy what other people have. If one million people buy iCrap more and more people would want it.

    They make something good greater they take something broken and fix it. They want to improve the world. For exampe, iCrap doesn't smell and it's shaped differently.

    They help customers help them. Does Sony Vegas have a cult following? is the cult following rewarded? The cult of iCrap can't be beaten down.

    They make their messages unforgettable and memorable. Regular crap vs iCrap- I'm sure they would make iCrap the winner.

    They treat their customers like gold with surprise and delight. Ahh, iCrap you're cool if you buy it today. We'll reward you with a 2nd iCrap at half off.

    Did you know that Apple has a full-time person (Hollywood@apple.com) whose sole job was to get Apple products placed on primetime and Hollywood productions?� For free? The only stipulation was that Apple product could not be used for negative gains - if you notice, the Mac is often used by the hero. Indiana Jones at his desk with iCrap translates into sales and movie producers don't pay a cent for the prop.

    Their is a former Apple employee blog that tells all the secrets to their marketing success: http://www.marketingapple.com/

    Here's another great read on the success of Apple and their products:

    http://www.insidecrm.com/features/strategies-apple-loyal-customers/

    Posted 3 years ago #

25. Aspyrider
    Member

    

    Yep. :-)

    It's a name. There is a huge difference between customers & fans.

    J.

    Posted 3 years ago #

26. Don
    Member

    

     I say it's popular 'cuz it works.

    Windows is popular...explain that...hardly cool, and hardly functional. 

    Posted 3 years ago #

27. film814
    Member

    

    A lot of Mac people seem to think that PCs are innately unstable.  Most PCs are unstable because of the ignorance of their users.  If you set up a PC with editing software, keep it off of the internet completely, don't install stupid programs, and keep it defragged and clean, you will have no problems.

    I think that people are attracted to Macs and FCP because they can use their Mac as a internet computer and as an editing computer without problems.  Don't get me wrong: I think FCP is a great program.  But you can get a lot more horsepower, storage, and peripherals for far less money when you build a PC than when you buy a Mac.

    All of this to say: I think a lot of people are legitimately attracted to Macs and FCP.  But what I don't like is the fact that PCs are stereotyped as being generically unstable and unreliable.  This is not true.  Also, this is not coming from someone who is a PC-only guy.  I love PCs and Macs.

    Conclusion: I think that a lot of Mac users need to have their arrogance lowered and that a lot of PC users need to smarten up with reference to their PCs and how they treat them.

    P.S. robgrauert, Avid is used to edit the majority of feature films, television shows, and commercials in the world.  I don't think I would call it ass-backwards.  The Avid lineup includes some of the most powerful editing programs in the industry.  Media Composer, Adrenaline, and Symphony Nitris are rock-solid programs that have very rigorous hardware requirements.  All-in-all, Avid is the ruler of the video and film industry.

    Jeremy

    Posted 3 years ago #

28. robGRAUERT
    Member

    

    I'm pretty sure the reason Avid is so major in the industry is because it was the first major NLE. Just because it's still a major program, doesn't mean it's not ass backwards. I've actually used Avid. It's retarded. Not only that, but to get all the bells and whistles of Avid, you have to spend a boat load of money. When you buy the Final Cut Studio bundle, you get everything you need at a very good price. 

    Posted 3 years ago #

29. film814
    Member

    

    I would agree with you.  Moneywise, for the average videographer, Avid is overkill.  However, for companies that have thousands to spend on editing software, and need powerful networking solutions integrated into the NLE, then Avid is great.  I also have edited on very expensive Avid systems.  It may appear to be retarded if it is running on a $2000 computer.  But on a $10000 system, it is phenomenal.

    Posted 3 years ago #

30. ThomW
    Member

    

    Alright I'll bite,  This posting is nearly full of ideas.  Why is FCP so popular?  Think about this.  Apple has only 2% of the market place world wide.  Yet, it's neck and neck with pc in the video and graphic world.  In the pc world there are dozens of softwares to choose from to do the same purpose.  But, if you use a mac; only those who deify the default for something like Avid or Premier will there be anything other then FCP.

    So, in short.  In the video world it is FCP vs. the dozen or so pc applications.

    PS  I have worked on both Vegas and FCP for about the same amount of time. I'm still learning how to do anything in FCP but if I want to get a project done I use Vegas.  The only reason why I continue to stay with FCP is because every one that I talk to says if you want a job in the industry then you have to learn FCP.  I say to those devote FCP user.  "You obviously haven't worked with Vegas."  I just wish that Vegas would work on a steady platform like a mac. 

    Oh, by the way.  Macs do crash they just don't head for the ditch like a pc.  I can't tell you how many times my mac has just frozen and I had to drive it into the ditch on purpose and reboot to get back on the road.

    This industry sometimes forgets that there was a time in the not so distant past that the only time you got paid was when you woke up the next morning and went back to work. Earning royalties for something you did 20 years ago is only a recent phenomenon.

    Posted 3 years ago #

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