Posted in Adobe CS5.5, FCP, FCP X, Media Composer, Premier Pro, tagged Adobe, Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects, Blu-Ray, CS, CS5, CS5.5, DVD, Editing, FCP, FCP X, Illustrator, Media Composer, NLE, PhotoShop, Post, Post Production, PR, Premier Pro, Production, Video Editing on July 6, 2011|
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Tuesday marked the 2 week anniversary of the release of Final Cut Pro X (FCP X) Now that we’re moving into the 3rd week the dust and anger has settled a bit as the FCP pro community assess their options as to how to proceed. The FCP pro community, many who have been editing with FCP for over 11 years, was dealt a 1 – 2 punch by Apple last week. The 1st blow was the inability to import any of potentially 11 years of projects edited in earlier versions of FCP. The 2nd blow, and many felt the biggest punch, was Apple’s sudden announcement that they had stopped selling FCP7 and the entire Final Cut Studio suite (FCS). One day it was there, then the next morning it had been pulled from the shelves without warning. This was particularly odd, because of Apple’s response to questions about the lack of some pro features in the new FCP X is to continue using FCP7. For post houses needing to add another editing seat, and with FCP7 no longer available, and with FCP X not ready to play in the standard work flow, editors were left with only one choice, move on. Fortunately, the move-on option offers 2 strong choices Adobe’s Premier Pro (PR) in their Production Premium Creative Suite 5.5 and Avid’s Media Composer (MC). Both programs offer the ability to work with your earlier FCP projects, so no lost years of editing here.
Both NLEs are mature stable products, but with a different interface. MC has evolved over the years mainly in the film industry so the UI and workflow mirror that environment. So it’s not surprising that MC is used to edit many TV shows and Hollywood movies. PR on the other hand has evolved along similar paths as FCP, digital imaging and video tape and it’s UI is more similar to FCP. Many photographers use Photoshop, many graphic designers use Illustrator, and many compositors, special fx designers use After Effects. With the streamlined UI in CS5.5 moving between the various modules in the suite is real sweet. So for the experienced FCP editor, the new DSLR editor, or the production / post house whose output is primarily to the web or DVDs / Blu-Ray, PR is probably the better choice, and if you are already using Photoshop, Illustrator, or After Effects it’s the obvious choice.
Both Adobe and Avid are offering free trial versions of their NLEs and “Switcher” or “Cross Grade” specials to help ease the transition.
Adobe – http://success.adobe.com/en/na/sem/products/premiere.html?kw=p&sdid=FOHWZ&skwcid=TC|22175|adobe%20premier%20pro||S|b|7330619842
Avid – http://www.avid.com/US/specialoffers/fcp-mc-promotion?l=prehead&elq_mid=4593&elq_cid=3367361
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