Final Cut Pro X

final-cut-pro-x-iconVersion 10.3

Apple recently released a new update to Final Cut Pro X in conjunction with the update of “MacOS”, to overall very favorable reviews.

Not only did they give the interface a face lift both aesthetically and functionally, but it also integrates with the touch bar on the new Macbook Pro. I haven’t personally used this feature yet, but it looks like a very useful additoin to the interface when navigating through the timeline, etc.

fcpx-touchbar_web

New Features

This new version incorporates so many new features, and changes in the interface, it easily could have been called Final Cut 11 instead of a just .+1 version. If you’re on a Mac, go to the App Store and check it out, or you can view it on Apple’s website here. You can view all the specs here. There are a ton changes and additions, and a great new dark, flat interface. I remember when FCPX was first released, the reviews were 50/50; good and bad. For this new release, I’ve seen a very positve response overall.

Here’s a quick YouTube video from 9TO5Mac outlining some of the new features:

And another quick one from CultofMactv:

Final Cut or Adobe Premiere?

I’ve been asked this question countless times. If you are on a PC you don’t have the option for FCPX, since it’s Mac only. But for those of you who are on an Apple machine, which one is better? Honestly, I think it all comes down to preference and what you’re trying to accomplish.

I personally use both applications depending on the project; each has their strengths and weaknesses.

If you are an Apple user, and are familiar with video editing using iMovie, I’d reccomend FCPX without hesitation. It’s a natural evolution and the learning curve will be much shorter making the jump to FCPX.

If you have never used a professional NLE (or don’t knwo what an “NLE” is), I found FCPX to be slightly more intuitive and easier to learn than Premiere when I was in this position. Adobe products are great, and have a tremendous amount of features, but this can make learning their applications a bit overwhelming, and (IMHO), their UI (user interface) is not quite as nice and streamlined as you would find from an Apple program; although I will say that they have gotten a lot better in this department with their new 2017 version releases.

If you need to work collabortively on projects or work off a networked drive, do serious audio editing or color grading (and don’t want to download a buch of 3rd party plugins), Adobe may be the way to go for you.

Training and Instructional Videos

Either way, if you’re new to video editing, or are updating from and older version, I’d highly reccomend the “Essential Training” offered on Lynda.com. Lynda does require a paid subscription, but the cost is incredibly reasonable for the resources you get with a subscription, and there’s always a trial period.

Conclusion

If you already have own FCPX, open the App Store and update! You won’t regret it, and it’s free. If you haven’t and are still on the fence, you can download a free trial, or feel free to message me with any questions.

Free Trial

For anyone on a Mac that is intereted in checking it out, here’s a link to a 30 day free trial.