Is Final Cut Pro really worth it?

A

An_Idiot_Blooming

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Long story short is that I am beginning to dive into the world that is multimedia.

Specifically video editing.

Rumour has is that Final Cut Pro is the end all be all software for this task.

Unfortunately it is a Mac platform piece of software.

I looked at the base model of the Mac Pro which is $2500 and I have a VERY hard time justifying this cost as my Windows PC which I built myself less than a year ago ran a measely $1100 in comparison.

Not to mention it has better specs than the quoted Mac Pro.

I can't find myself justifying this $1400 Mac tax.

As an alternative I spec'd out an iMac which is still more expensive, but not nearly as much. It also means I don't get video card options which worries me.

The iMac, at least to me, comes off as a trendy sort of "cool" computer to get... for a casual trendy Mac user who wants to dive into the Mac world which is not what I want.

This computer will be a work tool and nothing more.

What do you all think?

I do not mean for this to become a PC vs Mac thread so please do not lead it down that bitter path. I'm having a VERY hard time justifying this cost and would like some second opinions - especially from those who have experienced a similar situation or for those who do use this software.

Are there any Windows comparable pieces of software I could learn my basics on?

I am sure I'd feel more comfortable running the Mac as a business cost once I know this is something that can bring me in some money with the work I do on it.

EDIT: Will it be possible to use my current 2x22 inch monitors on a Mac Pro? Probably need one of those overpriced mini-DVI top DVI adapters... will the double one used for the Mac monitors work for my double setup?

Ideally I'd like to put the Mac right beside my current tower and just run with a KVM switch so I can use one keyboard/mouse/monitor setup for both computers.
 
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I've used both platforms to edit video, and I can honestly tell you that Adobe Premiere Pro on a PC will give you the same options as Final Cut Pro, if not more.

While I am a fan of Apple's stuff, don't believe the hype.

Edit: For credibility's sake, I've taken classes on Final Cut Pro, so I'm pretty familiar with both video editing softwares.
 
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Thanks for the insight Xeno.

I think I'll go with Premiere Pro as it's software I already have from my Adobe Suite.

Go to know it's just as versatile.
 
I don't know if you know this, but I've heard there's a $600 fee there somewhere which people have been known to call "The Apple Tax" Don't buy a MAC.
 
It's very ironic that I'm working with F.C.P right now in class on an imac. I personally, although a fan of mac applications, think Premier Pro CS4 will/can produce the same results.
 
I'm in school right now for animation/film making, so I have my fair experience of film editing software. I know you've made your decision but just to further confirm it, Premiere is where its at for the PC. When given the choice, I do all my video editing with Premiere.

Though if you have the money and really want to go all out...AVID is what the professionals use. However, I recommend sticking with Premiere because it's easier to use, less clicks (always a good thing), and all around more user friendly. AVID is more open so that you can customize it to your workflow. All that being said, I didn't really like AVID too much lol
 
Thanks for the info on AVID, JHeat.

I have actually heard of that before but the thought of it had settled deep in my brain until you just mentioned it.

Beings I already have Premiere I will start with that and maybe check out AVID down the road for comparison.
 
JHeat said:
I'm in school right now for animation/film making, so I have my fair experience of film editing software. I know you've made your decision but just to further confirm it, Premiere is where its at for the PC. When given the choice, I do all my video editing with Premiere.

Though if you have the money and really want to go all out...AVID is what the professionals use. However, I recommend sticking with Premiere because it's easier to use, less clicks (always a good thing), and all around more user friendly. AVID is more open so that you can customize it to your workflow. All that being said, I didn't really like AVID too much lol
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Unless you already own a mac, I suggest you use premiere pro cs4, cs3 or even cs2 (there's really not that much of a difference except hd support in cs3. As for avid, the only reason why most companies still use avid is because its the standard, plus the servers and the workstations for avid cost studios millions so they don't want to scrap them to quickly after putting that much money in them.
 
i got the program, adobe photoshop CS3 master edition lol, i cant use it comp freezes when using it, but i have it, and it works awsome :)
but it runs about 2000$ :(
so i say go with what xeno says :)
 
it's really your choice but i dont find apple final cut any better than adobe premiere or vise versea and i have my desktop i built that i use premiere on and a macbook pro from school with finalcut and i can accomplish the same stuff just as easily on either platform.

the only things i find mac significantly better for is working with and recording audio which is pretty much why a mac pro with a pro tools hd setup is essentially the standard for recording studios.
 
Everyone says Final Cut Pro is 'All That', but I'm sure the equal amount of stuff has been done on the PC with other programs. I would just save some money, stick with your pc for now.
 
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