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Regarding Final Cut Pro X

I’ve been studying Final Cut Pro X for the past 48 hours, and I think it’s really, really good.

There are some obvious things missing in this first release for sure (just like many people online are saying), but my guess is Apple will have solutions soon.

Is it a good idea to purchase Final Cut Pro X?

I think so. For me, it will easily replace Final Cut Pro 7 (and Final Cut Express).

After using it constantly for the past couple days, here are some of my favorite things about it:

  • The built-in color grading options are amazing. Better than Color in many ways, and definitely easier to use.
  • Adding keywords to clips is a huge organizational benefit.
  • Auditioning lets you try out different clips in a video before committing to one of them.
  • Editing is faster and easier.
  • The magnetic timeline rocks. You have to use it to see what I mean. It makes moving clips around super simple.
  • Background rendering is a huge time-saver.
  • It’s easier than ever to create Ken Burns effects in Final Cut Pro.
  • Media Management is easier to understand and do.

Even though it’s easy to get started, there’s lots of really powerful stuff you can do if you dig deep into the software.

Now regarding the question I’ve been receiving via email over and over: Am I going to create video tutorials for Final Cut Pro X?

Yes, and I’ll get them to you ASAP. When? I don’t know. But I’m working on it around the clock right now…

Stay tuned. More to come shortly! :)

All the best,

Izzy

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  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=797160611 Jon Littell

    Thanks for your perspective. There is SO much exaggerated negativity right now.
    I’m really looking forward to your tutorials. Your Final Cut Express course was outstanding!

    IDEA: Put together the ‘syllabus’ and pre-sell the FCX course. I’d be happy to pay in advance. It would be cool if members could get previews/rough cuts. I’m obviously REALLY eager to get started!

  • Brian Thomas

    Izzy, your FCP6 course was great too and that’s why I value your opinions. I’ve seen a lot of mixed reaction to FCPX but with your (so far) few measured words I feel reassured.

    I must admit I was a bit worried for a moment when someone said “No multicam!” but then I remembered I’m still doing ‘hack and whack’ (worked it out for myself with FCE years ago) so I should be all right, yes?
    Much looking forward to your new course even if it costs a bit more than the FCP6 course.

  • Jim

    Hi. I look forward to learning more about Final Cut Pro X.

    For starts I’d like to know what the best way to archive a project with all its contents would be. Also I’m curious about scratch disks. Thanks!

  • Douglas Fry

    I’m looking forward to your tutorial Izzy, in my brief experience with FCPX it is very fast, and that is so refreshing after FCP7 (even on a MacPro with SSD’s) but the interface needs an Izzy talk through as it wasnt as intuitive as I’d hoped

  • Video Blogger5

    I guess many people who visit your site don’t care about all these professional features, but I wonder what is your take on all these numerous complains by professionals. Here are just “few”:
    -lack of settings and consequently control, inability to reorganize files
    -hands-on color correction replaced with presets
    -only 10 preset options for export
    -doesn’t open old projects
    -no XML
    -no EDL
    -no OMF
    -no External broadcast-accurate monitoring
    -no two monitor layout
    -no support for two video cards
    -no support for old plugins
    -no bins
    -no Save option
    -no customizable work spaces
    - it takes much longer to move your files
    - no multicam
    - no multiple timelines
    - no viewer window
    - no copy/paste your color settings ??
    - background processes makes your computer slow
    - no tracks (?)
    - CONSTANT crashing, crashing, crashing
    - no blu-ray authoring
    - no motion mattes
    - no secondary color correction
    - no color curves
    - no timeline duplication
    - no sending clips to Motion
    - no native H.264
    - enable to edit even DSLR H.264 without lag, what to speak of RAW RED
    - no slow motion (retiming)
    - issues with timecode

  • http://www.izzyvideo.com IzzyVideo

    I appreciate you summarizing many of the complaints here because it gives me a chance to comment:

    Many of these complaints just aren’t accurate (though some are). I’m not sure where people are getting their information. A few examples:

    * You say hands-on color correction is replaced with presets. Simply not true. There are excellent hands on color correction tools that are simple and easy to use.
    * Also, you can organize files just fine.
    * There are nearly unlimited export options because you can export a full res Quicktime version and then use Compressor from there.
    * There IS a two monitor layout. It’s under the Windows menu and you choose to have either the viewer or the event browser on the second monitor.
    * I have two video cards in my Mac Pro and it’s working fine for me.
    * Bins aren’t needed anymore because of events, keywords, and smart collections. (which are better than bins for organizing)
    * No save option is needed because it’s always automatically saved.
    * The workspace windows are customizable, and it remembers where you last had it when you restart.
    * You can have multiple timelines in the form of projects or multiple storylines.
    * The viewer is there, though it’s improved and works in a different way.
    * You can copy and paste color settings just fine, using either match color or saving as a preset and then applying to other clips.
    * Background processes are a major time saver. They automatically start after 5 seconds of not using Final Cut Pro, so no I wouldn’t use precious processing power to do other stuff because the main thing I’m working on is my video project.
    * Getting rid of tracks is one of the advantages of the new interface. The magnetic timeline is less restrictive than tracks.
    * There’s a Blu-Ray output option, though I have’t tried it with my burner yet.
    * There ARE secondary color corrections.
    * It has native H.264 for many cameras.
    * There IS slow motion and retiming.
    * I haven’t seen any issues with timecode at all.

    Of course, I’ll show how to do a lot of this stuff in my videos.

    Regarding some of the other “downsides”:* The new app is 64 bit, so naturally it won’t work with old plugins. My guess is all the plugin companies knew this was coming and they’re likely working feverishly to upgrade their plugins.

    Your comments regarding EDL, XML, and Multicam clips are accurate as far as I can tell. The functionality for these are missing, but only a small percentage of video editors (even professionals – meaning people who get paid to edit video) use EDL and XML because they’re specific to certain workflows.

    I have no inside information, but my guess is that support for multicam (or an improvement) is coming.

    My guess is that the reason people are spreading misinformation (accidentally) is because they haven’t found out how to do the old things in the new interface.

    My final thought in this comment — I don’t think it’s fair to say it can’t do things it actually CAN do.

  • Video Blogger5

    I’m very glad to hear that many complains about FCP X are not correct. Thank you for taking time to answer.

  • Carsten

    Izzy, I’m SO looking forward to the new tutorials in Final Cut Pro X. I can’t believe all the negativity that has emerged after the release. Sure there some missing stuff for the “pro’s” but man many of them act like someone stole their lollipop. As Steve Jobs somehow deleted Final Cut Pro 7 from their drives overnight. I can’t wait for the new tutorials!

  • Rustysbikerepair

    Thanks for your updates and comments to concerns below. You are the man Izzy,
    I will wait to purchase tutorials on the new software from you.

    I would also be willing to prepay if it makes your business life any easier.

    Rusty Earl

  • Brian Thomas

    Hi Izzy, me again – this might be a bit cheeky but just in case you’re building the tutorial around typical workflows I thought I’d mention the two I currently use. Perhaps lots of other people have similar needs…

    1) ‘Family’: one AVCHD camcorder, lots of clips, ingest, add filters, titles, transitions and music, burn to DVD and/or Youtube/Vimeo.

     2) ‘Concert’: four fixed camcorders (all AVCHD), one clip per camcorder, ingest, synchronize on the same timeline each clip occupying a quarter of the canvas, maybe add an additional soundtrack, suppress some of the other soundtracks, attempt to standardize colour between clips, ‘hack and whack’ video footage between camcorders (I’m not using the multicam feature of FCP yet – just as well apparently), add titles and transitions, output to DVD and/or Youtube/Vimeo.

    Here’s hoping this is helpful, best regards, Brian.

  • Don Stafford

    Izzy, I sure hope you are correct.  I have FCE and FCP 7, and now FCP X.  I have spent a little time in FCP X over the weekend and thus far, I am very un-impressed. 

    I hope your videos will bring to light what I am missing and will give me reason to make the switch. 

    But there are still many concerns for missing features that even us NON-PAID editors use, and today I hear that if you edit a clip in the timeline, it changes the original file.  That is not good.

    So, I, like your other members, eagerly await your enlightenment on this new product from Apple.

    I (and many others) really think they should have not used the Final Cut Pro name.  They’d be much less complaining if they had….   And they should leave FCS and FCP on the shelves.  The professional market is not going to make the switch to X with all the missing features.  If anything, the switch will be to Avid.

  • http://www.izzyvideo.com IzzyVideo

    Hey Brian,

    Your first example is close to what I’m covering. The basic workflow. The videos are coming along, and I’m hoping to finish in the next few days.

  • http://www.izzyvideo.com IzzyVideo

    Don,

    I guess it’s not for everyone, and it takes a lot of adjusting, but frankly I love it. The more I use it, the less I think I’ll use FCP7 or FCE (except to open old projects). Once I adjusted to the new interface and changes, it’s SO much faster editing in FCP X.

    Oh, and one small correction — editing videos into your project doesn’t change the underlying media.

    I also hope my videos will help you get a little more out of it. :)

    I’m making good progress on them, so hopefully I’ll have something to show soon.

    All the best,

    Izzy

  • Brian Thomas

    I haven’t looked at the course yet but knowing you it will be good. I really think you should have charged something so just now I renewed my membership for another year. I’ve got a feeling I’m going to renew next year too… Thanks, in advance, for all your great work.

  • http://www.izzyvideo.com IzzyVideo

    That’s very kind of you Brian. :)

    I definitely worked hard on this to get it out as fast as possible.

    Thanks for renewing!

  • Mildred Whisenton

    I am in the process of learning Final Cut Express. I have nearly finished editing 17 years of video taken by 
    me of my grandchildren. The question is should I move up to FCE while in the middle of my project I don’t
    want to become confused. I have learned so much I think I am ready.

  • http://www.izzyvideo.com IzzyVideo

    Congratulations on that project! No, don’t upgrade in the middle of a project. It’s almost never a good idea to do that. :)

  • Hidu

    only a small percentage of video editors (even professionals – meaning people who get paid to edit video) use EDL and XML – is it a joke? Every editor I know use it on daily basis.

  • http://www.izzyvideo.com IzzyVideo

    Hi Hidu, Sorry about the confusion. When I say percentage of editors, I mean percentage of Final Cut Pro users – so in other words, a small percentage of the install base. Of course I don’t really know this for sure because I haven’t done a study, but my guess is that a small number of Final Cut Pro users actually use XML. For high end work for television or film such as what it sounds like you’re doing, that’s a totally different situation. The good news is that everyone keeps saying that Apple has a solution coming for you.

    I hope that helps clarify… Thanks for the comment!

  • Bach44

    Ditto ‘Thanks for your perspective’ But how is the new ‘built-in color grading’ in any way an improvement?I need RGB curves, LUT import ability to name just 2 must have features. 

  • http://www.izzyvideo.com IzzyVideo

    Hi Bach,

    Yeah, I miss curves too. Hopefully they’ll come, and LUT import is something I don’t use, but for people who do — definitely they need to be there.

    But for most people who use FCP, my guess is the new color correction tools will be awesome! Super-powerful for being built-in, and very easy to use. Color was intimidating to a lot of folks. I don’t think this new one will be. In terms of ease-of-use, a big improvement.

  • Michaelbrorson

    Hi!

    Great videos!

    One question: is it possible to do an insert like you demostrate in your
    tutorial were i insert videdo only one the primary and not one the
    secondary, i want pic over My interwiev but i dont want à b- roll.

    Michael

  • Marigolo

    I’ve worked in national TV for more than 15 years and I’ve had my own production company for 8 years and I’ve used XML export 1 or 2 times and I have NEVER needed to export an EDL. I’m not trying to beat your assertion down, but every editor I know (that makes money with FCP) rarely uses  these features. Just saying individual milage may vary I guess. Anyway, thanks Izzy, your site is great!

  • David Brahinsky

    Izzy,
           You’ve done it again, great lessons and you helped make a decision I am FCE user and I was heading for Adobe Premier Pro and now I am thinking that might be mistake, I have one question I have been using Square five for creating my mp4 files, so should I continue this if I go FCPX?

  • http://twitter.com/eco_bach jim bachalo

    There IS slow motion retiming but exceptionally limited..u can change the speed of a clip to 50%, 25%, but not to anything in between!

  • Zone01

    Good stuff.  Makes feel a bit better about using FCPX… just wish I had more control of the interface layout and that it was more flexible. 

  • Michael Meyer

    You CAN retime to values other than the presets, drag the handles to what ever retiming you want.

  • Jmox1

    This is an incredible blog you have , and as a student learning about videography I am glad to be following your blog! I’ve been watching the reactions to this change to FCX and your opinion has really helped me. I’m just wondering when the best time would be to make my transition over to FCX from what I’m currently using, FCE4. I’ve only been working with Final Cut for the past seven months and I’m still learning. Would it be easier for me to make the transition over to FCX sooner rather than later, or should I continue working with FCE4 and FCP till I understand more? I will start looking through your tutorials of both and maybe you have some good advice for the young video guy! Thanks man!

  • Jmfox1

    This is an incredible blog you have , and as a student learning about videography I am glad to be following your blog! I’ve been watching the reactions to this change to FCX and your opinion has really helped me. I’m just wondering when the best time would be to make my transition over to FCX from what I’m currently using, FCE4. I’ve only been working with Final Cut for the past seven months and I’m still learning. Would it be easier for me to make the transition over to FCX sooner rather than later, or should I continue working with FCE4 and FCP till I understand more? I will start looking through your tutorials of both and maybe you have some good advice for the young video guy! Thanks man!

  • http://www.izzyvideo.com IzzyVideo

    Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you’re finding the site helpful.

    Regarding FCP X — yes, I think it’s better to get started with it now. It’s the latest and greatest, so if you’re just learning, it’s a great place to start.

    I hope that helps! :)

  • Jmfox1

    yes it does thank you!

  • Mauhosau

     I have been looking on-line for some information on a problem that I just came across, and found this blog.  

    In June, I put helped together a Class Reunion presentation using ‘”Audio Only” clips — no problem.  I am starting another project using the same “Audio Only” clip format; except I cannot see the Audio Waveforms or open it up.  I checked the Preference screen to ensure that the Audio Waveforms are selected; it is, but still, nothing!  I just can’t make it work.  What am I overlooking?

    Also, I noticed that between June and now, some screen features are different when I clicked on the “Inspector” screen.  I understand that there are some upgrades.  Could that be the problem?  But I thought you have to purchase the upgrade before it kicked in, no?  

    Any help is greatly appreciated.