The reactions to Apple’s Final Cut Pro X have been fascinating. Some people absolutely love it and some people absolutely hate it. I think everyone is right. Before I explain why, enjoy the Conan O’Brien video above and let me give you an idea of my background with the Final Cut series.
I’ve been using Final Cut Pro since version 4.5. I was never a power editor and after years of experience, I can still do more with Adobe’s Premiere than Apple’s Final Cut. However, I had to learn what I could since the program was used in every studio I’ve worked with, save one (it was an Avid shop, if you’re curious). After years of use, I’m a barely competent editor on Final Cut Pro 7.
Last Friday, I went to my friends office to play with Final Cut Pro X. I absolutely loved it. For a user like me, it’s the perfect blend of power and ease-of-use. It was so much easier for me to do so much more on Final Cut Pro X than Final Cut Pro 7.
Not surprisingly, all the video editors in the office hate it. They think it’s more iMovie Pro than Final Cut Pro. They hate that it’s missing vital features like dual-camera support, the inability to export to tape, the inability to import old Final Cut projects, and much, much more.
I’m positive that Apple will restore features to Final Cut Pro X to accommodate professional users. Their complaints are completely valid. Final Cut Pro X is a fantastic program for casual users and prosumers. For editing professionals, it’s flawed and limited…for now. Until those features are brought to the new version, I’m going to sit back, grab some popcorn, and watch my video-editing friends spit venom at the program.
The great news is that this is the perfect video editing program for me. The bad news is that I’m so far away from buying a new Mac and will have to fight with Premiere until that blessed day comes. *sigh*
I don't think a $300 piece of software should have that many complaints from professional users. Hopefully they update PDQ for their core power users.
Keep in mind that the old version has been discontinued, so they'll have to move onto this or something else.
@Ray
Of course but not being able to use old material made with FCP with X is pretty dick. I don't get the strategy there.