Hi, i was just wondering what computer/software you guys use for you filmaking needs. I want to know becasue i want to save up some money and for my graduation(High School) present they might buy me a mac or something else that will do the job. Thats why im wondering what you guys use. Just curious,Thanks A lot.

FCP.

Vegas 6.

FCP on an iMac G5

A steenbeck machine, by necessity, but I highly recommend Final Cut Pro

If you're just starting out I'd recommend FCP mainly on price and initial ease of use.

I'd also recommend Avid as well as it is a very robust editing system and at the time is the standard in the professional editing business.

Avid has some great features such as being able to mix resolutions (even HD and SD) in the same timeline.

FCP is a good tool as well because it comes with a wonderful DVD authoring program called DVD Studio Pro.

I'm an Avid guy but I understand that it has a learning curve. FCP is easier to pick up as it was designed by computer programmers but Avid is more powerful for an editor because it was designed by editors.

I'd recommend learning both - but if you're just starting out, FCP is fine, as a full featured Avid system can be expensive for a full blown Media Composer. Avid Xpress Pro is a good piece of software as well and can be had for $295 if you're a student.

If you have a PC - definitely Avid Xpress Pro is the software to get. If you have a Mac and are a student the Avid vs FCP "fight" is more balanced. Both have their pluses and minuses.

As a student you can get them both for "dirt cheap". Why not try both?

-Chris
Studentfilms.com

Final Cut Studio on a dual 2 GHz G5 with 2x250GB internal drives and a 160GB external. 1.5GB RAM. Yes, I need more storage and memory.

Don't forget Premiere Pro. It's no Avid but it's not shabby either.

Mike

Final Cut Studio
On a dual core Imac Intel
Very Awesome..Im planning on getting the next intel Macs that come out whenever they do!

I also wouldn't mind trying avid one of these days but FCP is great!

my instincts

quote:

Originally posted by Hill Dawson Kane:
my instincts

Must resist urge to topple from pedistool.... argh!

I use FCP on a Dual 2ghz G5, oh yes and I have a HDK "instinct" plug in for FCP, that makes my footage self-important and nauseating.

quote:

oh yes and I have a HDK "instinct" plug in for FCP, that makes my footage self-important and nauseating.

That would explain "Thank You Baked Potato"

I deserved that, I couldn't resist being a prick. But how do you find a talking potato self important? Nauseating maybe, but self important?

And I just read some of your reviews for "Unsilent Passings" 1 through 18 and I can understand your bitterness. It's ok bro you're a good person.

I apologize to the moderators; I will now go flog myself for starting useless off topic arguements.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: REDking,

So no one has fcx? So you guys think i should save up to get Final cut Pro or get the studio.

So is Fcx not as good or not worth it and shoould i just get fcp. Also if i get a mini mac would not do right? what should the minimum requierements be for fcp?

Thanks...long way till graduation but i would like to see my options. Thanks

FCx is a great way to introduce yourself to the software, but it's limited in it's high end capabilities, ok you already knew that.

I guess it depends on your current abilities, eventually you'll want the full package but don't waste you're money if you're not planning huge productions! Plus it gives you a good doorway to learning the real software when you are readu to step up!

quote:

And I just read some of your reviews for "Unsilent Passings" 1 through 18 and I can understand your bitterness. It's ok bro you're a good person.

I apologize to the moderators; I will now go flog myself for starting useless off topic arguements.

Perhaps you should watch all 124 minutes of U.P. instead

quote:

I apologize to the moderators; I will now go flog myself for starting useless off topic arguements.

Haha. That's okay. It was hilarious and totally worth it. Yes, yes you should. You're a bad influence!

I use Premiere Pro 2; I've never actually touched another piece of editing software. Anyone -- how does PP stack up against FCP and Avid?

Harris, I use Ppro as my favorite as well and I love it. I used Avid for a whole summer at a local TV station and FCP at my school for a year, and I still like Premiere the most. FCP and Ppro seem like they're brothers. They're very similar in a lot of respects. Avid is intuitive and you speed right along but the learning curve is steep.

Yeah I used PPro at an internship and it seemed their update was aligned and mimicking FCP 3 in terms of usability and it's interface. They're both great programs, but FCP is what I learned on so I'm really biased!

What would you all say is the clear standard right now. AVID seems to always come up as the broadcast standard, is that still true?