Final Cut Studio 2 vs. FC Express

[JediPM]

As a beginning editor on a budget, that just wants to start out with the basics, would Express be usefull? I am not ready for the 1,300 dollar price tag for Studio 2 just yet.

Thanks
-mark

[edDV]

Have you mastered everything iMovie/iDVD (cuurent and earlier version which is better IMO) can do first?

If you find you need more features then move up to FC Express.

[JediPM]

Actually I have not. I am really at the beginning stages of all of this. I am trying to tackel this from all angles as 2008 is my year to finally learn to do this on a career-type basis.

I'll take your word for it, learn iMovie, and then move to Final Cut.

Thanks

[edDV]

Actually I have not. I am really at the beginning stages of all of this. I am trying to tackel this from all angles as 2008 is my year to finally learn to do this on a career-type basis.

I'll take your word for it, learn iMovie, and then move to Final Cut.

Thanks

Take a film/video course at your local college, or buy some training DVDs on Ebay. You can resell them for about what you pay for them.

[JediPM]

I am actually finishing up a level II FCP class out here in CA. It's been great, but I do not have my own system to really start working on. I really want to use what the industry is using that's why I really need Final Cut, I'm sure iMovie is great, but FCP is what the industry is using. I have 2 books as part of the Apple Certified series for FCP, they are excellent. It's all about expense. I want to learn the program, but not spend a fortune doing it. The computer alone is around 2200 bucks, if I can save some money on the software that would be great.

[edDV]

I am actually finishing up a level II FCP class out here in CA. It's been great, but I do not have my own system to really start working on. I really want to use what the industry is using that's why I really need Final Cut, I'm sure iMovie is great, but FCP is what the industry is using. I have 2 books as part of the Apple Certified series for FCP, they are excellent. It's all about expense. I want to learn the program, but not spend a fortune doing it. The computer alone is around 2200 bucks, if I can save some money on the software that would be great.

You should have mentioned you were in a FCP class up front. Still you should master other programs to broaden your understanding.

You don't need a $2200 computer to learn. It will be obsolete before your skills are up to speed. I'd suggest you buy an older machine with FCP installed or start with iMac + FC Express. That will be fine for DV or HDV formats. When you are making money you can upgrade to a Mac Pro and Final Cut Pro.