FC Studio vs. FCX

[Canuck Photog]

Hi,

I'm getting sick of using my station's chronically-clogged linear editing systems (note: I'm not knocking linear editing!), and I want to put one of Apple's Final Cut systems on my new MBP. I've read and done some research on the differences between the two products, but at this point, I'm interested in people's day-to-day experiences (and the practicallities) of the products. Some questions:

- Final Cut Express has it's limitations, but would it still be suited for editing daily news pieces?
- Is Final Cut Studio "overkill" for editing daily news pieces? (i.e. buying software where there may be functions you will never use...making it a waste of money).

Your collective input is appreciated, as always.

CP

[herter857]

One thing about Final Cut Studio is that it comes with DVD Studio Pro, Motion, LiveType, Soundtrack Pro, and I want say one other program. But if all you are doing is editing news stories do you necessarily need those other programs. You will be spending money on programs you don't even use. I would recommend Final Cut Express if thats all your doing is doing news stories.

[bluffton]

also with cinema tools, compressor, and quicktime pro.

I think you should go ahead and get the hole thing. It will open opportunities you wouldn't have otherwise...freelancing. Or just renting the gear.

Soundtrack Pro can do so much with audio it is worth having in your bag of tricks. It is simply amazing how you can get rid of hums and other unwanted distractions in a hurry.

Motion can give you a really wonderful look for your sweeps peices and once you learn it you will be amazed at how often you will rely on it. another cool trick 2 keep in your tool box.

plus many other types of quick cool things you can eventually learn to do and make extra money.

Oh yea fcx doesn't give you the same timecode from the tape...you will have to download a plug-in to help with this.

[long521]

FCX is DV only. I'm pretty sure that means FCX does not have native p2 support. If you plan to use any p2 gear, you won't be able to use it directly off the cards without a third party application to convert the MXF files.

[Brian P]

When I got my G4, I bought FCX. I found it a bit limiting so decided to upgrade to FCP 5.

The total cost for the original software, plus the upgrade was about the same if I had just purchased FCP 5 in the first place.

[Necktie Boy]

You might want to double check and see if it handles audio as separate tracks. I used a version that didn't let you do that. It treats audio as stereo.