Estimated learning curve of Premiere Pro pleeeease?

A

AppaLuci

Active member
I would like to know someone's advice or opinion on the learning curve for Premiere Pro CS3? I am super proficient on Premiere Elements 3.0 and can do most everything I've wanted so far but now am ready for more (also used Pinnacle Studio). I'm wondering what the ramp-up time for me would be to convert my knowledge from Elements to using Pro, since I'm about to start a new project for a client and am debating whether get Pro and learn it while on this job or wait.
 
If it's for paying job, stick with what you're familiar with. Upgrade and learn when you have free time. There are big feature differences between Element and Premiere Pro, and while they're basically similar, you're going to be scrambling around trying to figure out how to do things. Never a good idea when you're on a deadline and there's money at stake.
 
If you normally use the preset "step by step" system in Elements, then expect a notable learning curve stepping up to pro.

If you've tossed that "guided editing" stuff aside ages ago and do all your editing by manually using the menus to get to functions, use keyboard shortcuts, and generally properly know your way through Elements; then you will have no trouble upgrading.


However the above advice is very good: experiment on your time/project, not your client's.

- Mikko
 
Ok, thanks for this feedback. Yeah, Mikko, maybe I'm less proficient than I thought because I wasn't sure what the "preset step by step" and "guided editing" was, which you mentioned! You mean there's a cookie-cutter option for using Elements?? I generally am pulling off basic effects using keyframes, and a few keyboard shortcuts and I work pretty fast... I just feel like Elements is limited when it comes to outputting your DVDs and making menus and such. Also, I think that After Effects, while I don't really know yet what all it actually offers me, might provide me some more advanced opportunities to help with what I want to do.

You wouldn't know if I'm losing any convenient features I've gotten used to, by moving up to Pro, would you? And out of curiousity does Pro have any automatic "YouTube" export kind of feature, like Elements 4.0 does now?

I appreciate everyone's feedback. Thinking of finding a trial version first, to get acquainted...
 
Yeah I'd try out the trials of Premiere and Encore and AfterEffects. All three make one very powerful package but obviously more complex than Elements. I'd just start using it (for non-paying jobs as previously stated) and see what you think. Just focus on using it alot for the 30 day period. I wouldnt upgrade to it though if it doesnt offer you alot more in what it can do - the price is definitely a bump up from Elements.
 
Get it and enjoy it .

You will have no probs learning it at all. Its a great program and learning it by playing with it is fun and you will eventually make it productive.

I have been using it for years and still find out things and methods I did not know and had not thought about. These Forums are very helpful in this regard.

With Premiere there is always more than "one way to skin the cat"
 
Actually, another question I just thought of, and it would seem important in my case is, are the files of Premiere Elements compatible with Pro also? My projects are saved as .prel in Elements... will I be able to import/use them also in Pro?

Thanks for all your input, everyone. It really helps me as I'm considering my next steps.

Also- where in this forum would I post another question about a potential new computer system I'm considering getting to run all this editing?
 
Shooter, thanks for letting me know that. I notice you are pretty generous with your help in these forums; just wanted to send my appreciation your way for taking the time and contributing your helpful feedback like you do.

Mikko same to you...I see lots of your posts also.

Thanks to everyone here as well.
 
I started with pinnicle studio years ago and moved up to pp2 (no elements) I found the transition quite simple. Once you get the idea of what an NLE can and should be able to do, you will find how to do it in another interface. Take the time to play, edit, effect, correct and export and you wil be well on your way in no time.
 
As Steve said, once you have the basic workflow and framework of what an NLE does, you'll be able to pick up the basics of premiere pro without much trouble at all. It's when you get into the more advanced features that you'll probably hit the curve. Give the trial a go though - that'll give you an idea of what you are in for :)

If you do shell out on the full version, I'd suggest investing in some training material too as there is a lot of additional stuff in premiere pro that can help speed up your workflow as well as assisting in delivering more professional looking projects.

(I personally bought the $250 Total Training for PP2 DVD set, but there's cheaper alternatives out there too)
 
Thanks, guys. Appreciate the feedback. I wonder if any of you know if I can upgrade to Pro from having Elements for less than the full price tag? I think I saw somewhere that I could do that... if anyone here happens to know.

Yeah, your feedback is giving me confidence. Also, I read thru so many threads here about how gosh darn great FCP is, and I wonder if I'm missing the boat if I don't learn that... so then I think maybe if I'm getting a new computer I ought to take the leap... but then I dread the foreign MAC environment, omg could take me a week to do what I can do in one hour on a PC, who knows...

I'll more than likely stick with Premiere, I just don't know if I'm quite ready for After Effects ($$$). Hopefully I can do a lot without that yet, and maybe get something more basic for titles only, like BluffTitler. Yeah, I'll do my next job with Elements and then get the trial of Pro on the new computer. Looking forward to finally being able to edit on a 24p timeline finally! (Owning a dvx and not using 24p is something like ordering a mouth-watering chef-special lasagna dish and eating just the cheese off the top)
 
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