Final Cut, Express or Pro 5, for 24p???

CineAlta

Well-known member
Hello,

I am trying to figure out which version of Final Cut I need, to edit 24p footage from my DVX100B. The Apple website says that only FC Pro 5 can edit 24p. But I was told that Express should be able to do it, because only the DVX100B camera shoots in 24p, but the recorder side records the 24p in a 60i wrapper to DV tape?

Does the Apple info mean that FCP 5 edits 24p native, but that 24p in a 60i wrapper can be edited in Express?

Help! I'm confused. If I can use Express, I'll save a lot of money, because Apple no longer sells only FCP 5 alone, and I would have to buy the Studio version for $1200!
 
Sorry for the unsophisticated question, but what is the difference b/w 24p & 24pa? And when would I use 24pa?

Thanks!
 
It kind of comes down to personal preference. If you're not doing a filmout, then you don't really need 24PA.

I just use 24P cause it is easy to work with.
 
whenever i need to get software i have a friend or relative who is still in school or a teacher and have them use their education discount at whatever school's student store they attend. i think it works online. FCP studio is $699 with the discount.
-michael
 
Isn't the student version of that program illegal to use though for anything involving profit or like film festivals and stuff?

I'm interested too because I'd like to not spend 1200 on a FCP Studio thing after spending 2500 on a powerbook.
 
You CAN edit your 24P footage in FCE, but it will be in a 29.97 fps timeline. FCE does NOT have the ability to edit in a 24 fps timeline (or more accurately, 23.976). FCE cannot do the pulldown for 24P or 24PA. You'll still get a 24P "look" but you won't be editing in a 24 fps timeline.

If you're not going out to film, or interested in making 24P DVDs, you don't need FCP. 24P DVDs will play on progressive-scan DVD players on an HDTV capable of progressive display... that isn't a huge audience right now, but growing.

I have FCE and do run into other limitations. If you have the money, go with FCP. If money is tight, FCE will do the job for now.
 
EditPhish said:
I have FCE and do run into other limitations. If you have the money, go with FCP. If money is tight, FCE will do the job for now.

Thanks alot for the info! What other limitations do you have with FCE? Thanks!
 
yeah i am in the same situation right now. I have FCE and is making a move to buy the dvx100b...

so i hear FCE can (generally) edit 24P footage, but is iDVD capable of making the DVD out of it?
 
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