Final Cut Pro vs. PC based editing

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Paul_Maxe

Active member
What does FCP have that Vegas/Premiere doesn't and vice/versa? I have never used either system but I need to buy a whole editing system for my 2 new dvx100a's. What are the pro's/con's and what would you recommend.

Also is the hardware better/faster on the Mac vs. the PC?

I know this is a huge debate but I am stuck. I have about $4200 to spend on hardware and software...Thanks!
 
Re: Final Cut Pro vs. PC based editing

I would say, at the level you're at:

Get a Mac, unless you have a lot of friends/help around with PCs. The Mac has fewer hardware and setup issues, since it's a standard platform and the hardware manufacturer is the software developer. However, if you have some folks that are happy PC users and can help with any stumbles, it's a toss-up. Having other folks around familiar with whatever system you choose is an important factor.
 
Re: Final Cut Pro vs. PC based editing

P.S. - I'll get you nicely set up for, say, one of those DVX100As...

-Barry
 
Re: Final Cut Pro vs. PC based editing

Thanks for the input Barry...

I build custom PC's as a side business and I am very familiar with PC's. What I am looking for is the long term most powerful editing suite. Mac or PC? Any thoughts?
 
Re: Final Cut Pro vs. PC based editing

This is a good question because I will soon be in your shoes. I am familar with both Avid and Premiere Pro, but was wondering if I could get more bang for my buck going the Mac route.
 
Re: Final Cut Pro vs. PC based editing

uh oh, why do i have the feeling this thread is going to end up as one of "those" :P
 
Re: Final Cut Pro vs. PC based editing

FCP v. Vegas v. Premiere v. AVID . . . it's all the same, more or less. It's all about comfort. You have an advantage because you're new to the world and don't have any preconceived notions about how things "should" be. You're in a great position to try all of them and decide which one you like best, which one fits your way of thinking and working.

DON'T let others make the decision for you. This is something you need to try and do for yourself.

So try 'em all.
 
Re: Final Cut Pro vs. PC based editing

I just asked a similar question before I saw this one... I should have posted it here.
 
Re: Final Cut Pro vs. PC based editing

Basically asking this question will just get you many biased answers! People tend to like what they're familiar with. Keep in mind that my bias is for Apple, 'cause that's what I use productively every day.

FCP is certainly used at all levels of the industry, from big feature films to indie films-on-dv to wedding videography. I'm not sure about the feature films, but I think you can say the same for Vegas and premiere. Avid is certainly a long-time industry standard to which all others are compared; it's available for Mac and PC, and there's a free trial version.

Basically, they'll all do almost everything well. If you have some special needs, make sure whatever you choose suits 'em. For advanced work, often plug-ins and add-ons are what will make the difference... see which, if any, you need, and see what they run on.

Sorry for the lack of clear advice. I do find the Apple products to be pleasant and reliable, enabling high productivity. The speed of the new G5s is truly dreamy. That's what I'd get without a second thought, and be confident it was at very least a top contender for "best small editing system"... but, luckily, there're many great, reasonably priced possibilities out there now... it's a "golden era" for DV editing...
 
Re: Final Cut Pro vs. PC based editing

One thing's for sure, I've never heard anyone recommend switching to Mac from PC just for FCP. I've always wanted to use FCP, but I'm pretty much stuck on a PC since I couldn't afford to buy Apple versions of all my stuff.
 
Re: Final Cut Pro vs. PC based editing

We went the FCP route since we were buying everything brand new anyway! Thanks for all the suggestions!
 
Re: Final Cut Pro vs. PC based editing

[quote author=ullanta link=board=Offtopic;num=1088717769;start=0#9 date=07/02/04 at 08:48:31]I'm not sure about the feature films, but I think you can say the same for Vegas and premiere.
[/quote]

FCP is one of the most commonly used feature film edit package, witness Cold Mountain being done start to finish on it.

Vegas is most common in corporate environments where the IT departments refuse to support a second platform. Premiere is more common in legacy, and its fitful support has been an issue in the past year. Of course, with AE and Photoshop being the irreplacable big dogs, Premiere still has some adherents.
 
Re: Final Cut Pro vs. PC based editing

I'm a long time Mac fan, but if you're building PCs on the side, by all means, go with Vegas. Both platforms are OK in the long run for video (Macs, because of Apple's push behind video, so you KNOW it's a priority that's taken seriously)(PCs because of their market dominance), so go with what you're comfortable. Right now, there's no bad decision.

[And, yeah, I'd be leary of Premiere right now...they pulled out of the Mac market, even though they had the longer running product, because they couldn't hack the competition. After Effects, on the other hand, is another story....]
 
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