Learning NLE application - need some advice

T

Thomas Theron Cooper

Member
I'm planning to learn how to edit. I hope to do this using books and online videos. I have some books which I'm currently reading.

I need help deciding NLE application I should learn. I found Sony Vegas Pro quite intuitive and user friendly. However I understand that Final Cut Pro is the industry standard. I currently have a PC that I can upgrade and get a better graphics card on. If I had to learn FCP I would have to get a Mac, which I can invest in, if required. If I learn Sony Vegas, wouldn't FCP be quite similar? For learning editing, if I go the FCP way would I need a very high end Mac or would a Macbook pro be ok? Would it still be ok if I was editing 4K footage in XAVC format from say one of the new Sony Camcorders? Which is the best NLE software I should start with?

One more thing. I read about proxy edits. The editor creates a proxy which is then used to create the cut. Now, would it be practical to create a proxy edit on a less powerful machine and then do the final edit on a machine with better resources. Can someone guide me to the workflow for 4K footage from a Sony camcorder to creating a proxy edit and the cut. Thank you.
 
Learn to edit on whatever system you can lay your hands on. Learning to cut is different to learning how to operate a particular piece of software. Anyone can learn how to operate software but not everyone can cut.

That said, if you want to learn a NLE that is used widely by professionals you should probably be be looking at Avid or Adobe products. FCP has had it's day. It was never really an industry standard.

As for proxy edits. Yes, you can edit on a less powerful system and re-conform in a more powerful suite using an AAF file.
 
Liam Hall said:
Learn to edit on whatever system you can lay your hands on. Learning to cut is different to learning how to operate a particular piece of software. Anyone can learn how to operate software but not everyone can cut.
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I understand. I've got a few books on editing, one of which I've started reading.

..if you want to learn a NLE that is used widely by professionals you should probably be be looking at Avid or Adobe products.
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Thanks. I'll look into these two.
 
A little reading is fine, it's lways good to know some theories, but the best way to learn how to edit is to sit down with some footage and cut something.
 
Are you learning to edit for your own personal needs, or do you intend to pursue employment in that field? If for yourself, then don't worry about what is "industry standard" or most popular, use what YOU are comfortable working with.

As for Final Cut Pro, it was once dominant, but was discontinued over 3 years ago and replaced with FCPX, a totally new software that was regarded as "pro-sumer" at the time, though it has been steadily adding more "pro" features over the years.

I would regard proxy editing as a "last resort" only if the standard workflow of editing the original media is just not working out. Otherwise, you are just adding another layer of complexity to the whole process. For instance, using an older, slower computer to edit modern, processor-hungry files. The problem with proxy editing is that you still have to create the proxy files to start with, and if your computer is underpowered to begin with, then how does that process work? Very slowly, if at all. So don't assume proxy editing is the norm, I think few people are actually doing this in reality.

Adobe Premiere Pro would be the least-expensive "professional" software NLE to get into, as you can do it monthly at $19.99 rather than spending hundreds up front. Most NLEs have free trial downloads you can try. Grass Valley Edius Pro is another one that was not mentioned.

Thanks

Jeff Pulera
Safe Harbor Computers
 
Don’t forget about the Dark Horse… DaVinci Resolve Lite. This program is free and is really nice to edit in. It includes a world-class color grader and is cross platform.

Of course, you’ll need a nice graphics card.
 
SHARBOR said:
Are you learning to edit for your own personal needs, or do you intend to pursue employment in that field?
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I'm learning how to make films with the help of books, videos and films. Editing is an integral aspect and I thought I should be able to edit. I don't just mean using the software. I know it is much more than just that.

I would regard proxy editing as a "last resort" only if the standard workflow of editing the original media is just not working out....So don't assume proxy editing is the norm, I think few people are actually doing this in reality.
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Ok. I had the impression it was quite common. Thank you for clarifying.

Don’t forget about the Dark Horse… DaVinci Resolve Lite. This program is free and is really nice to edit in. It includes a world-class color grader and is cross platform.
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I'll probably focus on color grading later for a working knowledge of it. Otherwise I'll be biting off more than I can chew at this point! For now I want to learn an application that's more commonly in use.
 
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