Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

insanityfw

insanityfw

Ban Me Please!
Help. I'm so confused. This forum is great, but sometimes there is just too much info.

I'm looking for FCP users who have experience with Premier as well. I've got money to buy an entire production package (DVX, Editing system, etc.) but already have a powerful PC to run Premiere. My Powerbook is too old to run FCP effectively, so I will need to buy a PowerMac, but would like to spend that money on a Magiqcam instead and a good mic, etc.

Should I stay with my PC and run Premiere or just make the jump to a better Mac and FCP upgrade.

I know I'm asking for trouble on this point...asking FCP users if I should use Premiere, but there have to be a couple of objective folks out there. Keep in mind that If I stay with Premiere that also gives me a few thousand dollars to put into my productions as well.

I will be editing commercials, music videos as well as features, so that covers the whole range.

Sorry, to ask such an odd questions, but it's my nature ;D

Thanks,

Jason
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

Also, it sounds in my first post like I have Premiere, but I don't. I actually have FCP 4 on my 550 mhz Powerbook. I've never used either product, however. Been getting ready to for a long while. ;)
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

What do you need power for?

It seems like a simple question, but the answer will probably tell you what you should do.

If you already have FCP and you've never used it, what makes you think you want to edit your own stuff? Why do you think you need horsepower? Are you planning on extensive video effects, 3d, etc? Have you done any of that stuff before?

For the record, I've used both and I have a definate preference, but it doesn't apply to your situation.
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

I would tend to agree with J_Barnes. Make sure you need the power before you buy it. I've been a FCP user for close to 2 years now, and I only recently got to the point where I said to myself, "I am outgrowing this setup." Of course, my hardware is a little faster than yours, but you get my point.

Also, I'm learning recently to think really hard about where my money goes. It helps to have a few failures under your belt so you can know whether what is holding you back is your own incompetence in an area or your lack of hardware.

Ryan
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

Thanks Ryan and J_Barnes.

I guess what I'm really trying to find out is if Premiere Pro 1.5 can do anywhere near the things that FCP can do, when it comes to basic editing? I won't be doing any complex effects for the forseable future.

I know a couple of people that use FCP, but they are biased because it's all they use, so it's been hard for me to guage.

I haven't had to edit before, because my last feature was on film and I hired and old-school film editor to do his thing. Now, I'm making the shift to the digital realm so I'm starting from square one. I do, however, need to do some of my own editing while I'm getting started for budgetary reasons. Also, I like to know what it is I'm asking others to do when I get to the point of hiring people.

Hell, after all this out-loud thinking I think I'll just step up and get the Mac platform and get up to date so that I'm covered. Plus, I want to have a system that others can use to do their projects with as well. I'm trying hard to grow a bit of indie industry here in the Phoenix area, but it's tough. :)

Anyway, thanks again and sorry for the abstract run-around.

Jason
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

The truth is that all editing programs can do the same basic editing. They just do it slightly differently with slightly different interfaces. They all have fades, opacity changes, multi-layered audio and video, "J and L" cutting and basic audio editing.

You could probably edit quite well on your powerbook if you like and steal a copy of Premiere 1.5 for your PC. Edit on both and see which UI you like better. It's all about the User Interface, not the horsepower behind each program.
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

Thanks again J_Barnes.

I know the truth is that it's not always the equipment, but who's using it that counts. I guess I need to jump in and get my feet wet and see where to go from there.
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

Here is a slightly biased piece of advice:

I've used both FCP and Premiere (but only version 6). I prefer FCP, but I hear Premiere Pro is way better than 6. But the main thing you want to think about is platform.

As I've heard said many times, much of the editing choice is platform-related. If you already work well with Macs, you might just want to stick with them. Remember, when you buy a computer to edit with, you're not using the NLE in a vacuum. You're using it on a platform. Make sure that platform is one you want to spend your days using.
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

"Make sure that platform is one you want to spend your days using. "

Good point. I'm always trying to use my Mac, but I do a lot of work with AutoCAD, which I hate. I look towards the day when my PC can be put in the closet for good...OK, it's good for email. ;)
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

Keep some of the money and use what you have for some time. If you find that you really need another computer, you can buy then.

I can say that Premiere Pro is pretty much a copy of FCP, and that is the reason it's so much better than 6.x

It surely can pull off everything FCP can, but as you might already know, in that not so confortable "PC-way". Since running FCP4 in a 550 Powerbook with external drives might be a little trickier than a regular PowerMac setup, I'd surely suggest you to start with premiere, and see if it makes you happy. If you choose the PC way, be sure to check on Vegas 5. It's another NLE that is also very good!
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

Thanks Taubkin,

I've thought about Vegas, but it doesn't seem as well suited for long form or at least different versions of long form work...from what I can tell. Nested timelines and such.

I think If my budget comes in a bit light I'll use a portion of my hardware for now and upgrade at a later date. If my wife ups my budget a bit I'll make the G5 jump. ;D

Thanks again for the feedback.
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

Just my $.02... why buy the magiqcam? I don't understand how folks will be better off by putting the DVX on an arm far away from your hands. There is no remote focus control, so... How do you do it?

I've asked this question on several other posts and never gotten a straight reply from anyone. If someone would care to help me, I'd be greatly appreciative.

Thanks,
Chico
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

Chico,

My use of the Magiqcam will be mostly in situations where I can open up wide so that focus won't be as much of an issue. It's possible to do some focusing if not a bit tough on the body. I think adding some kind of whip to the follow focus will help this out a bit. (?)

As for hand holding I'm not a big fan of the MTV, hand-held stuff. I do however like a loose and fluid camera in certain situations and I have yet to see handheld that can be repeated for hours and hours and not call attention to the camera work. For one feature project I will be moving the camera around within the scenes a whole lot and straight hand holding would be tough for such a long shooting schedule.

Also, for trickier shots that still need to be loose I'm going to look into the DVrig. It looks like that may be a good alternative, especially when the need for more focus control comes into play.

Anyway, this is just my thought on the subject but I'm not the most experienced filmmaker out there.

Best regards,

Jason
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

Cool. If it works for you, it works for you. I just know that it's a sizeable chunk of change.

That being said, use your existing equip unless it's somehow limiting you. It may be a little slow, but should be OK. Maybe grab some add'l RAM, though.

The other thing you're going to need to consider is an external HD. That helps FCP by logging all media onto the external. Depending on the size and quantity of your projects, you could get away with $150-$200 for a 150GB external.

Chico
 
Re: Using Premire Pro instead of FCP

Thanks again Chico. I've got some extra ram in my Powerbook and an external driver...my internal is only 20gigs :o

I'm going to have to play around with it, because if nothing else it would be nice to have a mobile FCP setup, until I can add in the 17" Powerbook (lots of extra cash). PLus, I just love the Mac.

Take care,

Jason
 
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