Vegas over FCP?

NO CA$H

NO CA$H

Veteran
Do you guys use vegas because you like it or do you use it because its a cheap alternative to FCP? I'm just wondering because I'm trying to decide which one to buy...
 
I use it cuz I like it. it's an awesome editing program and it has the best 24p support among other things.
-paul dv
 
I'm not going to let a software (NLE) dictate what OS I use that's for sure. I'm a PC user and chose Vegas for it's Native 24p support and have never looked back. It kicks ass.
 
I am a FCP user and love it. I haven't used Vegas yet, but just wanted to put in a good word for the Production Studio Bundle, it rocks.

All the NLEs are pretty good now (apart from Avid's evil spawn) so you should be fine whichever you choose. Just make sure that it will do everything you need!!! Do you have particular requirements: multicamera editing, HDV, ProHD, DVCPRO HD, uncompressed 10-bit, DVD output, lots of title design etc etc etc??

In fact FCP bundle does all the above pretty well (apart from ProHD issues) so just check what you need and maybe try and demo the software.

I found FCP easy to pick up, and am mostly self taught - good luck doing the same on Avid! I have HEARD Vegas isn't too bad... anyone care to comment first hand though?

Just IMHO as always...
 
mmm said:
I am a FCP user and love it. I haven't used Vegas yet, but just wanted to put in a good word for the Production Studio Bundle, it rocks.

All the NLEs are pretty good now (apart from Avid's evil spawn) so you should be fine whichever you choose. Just make sure that it will do everything you need!!! Do you have particular requirements: multicamera editing, HDV, ProHD, DVCPRO HD, uncompressed 10-bit, DVD output, lots of title design etc etc etc??

In fact FCP bundle does all the above pretty well (apart from ProHD issues) so just check what you need and maybe try and demo the software.

I found FCP easy to pick up, and am mostly self taught - good luck doing the same on Avid! I have HEARD Vegas isn't too bad... anyone care to comment first hand though?

Just IMHO as always...
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Vegas was easy for me get comfy with (I will admit I am not nearly as good as some here), but until that I was using Premiere. I still prefer After Effects for motion graphics and effects creation.

Take a look at the new Digital Fusion if you want to see software with the "easiest" learning curve ever. :evil:
 
I chose Vegas because of user testimonials, and because it supported the 24P mode of the DVX.

I stuck with it, and in fact practically prosletyze for it, because it is THAT GOOD. And I've got to admit -- every time I read about an FCP user who has to try to use cinema tools to remove pulldown and fiddle with timecode breaks and can't put multiple framerate clips on the same timeline (what good is having a multiple framerate camera if you can't use different framerates on the same timeline?) and on and on... I've got to admit I just don't get why people are so enamored of FCP. You can buy Vegas, and a pretty screamingly quick machine to run it on, for less than FCP software alone. And it'll work better and more integrated with the DVX than the FCP/Mac solution will.

Regarding the platform: if Vegas ran only on a Mac, yes I'd buy a Mac just to use it. Same with DV Rack. There are some tools that are just worth it.
 
Vegas is a "cheap alternative" to NOTHING.

I use Vegas because I love Vegas. If Vegas ran on a Mac, I'd have a Mac. And I'd still sneer at FCP for all its troubles.

But it doesn't.

Vegas runs CIRCLES around FCP for 24p, no question, no argument, no whining -- it just does. (And any other NLE for that matter.)

FCP has a few more native codecs than Vegas, though you can download them FOR Vegas.

But try exporting a WM9 file from FCP.

Try mixing a 5.1 surround track in FCP. Try exporting a 5.1 AC-3 file from FCP.

Try shooting in 24pN and making a 24p DVD with FCP.

Every NLE has advantages over the others; FCP is no different.

But on balance, I defy anyone to show FCP's overall superiority. It just can't be done.

So, as a bonus . . .

As Vegas is just as capable an editor, Vegas integrates better with the DVX, Vegas has incomparable audio tools, and still costs half as much (WITH its DVD authoring app) and runs on machines which cost half as much . . .

Why would I have the slightest interest in FCP?
 
Hey, Barry -- we posted the same thing at the same time!

Think of it this way -- there's a reason most of the mods on this board use Vegas.
 
I have 60GB and it does fine for editing one feature length movie at a time (My computer has little on it besides programs for video and audio)....then I store my excess stuff on my friend's 120GB....If I was you, I'd get a laptop with 80 GB minimum and the largest external harddrive you can find within your budget.....But that's me and I'm (kind of) new....So I hope I didn't just make a major ass of myself.
 
That's all well and good, and I'm glad you guys love Vegas and have nothing against it... but plenty of us folks DON'T have any trouble with FCP, and get done everything we could ever dream of... Perhaps more newbies use FCP also, and thus generate more chatter, but it handles 24p and DVCProHD and all just fine, and for everyone I know, is really rock-solid....

-Barry
 
I use FCP at work from time to time and it's a great program. For whatever reason, Vegas has always seemed more natural to me. You can throw anything at it and it doesn't flinch. That's part of what I really love about Vegas.
 
I've used both Vegas and FCP. Personally, I prefer FCP - but I also don't use native 24p.. so that could play a large factor. I've never liked Vegas's interface, felt to cludged together/haphazard in a lot of it's function. I've also felt like Vegas is pretty inconsistent in how things are setup. Again, may just be me..

Ultimately, the person using the software is more important than the software being used.
 
I think the point is, we all tend to use the tools we like, and like the tools we use; and anything different from what we're used to, takes some getting used to. If you have a community around that you'll be interacting with, you may be best off getting what they have for interoperability and better help when you need it... or have faith that whatever you choose, someone here at DVXUser will help you do whatever you want to do. Vegas, FCP, Avid... all have strong followings of productive professionals. So even though FCP is best, you'll do fine if you want to skimp on Vegas ;-)
 
I might have to disagree: Vegas is simpler, but may "too simple." Sometimes it does stuff for me, and I'm wondering whether or not it was actually done or how I could prevent it if I wanted. I also think FCP has a much better interface that's far more intuitive and hands on.

Then again I'm a hard core FCP user and I hated it when I first tried version 2. Whatever...they're both pretty good so far as I can tell, but the interfaces are VERY different. FCP is like a streamlined Avid, Vegas is kind of like an audio editing program almost.
 
ullanta said:
That's all well and good, and I'm glad you guys love Vegas and have nothing against it... but
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So even though FCP is best
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Typical MAC response there :laugh: :beer: Hey, we're glad you have nothing against it and happy we have your blessing. :thumbup:

Do you have a MAC or a PC NO CA$H? I suggest downloading and trying them out.

However, you say you're considering one or the other? Do you have a MAC and a PC?

The real solution is that generally speaking, MAC and FCP users are pretentious biased assholes caught up in the hype. They tend to be attached emotionally to the product (ain't it cool?) and will defend thier software and hardware which I always thought kind of fanatical.

Which one are you?

But seriously though; I have ZERO preference other than never being exposed to the MAC (working in offices). It was a natural decision for me to get VEGAS being a PC user (Tried Premiere and hated it) and once again THE NATIVE 24p is a key development.

I wouldn't let software dictate my OS unless this was a career move or business expense. BUt if simply for home/amatuer/indiefilmmaking stuff; I'd go with whatever platform you are already using.
 
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