Apr 9 2003
Final Cut Express
Apple has shown that it is not afraid to compete with the likes of Microsoft. Now Apple adds Avid and Adobe to its list of application road kill. The new Final Cut Express closes the gap between iMovie and Final Cut Pro and leaves other DV solutions out in the cold.
Most of the attention paid to this new video app has been on the differences between Pro and Express. Like any little brother, Final Cut Express is eager to prove itself on its own merits, and too many have overlooked the power of this application by discussing its lacks.
For those of you new to video editing, you won’t find anything lacking in Express. In fact, like Pro, there are dozens of features you probably not even find unless you need them. What you will find is the best editing interface there is, and fast, responsive interface. And, what’s more, when you make it to the big screen, you’ll find the transition to Final Cut Pro easy.
The other bunch that should take note of this new release are digital defectors looking to cut video costs with DV. Video pros will find themselves right at home with Express. Quality-wise, you will make no sacrifices either.
Voice-over, color-correction and PSD layer import are all there in Express. For those of you graduation from iMovie, you’ll be happy to know that Final Cut Express will open your projects right up – provided they come from version 3. For those of you thinking of adding FCE to an editing suite with FCP, you will be glad to hear that Express projects can be opened directly in Pro.
Way back in the nineties when I started with non-linear editing, a comparable application cost tens of thousands of dollars. This kind of professional editing power is a giveaway at $300. Final Cut Express embarrasses the likes of Adobe’s Premiere, beating it in features and price.
Final Cut Express is $299, upgrade not available (duh).