FCP or FCExp. on 2.0 intel 20" imac "new to mac"

[Vince Debart]

I’m looking at a 20" imac 2.0 Intel a 2008 model 4gigs of ram 1 fw400 1 fw800 so can I capture via 400 and send it directly out the 800 to an external H/D and edit with FCP or FCExp. I think I will also be working with some AVCHD down the road

I am not a day to day editor. just want to get a good working knowledge of FCP I do work with Vegas and avid at work. Don't need to be a super user on FC

Thanks

Vince

[Noah Kadner]

Which camera?

Noah

[Vince Debart]

Not sure ...sony or canon or I might just go with HDV ... I am still working in SD pd150 vx2100

any input on the imac question?

Thanks

Vince

[Jonathan Jones]

I'm thinking the reason Noah asked about which camera is because FCP has a broader range of native format compatibility than FCExpress.

But since you aren't looking to go full throttle - just need a working knowledge of the Final Cut interface, etc, than buying the full Final Cut Studio package is going to be overkill for your needs. (One of the primary selling points of the full FCP Studio package is that it comes with all the amazing additional applications that comprise the suite - but if you don't need them and won't use them, than it is not money well spent.)

In your case, Final Cut Express will likely do the trick, and for only $199, it's pretty much the best bang for the buck (in my opinion) to suit your specific needs.

Final Cut Express doesn't have as full a range of format compatibility options and doesn't have all of the controls and core features that Final Cut Pro has (such as batch capture), but it does have a nearly identical interface, most of the basic filter sets and parameter controls, and I believe in the latest version that finally allowed keyframe controls for filters and effects.

On the surface, there is pretty much no difference in the interface, so at $199, it is a pretty economical way to learn the interface and grow familiar with its functionality.

-Jon

[Vince Debart]

Thanks Jon