Apple Demos Final Cut Pro X at NAB 2011

[linuxcooldude]

Well it was rumoured for some time and we all waited with baited breath but was Apple seriously going to end the pro app that started them off to stardom? Sadly yes they have. What genius decides to make a pro app accessible to the masses? We who use FCP have to make money from our business, so we need a little bit of smoke and mirrors to make our business needed, otherwise our clients will just get a 16 year old in off the street, download FCP (sorry imovie Pro or whatever they have decided to call it) and there you go we are out of work!

It seems you don't have faith in your own ability as if your trying to compete with an average 16 year old. Don't blame the tools alone.

The same thing was said when local garage bands were recording music from an average PC in the 80's. Most record labels won't go to a teenager to record a well known bands music.

 

[PeterQVenkman]

Usually no but with the AppStore no corporation can buy anything. All licenses belong to the attached AppleID that makes the purchase. Its a huge flaw in the AppStore Model.

Ah, now that is a good point. I don't think it's what the original poster was railing against, though. ;-)

Unless Apple offers a non-AppStore purchase some companies will run into issues.

 

[yoak]

I think that is 'Professional' world that your living in is starting to change. Applications aren't just a forte of a few high and mighty code monkeys. For example I could go get Xcode off the App store and download it for 5 bucks, thats all you need to make a Killer iPhone app, 5 bucks. Angry Birds, made millions of dollers, and it started with 5 bucks. It could be used by a Fortune 500 company to create a in-shop app that can do much for the company, or it can be used by some kid in his room to create a game. This idea of there is a special elite out there is changing. Technology is embraced by everyone, and everyone born today will have the same oppertunity's to use them. Computers or Video Editing isn't just something that is done by geeks in a basement on some College campus using machines the size of desks. Its done by Granny's, Kiddo's, everyone. High Definition cameras are affordable to anyone with a little skill in saving. People aren't gonna need 'Professionals' forever. Why hire a Photographer for a wedding, when I can afford just as good Camera, photo editing software for less then it would be to hire them?

We can't keep professionals around just for the sake of keeping them around. If they are productive, if society needs them, then they will do fine. I'm sure your industry needs you, and plenty of regular joe's do to. But not forever, definatly not with the next generation of script kiddies and technology savvy teens.

Well, affordable video cameras and editing geare have been around for how long now? At least over a decade.
How many films have you watched that were made by amateurs? None, one maybe if Blair Witch can pass as amateur film (at least they were film students)
Even if the tools are readily available dosen´t make it any easier to make something worthwhile watching.

It´s a trade, a craft, heck some even say it´s an art form you know.

 

[aedude01]

Why hire a Photographer for a wedding, when I can afford just as good Camera, photo editing software for less then it would be to hire them?

We can't keep professionals around just for the sake of keeping them around.

Um.... you hire them because they have talent? Because they have a particular style you like? Because they have a niche specialty.

Not everyone can shoot a well-lit, well-composed, stylized photo and not everyone can direct a feature-film, or churn out the finalized edit of a broadcast documentary or TV show in one to two weeks. Sure, the tools to do it are cheaper, but there's a human factor. You seem to be forgetting that.

 

[linuxcooldude]

Well, affordable video cameras and editing geare have been around for how long now? At least over a decade.
How many films have you watched that were made by amateurs? None, one maybe if Blair Witch can pass as amateur film (at least they were film students)

With Blair Witch it also had as much to do with promotion and marketing then just with the quality of the film alone.

 

[gusapple]

Um.... you hire them because they have talent? Because they have a particular style you like? Because they have a niche specialty.

Not everyone can shoot a well-lit, well-composed, stylized photo and not everyone can direct a feature-film, or churn out the finalized edit of a broadcast documentary or TV show in one to two weeks. Sure, the tools to do it are cheaper, but there's a human factor. You seem to be forgetting that.

I think that's what the OP was saying. If a "professional" is called that simply because they are able to buy this stuff, then there is a problem. I think that it is great that younger, artistic people have access to this stuff.

Along the lines of the App Store, I hope that Apple opts for a box set for businesses and education, which I imagine they will. Or else they are catering to the wrong audience. While hobbyists and individual editors are good, the film studios aren't going to like the model.

 

[Mattie Num Nums]

Ah, now that is a good point. I don't think it's what the original poster was railing against, though. ;-)

Unless Apple offers a non-AppStore purchase some companies will run into issues.

I know a lot of us JAMF Casper users have brought it up but get nothing in response from Apple. It seems like they just don't give a damn and that bothers a lot of us because for years we were what was keeping Apple alive in our industries.

 

[fullstop102]

I do this for a living and it's the same as it with Avid: everyone thinks they know it better. And in this case and in this thread it's a who is "pro" d!ck contest. Who the eff cares, rite? I will definitely upgrade to fcx no matter what these "pros" say and I consider myself an avid guy. But I just hope that this program is stable, and doesn't have that many bugs as can be expected from a total ground up program rewrite.

Totally agree.The test of the software is when you use it in real life situations.

But can't wait for it to be released.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Take the Red camera.. this could sell for 5k and everyone would have one, so why would you pay a daily rate of $1500 to have someone use a camera that only costs $5k? Wake up and smell the coffee but as your post indicates you dont live in the real world as companies will pay more for something they feel is better than it really is. Its simple business logic and psychology. Companies pay a premium for a professional using professional gear not an app you download from the app store.

How much does it cost to buy a pen and paper or some paint, brushes and canvas? Are there not professional writers? Are there not professional graphic artists? Are there not professional painters? How about a drum kit or a guitar? Any professional musicians out there any more?

Quick! Someone go back in time and kill Gutenburg! His damned printing press started this whole mess!

Times *are* changing, they always have been and they always will be. Experience, knowledge and quality of work keeps you in business. Tools are transient.


Lethal

 

[Hikkadwa]

Think I'm wrong

Based on the screenshots -This looks like its another car crash bit of software. I bet the guy who destroyed iMovie 06 has something to do with this. Lets just hope I'm wrong.

Having just seen the latest video on line of FCPx I think I've changed my mind - it looks interesting

 

[Chupa Chupa]

what I am saying is this: If everyone has the same tools then how can it be called a pro app? The new FCP is pretty much based on Imovie and for those who dont except that try and use them both together and then you will see.

Hey look, I can go buy a pro model Louisville Slugger or Rawlings Big Stick, heck I can go buy Jose Bautista exact bat. I can swing it all day an I guarantee you I have zero chance of hitting a HR.

You see tools are great, but what separates amateurs and hobbyists from pros first and foremost is skill. Using the same editing software as Kirk Baxter doesn't put me on the same level with him. Seems obvious. Bautista could out hit me if he were using a Wiffle ball and bat and I was using an aluminum bat and juiced ball. That is why he is a pro and I am in the stands. It's not because I can't afford his bat, because I can. It's a couple hundred bucks.

So for you to scream that FCPX isn't pro b/c it's too inexpensive and too accessible to the masses, that 16 y.o. kids w/ FCP in their MBP is competition to you just screams you really aren't really are not that creative or accomplished as true pro editor. You are a cutter and splicer and plugin junkie.

Interface aside, there is a laundry list of new features that the avg hobbyist would have absolutely no use for. They are pro features. You can't just compare interface to interface and make your conclusion on that alone. To my knowledge only a few select editors have yet to play with FCPX and they are still under NDA.

 

[Blipp]

Having just seen the latest video on line of FCPx I think I've changed my mind - it looks interesting

I have to say I'm impressed that you quoted yourself to admit that your opinion has changed a little. I don't know if I've ever see someone on a forum admit that their mind can change based on things like "evidence" and "facts". Good for you .

 

[hsilver]

How many of you have looked at the entire presentation? I am looking forward to FCPX as a better editing tool than anything I've ever worked with. I've edited on FCP, AVID, Premiere, Edius (and taught both to college students and professional editors) and have worked on non-linear sytems 99.5% of the people on this forum have never heard of - Montage, Ediflex, EditDroid... I won an EMMY for editing. Oh and did I tell you, I'm old.

The Magnetic Timeline option and ability to finely tune L-cuts or overlap edits with more precision and ease -and to adjust audio on a sub-frame level within the timeline plus all the major system changes will enhance the editing experience significantly.

Good editors will focus much less on moving media out of the way to fit in video and audio and focus more on the substance of what they're doing. That helps a 16 year old in high school make a better show. And it helps the Coen Brothers. Hardly iMovie-ish.

Color and Motion are still going to be there. No evidence that a single professional feature has disappeared. It would take a 3 hour presentation to cover everything. Everyone should calm down.

 

[gwangung]

Having just seen the latest video on line of FCPx I think I've changed my mind - it looks interesting

Hey!!!!!!


We can't have that around here!!!!

 

[Eric5h5]

Why hire a Photographer for a wedding, when I can afford just as good Camera, photo editing software for less then it would be to hire them?

Because your photos will probably suck. What tools you buy are irrelevant. Desktop publishing software being cheap and widely available didn't make professional designers go away, for example, it just showed how most people suck at it.

--Eric

 

[DrDomVonDoom]

Because your photos will probably suck. What tools you buy are irrelevant. Desktop publishing software being cheap and widely available didn't make professional designers go away, for example, it just showed how most people suck at it.

--Eric

Thats exactly what my post was aimed at, was the whining that somehow bringing pro tools to the masses at affordable pricing will somehow bring the downfall of western civilization. These aren't the days of millions of dollars of equipment where only the super elite hollywood douchebag elite could release a movie. There are PLENTY of doc's out there, indie movies that a few ametures couldn't make 25...30 years ago. Professional is a ******** title that only 'so-called' professionals call themselves. Hey Pauly Shore is a professional actor, doesn't mean he's worth a ****.

 

[grue]

There is very very little to tell from this presentation. There are only 2 things that everyone can agree are huge developments (at this times) - 64bit and Background rendering.

*BZZT*

Proper multithreading is far, far more of a huge development than 64bit. The people who are excited about 64bit are the people who don't understand what is going on.

 

[linuxcooldude]

I use a software switcher, Wirecast, to produce my internet show. Its a whole lot cheaper then a $15,000 Tricaster. I don't think I have many cable or TV shows knocking at my door complaining I'll take their job away...lol

 

[MacinDoc]

Well it was rumoured for some time and we all waited with baited breath but was Apple seriously going to end the pro app that started them off to stardom? Sadly yes they have. What genius decides to make a pro app accessible to the masses? We who use FCP have to make money from our business, so we need a little bit of smoke and mirrors to make our business needed, otherwise our clients will just get a 16 year old in off the street, download FCP (sorry imovie Pro or whatever they have decided to call it) and there you go we are out of work!

I can see the business sense for Apple but they have now taken it all away from us who stayed by them for all these years.. Thanks Apple for the kick in the teeth. I am a ''Pro'' app user and have been for well over a decade and will be sad to move over to a new system but alas nothing lasts for ever.

RIP FCP
Born 2000 died 2011

You're saying you're going to leave FCP X because it's too inexpensive and too easy to use. Shouldn't you make your decision based on how powerful it is and how efficient its workflow is?

 

[CIA]

It was mentioned in this thread with nothing to back it up. So far, with all of the video that's now on the web, there's no mention of shortcuts, remapping, etc.

There should always be concern when upgrading to a new app or system. Once you've made the mistake of not having concerns or questions too many times, it'll be second nature.

Second video, @9:25. No mention of remapping, but that probably is in there, as it's kind of a basic "pro" feature, and all the shortcuts should be included. But he does say at that point that everything can be driven from the keyboard.

Here's the video if you don't know which I'm referring to

 

[chirpie]

If they are productive, if society needs them, then they will do fine. I'm sure your industry needs you, and plenty of regular joe's do to. But not forever, definatly not with the next generation of script kiddies and technology savvy teens.

Just like every kid who grabs a pirated copy of Photoshop can do great design. Or any kid can hold a guitar and be a great musician.

Heck, scalpels are cheap, let's all go be surgeons!

 

[chirpie]

*BZZT*

Proper multithreading is far, far more of a huge development than 64bit. The people who are excited about 64bit are the people who don't understand what is going on.

Right. 64 is all about RAM allocation. Great for on the fly effects, but the real time savings is leveraging grand central dispatch.

I'm frankly surprised more people aren't happy about the color syncing. Anyone else here ever ran into the dreaded gamma bug in QT?

 

[totoum]

Anyone else here ever ran into the dreaded gamma bug in QT?

I get shivers just by hearing "quicktime" and "gamma" in the same sentence.

So yeah,one of my first thoughts was that I only have to endure it a couple more months.

Also the idea of multi threaded H.264 encoding making the process a whole lot faster is something I'm looking forward to.

 

[Hawaga]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; fr-fr) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148a Safari/6533.18.5)

FCP has been plagued with FUNDAMENTAL problems since it's creation. And initial peaks seems to suggest that instead of building on it's basis and creating a stronger, leaner, more professional tool Apple has once again decided to ditch it's professional (and there must be a distinction) users for the prosumer crowd.

We aren't talking about those video hobbyists making montage reels of Johnny's 2011 soccer season, we are talking about those of us cutting high-profile commercials and films you see on television and in theaters. And this update has us worried that we've WASTED the last decade at the lunch table arguing with the Avid dinosaurs, "Oh I know FCP could be better in this respect and that respect, but, but, but just wait for FCP8 it's going to be SO much better." Now skip to FCPX. I wanted to see them release FCP8 for GOD'S SAKE! You can see where this is going, Shake anyone?

Many questions remain and yet it seems they have obviously sold their pro users down stream:

What of better TRIM? SOURCE RECORD TIMELINE EDITING? What about a COLLABORATIVE PROJECT ENVIRONMENT? SERVER BASED TECHNOLOGY? And MEDIA MANAGEMENT? Weakest parts of FCP I can tell you first hand, the lack of media management. It's an assistant’s nightmare. We deal with it on a daily basis.

Oh but it will sync the sound for you. Have you seen what it can do with iChat?

If none of this made any sense to you then you are probably not a pro-user, so I guess you're excited to get the new FCPX. But what you should really be saying to yourself is, "Isn't it so awesome they're releasing iMovie Pro in June!?"

I have heard PLENTY of true pros that do professional work for major studios that have praised this new Final Cut Pro, and I also saw an entire room full onf Final Cut Pro enthusiasts and professionals with their jaws on the floor. I guess you wouldn't consider one of the lead editors at Bunim/Murray to be "pro" enough huh?

Anytime Apple updates something or completely changes something to make it modern or a more attractive UI, you all piss and moan about how Apple is abandoning you and doesn't care about pros anymore. Get a tissue, no one cares. Most of the open minded pros who are open to change and welcome it saw something amazing in FCPX. People like you who will bitch even if Apple moved the window close toggles a fraction of an inch down the title bar (ie App Store) really need to accept the fact that things need to change at some point, and it's usually for the better.

Buy Avid

 

[portishead]

I see it as emblematic of the direction that Apple is taking away from the pro market. With that said, I'll likely buy it, since it looks like a nice prosumer-focused package. Three hundred dollar for what they are offering is not a bad deal at all. I just hope it comes on DVD, so I can point my bony finger at the box and tell it how it does not hold a candle to its older brothers.

It's a re-written app. Basically v1. It's going to take time to mature. You are not an editor and your opinion isn't valid anyway.