MAKING YOUR OWN VIDEOS: Final Cut Pro

In the world of video editing, Final Cut is the Pro Tools of video. Right out of the box, Final Cut Studio offers an amazing deal, with more than seven different audio/video editing programs that all work together to fulfill any want or desire a video maker could ever have.

Kevin Fulda and Jake Jorgovan of Rabbit Hole Recording break down video gear.

FINAL CUT STUDIO
COST: $1395

In the world of video editing, Final Cut is the Pro Tools of video. Right out of the box, Final Cut Studio offers an amazing deal, with more than seven different audio/video editing programs that all work together to fulfill any want or desire a video maker could ever have.

At core of this package is Final Cut Pro, an editing software that could be likened to a combination of Photoshop’s layer-visibility and Pro Tools’ time-based editing. Accordingly, those already experienced with digital audio workstations and Photoshop may pick up the Final Cut style quickly, while the average computer user may find it as cryptic as hieroglyphics.

Final Cut’s strength rests in its unique ability to hold up to 99 audio and video tracks, as well as a huge bank of audio and video plug-in effects. While the interface may cause initial confusion, once mastered, the software provides all of the necessary functions to efficiently cut and edit professional videos. Final Cut gives editors all the tools necessary to tweak a project to perfection and distribute the video to a wide range of formats.

While Final Cut does have the capacity to produce professional products ready for mass production, it still relies on the user behind the keyboard to craft professional output. This software is not for typical home video folks, but is a great choice for those who are seriously looking to get into the filmmaking business.