I’m afraid of technology. But despite this fear, I made a promise to myself to become as technologically literate and savvy as possible this year. This involves learning a variety of new software used by print and broadcast journalists alike.
Today, I took a class on the new Apple editing software, Final Cut Pro X. As I walked into the class, I felt pretty confident. I had conquered my fear of non-linear editing systems a while ago. In fact, for the last two years I have religiously been practicing and using both Final Cut Pro 7, Final Cut Pro X’s predecessor, and Avid, another editing software. But as soon as Final Cut Pro X opened on my computer, my confidence turned once again into fear.
Final Cut Pro X looked totally different than Final Cut Pro 7. Tools were located in different places. There was one preview screen instead of two. The timeline did not separate the video track from the audio track. The list goes on. As I sat there, terrified, I tried to absorb all the changes. Then the instructor began to talk.
She compared editing with Final Cut Pro X to editing using iMovie, saying that if you can use iMovie you can use Final Cut Pro X. Her words brought me little comfort as I have never used or even looked at iMovie before.
By the time she actually began the workshop, I was felt completely incompetent as an editor. Her promise to walk us through everything was the only thing that kept me from loosing it. As I watched her point out the new features on the large projector screen, I began to recognize that in many ways Apple did simplify the software, making it more consumer friendly. You can easily preview all your clips and select in and out points in the “Events” menu. The time code is prominently displayed. And many of the tools I frequently use while editing, such as the blade and trim tools, were much easier to find and access.
After playing around with it for a while, however, I’m still not sold on Final Cut Pro X. I do not like how the timeline does not separate the video and audio tracks and how you cannot clearly see where you are placing your clips on the timeline.
The film and broadcast industry also have qualms about this new software. Many professionals are denouncing Final Cut Pro X, saying Apple sold out. This controversy has left some editors reverting back to Avid. Only time will tell how successful Final Cut Pro X will be the industry.
In the meantime, I will continue learning Final Cut Pro X and probably wanting to pull my hair out.
No comments:
Post a Comment