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Home: Video University Forums: Mac Video:
iMovie to Final Cut Express

Kidson
New User

Feb 24, 2006, 5:34 AM

Post #1 of 8 (1057 views)
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iMovie to Final Cut Express	Can't Post

I am a relative beginner having made several home movies in iMovie v.5.0.2- I currently have an iMac 2.1Ghz-G5 running system 10.4.4 with 1.5GB of memory.

I have version 1.0.1 of Final Cut Express and whilst I continue to learn, every time I make some small alteration to a clip or to a transition or to sound and I then have to render to view in the Canvas window, it takes for ages! Are there any short cuts to avoid this seemingly slow progress of compiling a movie?

Please do advise.

Richard Miller
Novice

Feb 24, 2006, 10:51 AM

Post #2 of 8 (1053 views)
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Re: [Kidson] iMovie to Final Cut Express [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have just recently went from FCP 4 to 5, and there seems to be a lot less rendering. FCE came out 2003, i believe. iMovie 5 is about 2 or so years newer. Your rendering question is just a result of progress made in the software. not much you can do. Except upgrade.

(This post was edited by Richard Miller on Feb 24, 2006, 4:29 PM)

RatVega
Enthusiast

Feb 24, 2006, 3:42 PM

Post #3 of 8 (1047 views)
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Re: [Kidson] iMovie to Final Cut Express [In reply to]	Can't Post

FCE 1.0.1 is indeed aging software...

With the intro of FCP4, Apple went to a scalable architecture that included RT effects. Check to see if you have such a mechanism in your version of FCE. If not, then you're stuck until you upgrade.

Your system is fast enough to use RT with at least limited success, but the software needs to support it.

As far as an easy shortcut, try FCP5 on a Quad. Cool

Editing is like racing, it's all a matter of how fast you can afford to go.

______________________________________________________________
Currently on a loaded 2.5GHz G5 dualie/5GB/1TB internal RAID/dual 19" monitors. Final Cut Studio, Adobe Suite, Boris RED. Shooting with Canon.

VU California Crew, Inland Empire Sub-Chapter (paragraph?)

Waldemar
Enthusiast

Feb 24, 2006, 8:11 PM

Post #4 of 8 (1033 views)
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Re: [Kidson] iMovie to Final Cut Express [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm in a similar situation, although my G5 is a bit slower than yours. FCE version 1 was primarily a reaponse to Avid Express, which was realeased a few months earlier. While Apple exercised great wisdom in making FCE a stripped down version of FCP, they left out a few really important features, like real time rendering and batch processing. there are others as well.

The rendering issue can only be resolved in one of two ways: upgrade to a newer version of FCE, or choose a newer version of Final Cut Pro. I chose the latter last year. I keep FCE 1.1 in my computer for quick projects.
G5 1.8. Final Cut/QT Pro/iMovie/Still Life. GL1. XL1-s

Kidson
New User

Feb 25, 2006, 4:12 AM

Post #5 of 8 (1026 views)
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Re: [Waldemar] iMovie to Final Cut Express [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thank you for all your most welcomed advice and suggestions.

In view of what has been said and taking account of the limitations on my current G5 -iMac what version of Final Cut do you propose I buy?

Kidson
New User

Feb 25, 2006, 7:44 AM

Post #6 of 8 (1022 views)
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Re: [Kidson] iMovie to Final Cut Express [In reply to]	Can't Post

Further to my earlier posting would it would be worth buying the latest Final Cut Express version?

Waldemar
Enthusiast

Feb 25, 2006, 11:20 AM

Post #7 of 8 (1014 views)
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Re: [Kidson] iMovie to Final Cut Express [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think the answer really depends upon how you expect to use the software. FCE will only handle dv whereas FCP will handle just about anything. There are limitations regarding integration with other Apple video software.
For event video FCE will manage most demands placed upon it. If will fall short in some key areas which can cause some frustrations. For example, one can only import Motion effects. There is no batch capture or batch export (probably the biggest issue for me), only motion keyframing, and a bunch of others. Visit Apple website and navigate to Software>Final Cut Express HD>and click on the feature chart. It is located on the right sidebar under the heading, "Which editor is right for you?"
G5 1.8. Final Cut/QT Pro/iMovie/Still Life. GL1. XL1-s

RatVega
Enthusiast

Feb 25, 2006, 12:19 PM

Post #8 of 8 (1002 views)
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Re: [Kidson] iMovie to Final Cut Express [In reply to]	Can't Post

An upgrade to Final Cut Express HD will cost you $99...

Probably worth all of that just to avoid the render frustration, without even going into improvements.

______________________________________________________________
Currently on a loaded 2.5GHz G5 dualie/5GB/1TB internal RAID/dual 19" monitors. Final Cut Studio, Adobe Suite, Boris RED. Shooting with Canon.

VU California Crew, Inland Empire Sub-Chapter (paragraph?)