Final Cut Pro / Video Editing Software alternatives (1 Viewer)

[rail]

My 15 y.o. is asking for Final Cut Pro X for Christmas. He's big into music, so I'm guessing he and his buddies want to edit some videos of them playing, etc.

Problem is, it's $300.

I have no clue about these types of programs and was wondering if there were any reasonably-priced alternatives out there. He is not a professional by any stretch and it seems like this program would be over the top for what he will be doing.

Would anyone recommend an alternate video-editing program that would be appropriate for his skill-level but still pack some punch?

He will run it on a MacBook (not sure which version) that is a couple of years old.

Thanks!

 

[jon_mx]

I've used and liked Corel VideoStidio Pro. But have no idea how the capabilities compare.

 

[jamny]

Not sure if it's available on Mac but I have the Cyberlink PowerDirector and love it.

 

[snogger]

Not sure if it's available on Mac but I have the Cyberlink PowerDirector and love it.

I have been using that for close to 10 years now.

 

[urbanhack]

 

[jamny]

Not sure if it's available on Mac but I have the Cyberlink PowerDirector and love it.

I have been using that for close to 10 years now.

Amazing how much they pack into that. I've only had it for about a year and haven't even scratched the surface of what it's capable of.

 

[jamny]

It's probably both waaaay overpowered for what he needs, plus, won't do everything he wants. We use Avid here, professionally, and we are always having to buy additional software packs to add in new effects/dissolves/etc.

I know the best sound editing app on Mac is probably still the free Audacity. Not sure what Non-Linear Editing software is best on Mac but any decent NLE program would be enough to get him started. If there's an open-source one with lots of developers out there creating add-ons, that would sound ideal.

I think you meant PC in the bolded. I use Adobe Audition for my VO work but Audacity is what I always recommend for simple audio editing.

 

[jamny]

It's probably both waaaay overpowered for what he needs, plus, won't do everything he wants. We use Avid here, professionally, and we are always having to buy additional software packs to add in new effects/dissolves/etc.

I know the best sound editing app on Mac is probably still the free Audacity. Not sure what Non-Linear Editing software is best on Mac but any decent NLE program would be enough to get him started. If there's an open-source one with lots of developers out there creating add-ons, that would sound ideal.

I think you meant PC in the bolded. I use Adobe Audition for my VO work but Audacity is what I always recommend for simple audio editing.

I have it on a Mac at work.

Oh...didn't know it was available on mac.

 

[MindCrime]

My 15 y.o. is asking for Final Cut Pro X for Christmas. He's big into music, so I'm guessing he and his buddies want to edit some videos of them playing, etc.

Problem is, it's $300.

I have no clue about these types of programs and was wondering if there were any reasonably-priced alternatives out there. He is not a professional by any stretch and it seems like this program would be over the top for what he will be doing.

Would anyone recommend an alternate video-editing program that would be appropriate for his skill-level but still pack some punch?

He will run it on a MacBook (not sure which version) that is a couple of years old.

Thanks!

iMovie?? It's FCP light, but it actually does a very good job, especially for newbies. And it should be on his mac already.

 

[rail]

Thank you all very much!

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I came across these two very cool video graphic clips on YT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW3DTJHFxpc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZbZuZnJ9l0&feature=youtu.be

- Does anyone have any clue how to do this kind of thing? Sped up imaging, etc.?

Amazing and cool at any rate IMO.

 

[captain_amazing]

Lightworks is pretty good IMO.

 

[MindCrime]

I came across these two very cool video graphic clips on YT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW3DTJHFxpc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZbZuZnJ9l0&feature=youtu.be

- Does anyone have any clue how to do this kind of thing? Sped up imaging, etc.?

Amazing and cool at any rate IMO.

It's called hyperlapse photography. Lots of Google results out there, but here's a cool article with a completed example video, as well as a tutorial video. Basically time lapse, but between individual shots, you move the camera slightly while keeping the center point of the shot centered, so slight pan or tilt of the camera needed with each move. Time consuming, but stunning results.

http://www.diyphotography.net/model-never-moves-hyperlapse-video-show-us/

 

[navenraven]

Get adobe premiere its 9 bucks a month