It’s been half a decade since Apple last updated Final Cut Pro 7, and a lot has changed in the world of video production and NLEs since then. Back in 2010, the BP Oil spill and WikiLeaks were making headlines, the iPhone 4 was the latest and greatest, and independent videographers were all about the Canon 7D. Despite all the advancements in camera technology, there are still plenty of users editing on Final Cut Pro 7, myself included. I had mastered the software over the years, but with the release of FCPX, I was left with a void. I’ve tried other NLEs, but I just can’t seem to fully break away from FCP7.
But now, with most cell phones shooting 4K footage and 360 degree videos being watched on YouTube and Facebook, it’s time to let FCP7 die. The software just can’t handle production needs anymore. So, let’s take a look at some of the available options for video editors still caught in NLE limbo.
First up, there’s Final Cut Pro X. When it was first released, many users complained about the update, but Apple has since released 17 updates for FCPX, making it a great program. There are more FCPX plugins available than ever before, and it’s turning into a very viable option. FCPX is available for $299.99 in the App Store for Mac users.
Premiere Pro Creative Cloud has taken a dominant role in the NLE world. With the ease of integration with other Adobe software and the Creative Cloud packaging, Premiere Pro CC has become the go-to NLE of choice for independent editors. It’s set up to handle an incredible amount of codecs and formats, and it’s easy to move media across all of Adobe’s other Creative Cloud software. Premiere Pro CC is available as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, with a standalone subscription for Premiere Pro at $19.99 a month or alongside the entire Creative Cloud suite for $49.99 a month. The NLE is available for Mac and Windows users.
Avid Media Composer remains an industry standard, constantly used on major motion pictures like Star Wars Episode VII. It was designed for broadcast facilities and large production workflows, and since so many large-scale productions rely on their technology, updates and plugins are not nearly as available as they are on other NLEs. However, this does make Avid much more robust. Avid Media Composer pricing varies on the packaged options, with the program available for $1,299, annual subscription for $29.99 per month, or monthly subscription for $74.99 per month. The NLE is available for Mac and Windows.
Finally, there’s DaVinci Resolve 12, which has evolved tremendously since being acquired by Blackmagic Design. The color grading program has become an all-in-one editing software, with a built-in NLE and checksum verification to check that all media is transferred correctly from the camera’s memory cards. DaVinci Resolve is poising itself to become a major editing software in the coming future. DaVinci Resolve 12 is available as a Lite Version for Free or Studio Version for $995, and the program is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux systems.
So, are you using any of these programs, or are you sticking to others? What NLE do you think is poised to take over the market in the coming years? Let us know in the comments below.
