Video editing is an increasingly important skill in today’s world. With the rise of social media and online video content, being able to edit videos is a valuable asset. In short, video editing software lets you control what people see and hear in your final product. They are used in many industries for many purposes, including:
- Movies/Tv: From cross cutting between two scenes in a movie to adding visual effects, video editing software is an integral part of the film and television industry.
- Youtube/Social Media: Whether you’re a vlogger, YouTuber, or just want to make a montage of your last vacation, video editing software can turn your raw footage into a polished final product.
- Business: Video editing software can be used to create marketing videos, product demonstrations, or even training materials.
Many programs and software exist to help people edit videos, but two of the most popular are Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere. Both programs have unique capabilities and features, so deciding which one to use can be tricky.
This blog post will compare and contrast Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere and hopefully help you decide which program is right for your video editing needs.
Which Jobs Require Video Editing?
Video editing is a skill that is becoming increasingly prevalent and in demand. Many jobs now require or would benefit from video editing skills, including:
- Cartoon Animators
- Graphic designers
- Film and television editors
- Music video editors
- Web developers
- Social media specialists
- Marketers
- Event planners
- Video game cutscene designers
- Online Teachers
- Video bloggers
- And many more!
For some, video editing will make up a small part of their job. For others, it will be a core part of their responsibilities. The best way to improve is to learn through online courses like CreativeLive’s online video editing classes. You’ll be able to move at your own pace, learn new techniques, and ask questions to get clarification.
We’ll now compare both programs in different categories to help you decide which is the best video editing software for your needs.
Deep Dive Into Final Cut Pro
First up, we have Final Cut Pro. Final Cut Pro is a professional non-linear video editing application created by Apple Inc. It was first released in 1999 and has since been updated to work on newer versions of macOS. Non-linear means that you can access any part of the video at any time, which gives you a lot of flexibility when editing.
Final Cut Pro is probably the best option if you’re working on a Mac. Compared to iMovie, Apple’s consumer-level video editing software, Final Cut Pro has much more professional features and capabilities. It also integrates seamlessly with other Apple products. However, it can be challenging to learn if you’re a beginner, which is why we recommend CreativeLive’s Final Cut classes.
Capabilities
Final Cut Pro has a lot of capabilities that make it a great video editing software. Here are some of the standout features you can leverage with Final Cut Pro:
Supports iPhone 13 Cinematic Mode
The iPhone 13 is a powerful device, and you can create some stunning videos with the right video editing software. It allows videographers to shoot with a shallow depth of field and wide dynamic range. This results in videos with beautiful background blur and vibrant colors.
Final Cut Pro is one of the few video editing software that supports the iPhone 13’s cinematic mode. You can edit your iPhone 13 videos without having to convert them first, keeping the focus on quality.
360-Degree VR Video Support
Virtual reality is becoming increasingly popular, and with Final Cut Pro, you can edit 360-degree VR videos. This feature allows you to create immersive experiences for your viewers. You can also add effects and titles in 360 degrees, which adds another level of creativity to your work. If you’re interested in creating VR videos, then Final Cut Pro is a great option.
Intelligent Motion Tracking
Final Cut Pro’s motion tracking is very accurate and can be used to track objects in your videos, such as people or cars. It is perfect for adding special effects, like explosions, to your video. You can also use it to stabilize shaky footage.
Smart Conform
Smart Conform is a feature in Final Cut Pro that automatically adjusts the aspect ratio of your video to fit different display sizes. This is perfect for creating videos that will be watched on multiple devices, like phones, tablets, and TVs.
Now that most videos are watched on phones and other mobile devices, Smart Conform is a great way to ensure your videos look good no matter where they’re being viewed. When you import a video into Final Cut Pro, it will analyze it and ask if you want to Smart Conform it. If you’re not sure, you can always choose to do it later.
Pros/Cons
Pros
– Clean timeline
– Free trial available
– Excellent performance
– 5K and 8K display support
– Powerful organization tools
– Optimal performance speed
Cons
– Only available on Mac
– Only available on desktop
– Pricey for beginners
Types of Projects to Use For
Since it’s so versatile, you can use Final Cut Pro for a wide range of video projects. It is used widely in the advertising and film industries. It’s also an excellent option for creating social media videos, like YouTube videos and Instagram stories.
The intuitive timeline makes it ideal for cutting and trimming footage. And with the wide range of professional features, you can add graphics, effects, and titles to create stunning videos. As a video editing software that can do it all, then Final Cut Pro is a great option. It’s powerful, fast, and easy to use once you get the hang of it.
Pricing
Final Cut Pro is one of the more expensive video editing software, with a single license costing $299.99. Considering that it used to cost $999.99, it’s now a more affordable option for professionals. However, the lack of monthly subscription options makes it less attractive for beginners.
You’ll find the software on the App Store or the official website, and the purchase comes with all future updates for free. If you’re interested in trying Final Cut Pro, a 90-day free trial is available. That’s plenty of time to see if the software is right for you before you commit to buying it.
Deep Dive Into Premiere
Perhaps Apple’s top contender, Adobe’s Premiere Pro, is a powerhouse when it comes to video editing. It was released in 2003 and has since become one of the most popular video editing software worldwide.
Premiere Pro is part of the Creative Cloud ecosystem, which means it integrates well with other Adobe products, like After Effects and Photoshop. It’s also available on both Mac and Windows, making it a more accessible option for a broader range of users.
Premiere Pro is an excellent option for professionals and beginners alike, as it is easy to learn.
Capabilities
Like most video editing software, Premiere Pro has all the basic features you need to create a video. That includes cutting and trimming footage, adding audio, and applying effects. Premiere Pro also has a few unique features that set it apart from the competition.
Mercury Playback Engine
The Mercury Playback Engine is what makes Premiere Pro so fast and powerful. Its 64-bit software takes advantage of all the latest computer hardware. You can edit 4K and even 8K videos without lag or performance issues.
The Mercury Playback Engine is also GPU-accelerated, which means it can use your computer’s graphics card to further improve performance. If you’re looking for a fast and powerful video editor, then Premiere Pro is a great option.
Adobe Sensei
Adobe Sensei is an AI technology that’s used across the Creative Cloud ecosystem. It is used to take care of repetitive tasks automatically. That includes things like color correction, audio clean-up, and facial recognition.
Adobe Sensei is constantly learning and improving, which means it will only improve at automation over time. If you’re looking for a video editor who can take care of the tedious work, then Premiere Pro is a great option.
Frame.io Integration
Frame.io is a cloud-based collaboration platform used by some of the biggest names in Hollywood. It allows team members to leave comments and feedback on video projects, which makes it perfect for a collaborative workflow.
Premiere Pro has native integration with Frame.io, which means you can access all your comments and feedback without leaving the app.
Pros/Cons
Pros
– Fast and powerful
– Available on Mac and Windows
– Integration with the Creative Cloud ecosystem
– Automatic caption tools
– Simplified import/export process
Cons
– No sound effects included
– Less polished interface
– Might require other Adobe programs for more complex projects
Types of Projects to Use For
Premiere Pro is an excellent option for a wide range of video projects. It’s powerful enough to handle complex projects, but it’s also easy to use for beginners. Some of the types of projects you can use Premiere Pro for include:
- Narrative films
- Documentaries
- Corporate videos
- Web series
- Tutorial videos
Pricing
Premiere Pro is available as a monthly subscription, both as a stand-alone app and as part of the Creative Cloud ecosystem.
The stand-alone app starts at $20.99/month with an annual commitment, while the Creative Cloud subscription starts at $52.99/month. The Creative Cloud subscription includes access to all Adobe Creative Suite apps, which is perfect for professionals who need a comprehensive suite of tools.
Slightly less expensive than Final Cut Pro in the short term, Premiere Pro is ideal for those looking for a powerful yet affordable video editor. However, the free trial period is only seven days, so you’ll need to decide quickly if it’s worth the commitment.
Use CreativeLive to decide
Whether you’re a professional video editor or a beginner just getting started, we recommend giving both free trials a try before making your final decision. During that time, feel free to follow along with our online courses for both programs to get a better feel for each one.
Sign up for CreativeLive to unlock all the secrets of professional video editing in Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro. With our comprehensive courses, you’ll be able to master whichever program you choose in no time!
