Editor’s Choice

editing_choice_infographicSeveral software applications on the Mac platform provide creative tools to help video editors combine imagery, text, and audio into cohesive and engaging productions. iMovie, Final Cut Pro X, and Premiere Pro CC all offer 4K support, preprogrammed video and audio effects, transitions, and titles, and export options for cross platform playback on multiple devices. When selecting an editing application, consider the following:

  • Technical needs of your production
  • Interface and media management tools
  • Editing modes – novice, intermediate, advanced

Technical Needs: Be aware of the file-based format(s) you plan to work with and select an editing application that is compatible with those video formats. Final Cut Pro X and Premiere Pro offer native media support for a wide range of formats from mobile phone footage to 8K, while iMovie automatically encodes video on import from a list of five compatible formats. If your production requires multiple layering, compositing, keying, or multi-cam editing, carefully check the specifications of each application to see what tools are available and understand the tools’ strengths and limitations. iMovie may be an excellent choice for a single track production with cutaway footage, but for more complex projects requiring additional tracks, Final Cut and Premiere Pro can provide greater flexibility and precise control over multiple elements appearing simultaneously on screen.

Interface and Media Management: Explore the interface and workflows of each application. Review the import and media management processes – are the workflows intuitive? What options are available for metadata retrieval, management, and customization?  Are editing tools and enhancements easy to find, preview, and utilize?

Multiple Editing Modes: Consider skill level when selecting an editing application. Adaptable software follows the simple-to-sophisticated model, offering multiple modes of editing from a single storyline to advanced multi-track productions. An application that supports beginner, intermediate, and advanced editing is one that an editor can grow into and acquire different skills and techniques as needed.

iMovie, Final Cut Pro X, and Premiere Pro CC all have unique designs and workflows that provide specific editing features with varying levels of usability and functionality. To help you evaluate which of these three applications will best fit your editing needs, check out this side-by-side comparison chart that outlines each application’s design and media management features, editing tools, and export options. The best selection will be the application that fits your technical and aesthetic production requirements – editor’s choice!

Written by Kate Lee
Senior Media Producer, Smith College

 

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