Final Cut and Adobe Premiere compared
"Final Cut Pro X" from Apple and "Adobe Premiere" have so many features that a comparison is often difficult. This article gives you a brief overview of the individual functions - so you can find out which editing program suits you better.
"Final Cut Pro X" vs "Adobe Premiere CS6": Interface
- By default, "Final Cut" welcomes you with two video windows, the event library and the timeline. Apple has learned from the previous versions of "Final Cut Pro" and simplified the interface: Even if you have opened all windows, the program remains clear. Upgraders from older versions can still find their way.
- The new interface of "Premiere CS6" is somewhat reminiscent of the industry size "Avid". Two video windows at the top and the timeline at the bottom improve the workflow. If you don't like this, you can also switch the layout back to the CS5.5 version. Overall, the interface of "Premiere CS6" is a bit more complex, but also offers more options.
"Final Cut Pro X" vs "Adobe Premiere CS6": Usability
- Final Cut Pro's "Magnetic Timeline" keeps the clips on the timeline together, avoiding gaps. If you want to insert a new clip in the middle, the Magnetic Timeline automatically arranges the existing clips around it so that there is no overlap. You can precisely trim with the inline precision editor and the mouse. In any case, you can use Final Cut very dynamically with the mouse and almost no shortcuts are required. This makes your work easier.
- With "Premiere CS6" you can still trim and cut with the mouse. Adobe has improved the work with shortcuts so that you can work quickly even as a professional. Just like "Final Cut", there is a multi-camera view and you can view new clips as thumbnails in the project folder. The most important feature of "Premiere CS6" is the integration into the Adobe product family. You can easily move files between different programs, such as Photoshop, and edit them.
"Final Cut Pro X" vs "Adobe Premiere CS6": Under the hood
- In both systems, you make full use of the 64-bit architecture and the graphics card of the Mac. With "Premiere CS6" you can now use graphics cards other than NVIDIA for rendering thanks to Open CL.
- Both programs support a wide range of video formats and even accept files from professional cameras such as the "ARRI Alexa" or "RED" as source material. You can even use it to cut 4k material - provided your Mac plays along.
The price of the video editing programs
- The price of "Final Cut" is impressive: the Apple software costs just under 270 euros.
- Adobe users have to dig deeper into their pockets. The full version is available from just over 900 euros. Interested parties can test the program in a free trial version for 30 days.
Conclusion: This editing program suits you
Both editing programs do their job, and pretty well. Which program you choose is ultimately only a question of your needs.
- If you are already working with the "Creative Suite", you can benefit from the seamless integration of "Premiere" into the Adobe family. Thanks to the well-known design, you will learn how to use it in flight. Professionals are also well catered for with "Premiere CS6".
- If you want to buy something new anyway, Final Cut Pro X is the right choice for you. The simple interface and the good usability make it easy for you to edit and export videos without any experience. If you already use "Compressor" or "Motion", the decision is clear: You benefit the most from "Final Cut Pro X" - as long as you own a Mac. The Apple program is not available for Windows users.
The test environment for the comparison was a Mac with OS X 10.7.5, an i7 processor, 8 GB RAM and a Radeon HD 6770M 512MB. For both programs you should have at least a Core 2 Duo, a good graphics card and 4 GB RAM, but with video editing the rule is: more is better. If your computer still seems a bit slow, try optimizing your RAM.