It's hard to argue that the interface isn't an upgrade

I've went through Apple Training on FCP X. I've edited a half a dozen or so projects on the new NLE. Compared the hundreds I've worked of projects on in FCP 6/7 over the last 4 years, I haven't even scratched the surface with FCP X.

Currently, I don't edit, or shoot, on a regular basis. I manage a production department, and have largely been hands off with "work" type projects.

My experience with FCP X, along with the editor in my department has been both frustrating and liberating. Since the 10.0.3 update, I've been reading more and more about FCP X, and I've noticed the prior hate towards "iMovie Pro" has began to wane. People are beginning to realize the potential of the Magnetic Timeline (liberating) and are realizing that Apple doesn't want you to edit the same way you did with the prior Final Cut legacy versions (frustrating).

This past summer, I abandoned a short video project. A fan made music video came out of it, but the original goal also included a short film. We had great footage, but the script was lackluster. However, given enough time, I do believe that a compelling story could emerge through the editing process.

Mentally prepared to revisit the project, I re-opened FCP X, and loaded the footage from the abandoned project into an "Event." With advice I've picked up from the editor in my department, the Apple training, and from reading dozens of articles on FCP X, I'm now approaching this step with a new mind set on the editing process.

Some think it's the beginning of the end for Final Cut and  professional users. But would Apple ever really leapfrog Avid, or even Adobe (considering the suite, and After Effects) in Hollywood and the majority of the pro market?

Already, I'd be crushed if I had to move back to a legacy version of Final Cut. The interface is much cleaner once you get familiar with navigation. Key-wording, Meta-tagging, and organizing clips is much more intuitive. If you're frustrated with FCP X, I recommend that you continue to persevere with the software, and begin to think about how you shoot and organize your clips before the editing process. The proper workflow makes working with the Magnetic Timeline much more liberating.

If you want a faster, stronger, Final Cut 7, move on to Adobe or Avid. I don't believe Apple wanted to stay in this market.

If you want a new way to edit, a new workflow, and a new way to interact with your clips, you have to start working with FCP X. For any editor or filmmaker feeling as if they're in a creative funk, working on the same type of project with the same old formula, the answer is FCP X.

I'll write more as I continue on with my current project. I recommend to all that you read this article on Philip Bloom's blog, which features 7 professional editors sharing their honest un-bias opinion on editing with FCP X.

If you have any questions about FCP X, comment, shoot me an email, or find me on Facebook.

I realize I'm missing the boat by about a month in regards to capitalizing on the Final Cut Pro X craze. I resisted the temptation to immediately spill my thoughts on something with so little information provided.

As I follow the super geek world (i.e. twitter and blogs) there's definitely a mixed bag of excitement and concern regarding the new editing suite software. In true Apple fashion, we have been only privileged to a teaser of FCPX. Immediately, freelance videographers balked at the new low price, fearing any adolescent may get his hands on a Macbook, a Canon DSLR, and the new FCPX software, only to call themselves a "professional".

I say, "Bring it on!"

Sometimes we forget that film making, and/or video making is an art as much as it is a profession. Now many have the opportunity to venture into this art that once exceeded the budgets of the middle class. Will there be more crap posted to Vimeo and Youtube? Absolutely! Will incredibly talented individuals emerge from the crap as a result of being able to participate in this form of art? Definitely!

I digress....

What is known about FCPX? (As in "10", not "X", as Apple looks to utilize Roman numerals)

It will be faster - 64 bits, unlimited ram (previous versions only allowed up to 4GB), no rendering (all in the background), and plenty of automation.

It will also cost $299.

There are a lot more features, but the details are extremely vague. Check out this link for more details on what's new at fcp.co.

FCPX... lets talk price. We have to remember that Apple has been packaging a studio in a box for the last 10 years, complete with color correction tools, DVD authoring software, Motion, compression software, Live Type (remember that!), and audio software. Some reports indicate that these sorts of tools will now be integrated directly into FCPX. My guess is that Apple will release these tools through the app store as add-ons, much like what they've done with the iLife suite.

And why not? Many of us elect to utilize other tools rather than the ones bundles within Final Cut Studio. Some use Colorista instead of Color, and Pro Tools instead of Soundtrack Pro. If Apple gives users the opportunity to pick and choose, and not have to pay for the whole batch of software included in the "studio in a box," then we should send a big thank you to Apple for giving us choice, and ultimately a price break.

From the looks of things, the new approach by Apple could be a game-changer. I for one won't be immediately jumping ship to Adobe or Avid. Personally, I'm satisfied with Final Cut 7, and honestly, I'll probably wait for at least a few months until the kinks are worked out of FCPX before I invest, as I usually intend to do when a shiny new piece of software hits the market.

What are your thoughts on FCPX? Leave a comment below, or hit me up on twitter at twitter.com/andrewjoegeorge.