Final Cut Books

Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Pro 6 (Apple Pro Training)

Diana Weynand

Amazon Price: $32.99 List Price: $54.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 62 new & used starting at $31.89

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Final Cut Pro 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The book is actually really awesome even when you take the FCP class. The book walks your through a lot of things that may not be straight forward.


Sound examples and good tutorials.

Editorial Review:

Cut a scene from the USA Network television series Monk, create a promo for Seaworld’s Belief documentary, and master filters and effects as you edit a segment of BBC Motion Gallery's Living Colour documentary. Completely revised for Final Cut Pro 6 and featuring all-new footage, this best-selling, Apple-certified guide provides a strong foundation in all aspects of video editing. Renowned author Diana Weynand starts with basic video editing techniques and takes you all the way through Final Cut Pro’s powerful advanced features. Each chapter presents a complete lesson in an aspect of video editing and finishing, using actual broadcast footage. After marking and editing clips to create a rough cut, you’ll learn how to trim and refine the cut before moving on to complex tasks such as mixing sound, adding titles, creating transitions and motion effects, applying filters, real-time color correcting, and working with multi-format and multi-camera footage.

Final Cut Express 4 Editing Workshop

Tom Wolsky

Amazon Price: $24.39 List Price: $36.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Focal Press Amazon Marketplace: 21 new & used starting at $23.15

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Go beyond the mechanics of Final Cut Express 4--learn how to edit with it! More than a button-pushing manual--this workshop give you firsthand experience with the art and technique of editing. You develop a working knowledge with nineteen tutorials that cover each and every essential, including:
* setting up your system and understanding the interface
* ingesting and organizing your material including drive-based and disc-based camera data
* slicing, dicing, and organizing clips
* editing to build and trim a sequence of shots
* adding transitions
* using sound to refine your edit
* titling with FCE and Photoshop
* animating images to create engaging scenes
* adding special effects filters
* compositing to enhance your projects
* outputting your material
The companion DVD contains project media, demo software, and free plug-ins for your use.

* Nineteen tutorial lessons give you firsthand experience with the art and technique of editing
* Covers every essential activity from system set-up to outputting your material
* The companion DVD contains project media files, demo software and plug-ins

Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Express 4 (Apple Pro Training)

Diana Weynand

Amazon Price: $26.39 List Price: $39.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 30 new & used starting at $22.94

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Copyright 2008, but content somewhat outdated 3 out of 5 stars.
12 of 14 people found this review helpful.

I received this book yesterday and so far I've only gotten through the first three chapters. But I have already found a few outdated statements. A few examples:
1) "HDV video formats record on tape....AVCHD formats, however, record directly onto disks or hard drives." No mention of memory cards or hybrid options.
2) Lesson Review question (page 30): "What kind of cable do you use to connect your camera to your computer?" Answer: "A FireWire cable."
No mention of USB; in fact, the entire section in chapter 2 covering connecting the camera to the computer only addresses FireWire.
3) The book says after launching the first time FCE looks for any FireWire devices and displays an error message if none are found. This didn't happen, at least not in my case, which makes sense since many newer camcorders don't have firewire.
4) When I opened the first project file (provided on the book's DVD) as instructed, FCE displayed a notice that the file was from an earlier version and asked whether or not to update it. The book doesn't even address this alert, leaving the user to wonder whether or not to select "Yes" or "No" to update the project file. Not updating all the files to version 4 (which they really should have done) is one matter; not even addressing the update prompt is even worse.

None of this is detrimental to my learning experience, however it is evident this is old material merely updated for the 2008 edition, and they missed a few parts during the updating process.

So far the book is VERY basic. I'm a long-time Windows user who just received my first mac about a week ago, and it is simplistic, even for me.

UPDATE: I've progressed through the first 12 chapters, and I'm beginning to realize this book is great for walking (crawling, actually) the user through using the software with the project files included on the book's own DVD, but not so great for real-life applications. For example, I've scanned through the remainder of the book and realized it doesn't eplain how to handle existing video files in different formats (AVI's, for example). FCE can do it, but this book doesn't cover it. I've quit reading the book and started reading the FCE4 User Manual instead. So far, it seems far more applicable to what I need to know; unfortunately, the FCE4 electronic user guide is over 1000 pages long --- more pages than I care to print.

If I could change my rating on this book, I would. It was a waste of money and time. Even for the basic material that is covered, the progression is at a snails pace; it could be much more concise and efficient. Even better, it could cover more useful territory by addressing real-life applications in addition to sterile made-to-order projects.

UPDATE 2:I decided to finish the book and have progressed to the "Appendix", the additional chapters available only on DVD. It is so cumbersome trying to learn this way - read a line, switch to FCE4 to perform the step, re-activate the Preview window to read the next step, reactivate FCD4 to perform it, back and forth, back and forth. See, this is why I actually BOUGHT A BOOK. So I wouldn't have to do this. There are plenty of tutorials on line. I paid money for a book for a reason - to spare myself such inconvenience.

One more thing: The last two chapters used terminology I hadn't seen before (keyframes, for example), with no explanation. However those chapters kept referencing the Appendix. I found explanations for those terms in the Appendix. It seems the Appendix chapters should be completed chronologically before the last chapter, making their absence from the book even more annoying.

P.S. Word to the wise: I sent an email inquiry to the author several days ago. Although I've yet to receive a response (and doubt I ever will), I have begun to receive spam emails from her company.

Editorial Review:

The only Apple-certified guide to Final Cut Express 4, this book delivers the techniques you need to make movie magic with DV, HDV, or AVCHD footage. Each chapter presents a complete lesson in an aspect of video editing and finishing, with hands-on projects to complete as you go. All the files you need are on the included DVD-ROM. You’ll learn how to make effective edits and adjust them precisely; create polished transitions and sophisticated composites; add audio tracks, titles, and speed and motion effects; then color-correct and finish your video for export to DVD or the Web. Whether you’re a student, a devoted amateur who’s serious about digital video, or a professional who needs a comprehensive editing program, you’ll find everything you need to learn Final Cut Express 4 within the pages of this book. DVD-ROM includes lesson and media files for over 20 hours of training.

Final Cut Pro 6: Visual QuickPro Guide (Visual Quickpro Guide)

Lisa Brenneis

List Price: $34.99 By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $19.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Any Final Cut Pro mysteries left? Get his book? 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.

The guys at the Genius Bar in the Apple Store in San Francisco recommended this to me, and I'm happy they did. It's simply excellent!

Must Have....essential 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I own most books written on Final Cut Pro. I love all the Apple Pro books. But.......this is the first book I always tell everyone to purchase. It is the essential FCP reference for most situations. Of course it doesn't go into everything like the manuals but I feel this book is a must read and is never far from my editing room.

Editorial Review:

Newly updated for Final Cut Pro 6, this Visual QuickPro Guide is hands-down one of the most sought out books on Apple’s non-linear editing system. An undisputed master of the digital video medium, Lisa Brenneis once again demystifies the complexities of the program with her straightforward approach that uses tasked-based, step-by-step instructions and loads of visuals and time-saving tips. Busy professionals and newcomers alike will appreciate that they can quickly find and learn tasks specific to their needs, benefiting from the award-winning Visual QuickPro style. Topics covered include essential editing tasks and media-management strategies, transitions, effects and filters, rendering options, and much much more. This is a must-have reference for anyone wanting to learn to use Final Cut Pro, whether they are new to the program or are upgrading.

The Focal Easy Guide to Final Cut Pro 6 (Focal Easy Guide)

Rick Young

Amazon Price: $17.79 List Price: $26.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Focal Press Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $16.17

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A great book for Final Cut Pro 6 Users 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I'm a video editor with 3 years of experience in Final Cut Pro. When I spotted this slim volume at my bookstore, I was intrigued and picked it up to look through - then I bought it on the spot and went home and read it. The explanations are very clear and well illustrated. The tips I picked up have already saved me a good bit of time and frustration during my editing. I wish I had found this book earlier!

This book also does a great job of going over what you need to get started in Final Cut Pro - installation, settings, etc. While this book is not a "load this clip from the CD and now push this button" type book, the examples are very clear, and can be done with any video clip on your computer.

There is definitely material here for even experienced Final Cut Pro users - for example, I'd never really understood some of the rendering and format options (AIC, ProRes 422, etc) and this explains them, and shows how to use them to your advantage. Heck, the explanation on page 24 of how to put custom buttons on your toolbars, or the one on page 85 on how to use the select track tool, have probably saved me 5 or 10 minutes an hour since I learned to use them.

Hope you enjoy this book as much as I have!

Editorial Review:

Software packages are complex. Software books don't need to be. Simplify your life with The Focal Easy Guide to Final Cut Pro! This concise, full-color book lives up to its name by paring down the software to its essentials. You learn the key features and essential workflow to get you up and running in no time.

With this book you can start cutting immediately, whatever you edit, whatever the format. This is an ideal introduction whether you are a professional moving over to Final Cut Pro from another package or system, a new user, or just someone who wants to get the best results from Final Cut Pro, fast!

* Save time, learn all you need to know to edit with FCP in hours
* Concise full-color coverage, suitable for all OSX versions of FCP

Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Pro 6 Beyond the Basics

Michael Wohl

Amazon Price: $46.60 List Price: $54.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $39.05

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Thorough 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I have been using FCP v6 for some time and this gave me insights into things I can definatley use. I found it very useful.

Good book but borrows from others 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I found this book very useful and have only one minor point to comment on that I disliked, and that was the recycling of chapters from other Peach Pit books. In particular the one on Advanced Compositing was almost straight from the book on Effects and Color Correction.

That aside I found some very useful tips and tricks and a little more explanation of the audio filters than other books; most of which seem to say - hey use Soundtrack Pro it has better effects - which is true, but I find there are times I need to just quickly sweeten the audio and dont' want to bounce in and out of Soundtrack to do this - now I can finally get my head around the compressor/limiter effect in FCP and use it successfully.

Oh, and there is a small error on page 257 applying filters chapter with labelling images for "auto select" - they are around the wrong way.

All up, I'm glad I bought the book as it helped fill in a few gaps, as well as clarify things and would recommend it for FCP users who have mastered the basics and seek to do more.

Editorial Review:

In this Apple-authorized training book, director and filmmaker Michael Wohl teaches advanced skills that editing professionals need to know most Each chapter presents a complete lesson in some aspect of video editing or finishing, with hands-on projects for readers to complete as they go. Michael Wohl shows how to master advanced trimming techniques, make polished transitions, work with nested sequences, edit multi-camera projects, create fantastic effects, color-correct your video, and composite like a pro. This text also covers Soundtrack Pro, shows you how to manage your clips and media, and throughout the book he offers dozens of helpful tips on improving your editing workflow
The book’s DVD offers plenty of professional footage and project files for you to use as you work your way through each book’s lesson.

Apple Pro Training Series: Motion Graphics and Effects in Final Cut Studio 2

Mark Spencer, Jem Schofield

Amazon Price: $34.64 List Price: $54.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 38 new & used starting at $32.08

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A Fast Way To Get Up And Running 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

After using Adobe's Premiere and After Effects for a number of years, I finally decided to switch to Final Cut Studio 2.

Whilst editing methods in Final Cut Studio were pretty much the same, I wanted to unlock the hidden gems that I knew FCS2 had under the hood.

I've been a fan of Peachpit Press' releases so I didn't hesitate to stock up on the Final Cut Studio 2 series. Of all the titles in this category, "Apple Pro Training Series: Motion Graphics and Effects in Final Cut Studio 2" was the first to arrive in the mail.

Each lesson is fun and takes you through the new features and quickly gets you familiar with the power of the software.

This is a perfect book for anyone new to Apple's mammoth A/V suite and also for those that wish to become certified without attending classes. Using this book series, you can take the Apple Certified Pro Level 1 exams (for Level 2, you will need to attend actual classroom courses).

To get the most from this book, set aside the time needed for each lesson, don't rush them as you could miss a vital step or even a useful side note (I learned from this mistake) and keep it to one lesson per day to maximize retention.

Highly recommended for those getting started out in Final Cut Studio 2 and want to get working on projects quickly.

Editorial Review:

This practical book focuses on just the parts of Final Cut Studio that editors and designers need to create motion graphics in their daily work. Using footage from the BBC archives along with Motion, Final Cut Pro, and Live Type (all included in Final Cut Studio), you’ll build broadcast-quality titles, motion menus, show bumpers, and news opens. As with the other titles in the Apple Pro Training Series, each chapter in this Apple-authorized guide represents a complete lesson--with projects to complete and a review section to reinforce the lessons. Author and video editor/producers Mark Spencer and Jem Schofield begin by introducing the basics of creating an animated title sequence with Final Cut Pro. From there, you’ll learn everything from text animation, compositing, and keyframing to 3D set creation and camera animation. Step-by-step exercises and a DVD with project and media files will have you creating stunning motion graphics in no time.

Apple Pro Training Series: The Craft of Editing with Final Cut Pro (Apple Pro Training Series)

Michael Wohl

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Editorial Review:

Superbly fitted to a semester-length course, this is the ideal curriculum for a hands-on exploration of advanced editing with Final Cut Pro 6. In this Apple-authorized training book, director and filmmaker Michael Wohl delivers comprehensive training in the real-world skills editing pros use every day in the field. Each chapter presents a complete lesson in some aspect of video editing or finishing in Final Cut Pro 6, with hands-on projects for readers to complete as they go. He shares must-know professional techniques for cutting dialogue scenes, action scenes, fight and chase scenes, documentaries, comedy, music videos, multi-camera projects, and more. Two DVDs of excellent, professional footage and project files give you the chance to work with every genre as you learn.

Final Cut Pro 6 For Digital Video Editors Only

Lonzell Watson

Amazon Price: $23.99 List Price: $39.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wiley Amazon Marketplace: 31 new & used starting at $20.84

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Final Cut Pro 6 For Digital Video Editors Only is a must-have reference for anyone wanting to master Final Cut Pro. Writer and director Lonzell Watson is a syndicated Content Writer on the Final Cut Studio line of software and is a trainer for GeniusDV in Orlando, Florida. As part of his work educating professionals around the world about Final Cut Pro, Lonzell has developed invaluable training materials that are a culmination of the experiences of thousands of working professionals in the field. Throughout this reference, he shares this knowledge with you, along with related tips and tricks. Final Cut Pro 6 For Digital Video Editors Only offers you a wealth of real world solutions for working with Final Cut Pro, along with other essential applications such as Apple Motion 3, Soundtrack Pro 2, Compressor 3, LiveType 2, and Photoshop CS3 Extended. Learn to edit faster by working more efficiently as you perform some of the most popular effects used in the commercial production industry today, such as the Pleasantville Effect, Ken Burns Technique, the Filmstrip Effect and much more. The book also features a companion Web site where you can submit your questions directly to the author, view completed examples of the hands-on exercises in the book and watch Final Cut Pro video tutorials.

Final Cut Pro HD for Dummies

Helmut Kobler

Amazon Price: $16.49 List Price: $24.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: For Dummies Amazon Marketplace: 42 new & used starting at $8.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

“Save it in the edit” is a common saying among film professionals. Editing makes the difference between boring vacation movies and exciting travelogues…between the whole dull news conference and the highlights on the evening news. Whether you’re a budding Spielberg, a proud parent who wants two-year-old Junior’s every feat documented for posterity, or a band that wants your music video to rock, Final Cut Pro HD For Dummies tells you what you need to know to edit regular digital or high definition video like a pro. It covers the basics of capturing, importing, and editing digital videos, with detailed how-to for:

• Organizing your media
• Navigating the audio and video Timeline tracks and selecting clips and frames on the Timelines
• Getting fancier with split, roll, ripple, slip, and slide edits
• Working with audio, including mixing, editing out scratches and pops, and using filters to create effects
• Using Soundtrack to compose a musical score, even if you don’t know the difference between horns and strings
• Apply transitions such as 3D simulation, dissolve, iris, stretch and squeeze, and more
• Adding text for captions, opening titles, and closing credits
• Color-correcting video
• Compositing, rendering, and outputting your final product to tape, CD, DVD, or the Web

Three bonus chapters online go into more depth about rendering, customizing the interface, and managing media so you can refine your skills even further.

Final Cut Pro HD For Dummies was written by Helmut Kobler, a Los Angeles-based filmmaker, owner of K2Films, and a frequent contributor to Macaddict Magazine. Having this book next to your editing equipment is the next best thing to having him sit next to you and guide you through the editing process.