Customer Reviews

Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Pro 7

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am already reasonably experienced with video editing in Sony Vegas. When I started using FCP7 I found accomplishing simple tasks was leaving me scratching my head. I decided to order this book from amazon to see if I could get some traction with this new suite of programs.

The book is well organized and does a good job teaching a workflow without just telling you to click one thing and another and then admire the outcome. The book begins with laying out a rough cut and refining it in the following chapters through various editing techniques all the way to project delivery. It maintains interest by changing the project media at the right time. It also does a good job of demonstrating multiple ways to accomplish the same result and giving examples of why one method might be more useful in certain situations. I found the illustrations to be very accurate and helpful.

The 4 video projects on the DVD are great to work with. There are 3 documentaries (Seaworld, music and nature) and one TV series (Leverage). The quality of the media is beautiful but not so perfect that it doesn't take a little bit of effort get results. This is one of the most effective parts of the exercises. It's clear when you preview the project that it needs improvement but it's the editing that makes the result satisfying not the fact that most anything shot on a Red One can look great.

I followed every chapter and performed all the exercises closely even when I already understood the concept being demonstrated. The chapters give a time estimate on how long they should take and personally it took me almost twice as long as the estimate in most cases. I think if I already new the software the estimates would be more accurate. By the end of the book I was coming closer the the stated times but it still took longer.

I thought the workflow and methodology of the book were so well organized that I have started applying the editing strategies into Vegas and learning parts of that program I never really used previously. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn editing on Final Cut Pro.

The footage is really fun to work with. This book is a top-notch tutorial on FCP7; taking a powerful and complex software package and simplifying concepts and methods. It is well-written and well-organized with the learner in mind (instead of just unloading a lot of information on the reader). I wouldn't mind a few more images, but it probably has more than most. Best to have some computer and graphics background. Even with that, it is still taking me longer than the book promises, to go through it. But it is worth every penny; this book is a great value.

To quote a concise and accurate review of the FCP6 edition of this book:
"By Vladimir Nagorniy (Hollywood, CA USA) - This book actually teaches you efficient work flows. All lessons designed in a really smart way, so your progress is well guided. Makes you learn keyboard shortcuts. The footage was fun to work with (not the usual snowboarders and surfers). Highly recommended."

This book is fantastic for anyone who wants to learn more about the Final Cut Pro program. I Learned more than I thought I would in the first chapter, it has certainly increased my productivity with the quick-ness and smooth-ness that I can now edit video into a rough final cut sequence. I'm a big Hands On learner and this book catered to that style more than any other book I have read on Final Cut Pro.

I'm rating this book as '5 stars', more for its ability to prepare me for working in the Final Cut environment. The book was a good primer (perhaps a textbook option for an entry level class?) and now serves as a good reference. I was able to easily learn Final Cut Pro because I read this first. Specifically I liked all the actual hands-on projects and tutorials/work files (something that is missing in the Kindle version - which I would only recommend as a reference book only). If you're starting out, or just need a good refresher, this is the book.

This book is really helpful. It gives step by step activities in a way that is understandable to the reader. It comes with a cd with media and assignments for learning purposes. It's easy to understand. I am completely new to video editing, and was required to buy this book. It's only been a month and I already know my way around pretty well.

Very impressed with the thoroughness of this training book. I've been using Final Cut Pro for about a year and felt that I was not progressing in ability. Within 10 minutes of opening this book I learned 5 things that have made me faster and a better editor. I highly recommend this book.

I love Diana's writing style. This book flows and is easy to follow, easy to learn. She covers all points excellently.
After stating a point or lesson, questions come to mind and it's as if she is reading my mind as she goes right on to answer
those questions. One of the best technical books I've read since 2000. Includes lots of clear color shots as she goes.

Very Well done. Interesting but sometimes a little difficult to follow. I would love to see the content of this book produced in a video format. Because video offers the student an opportunity to review audio and visual instructions.Therefore, faster learning and better comprehension.

A very thorough review for the Apple beginning level exam. Includes a CD with excellent files.

All the book is based in the cintent of DVD that obiously doesn't come with the kindle version but you can't download neither so don't buy the kindle version because you don't be able to follow the explanations. I wasted 38$ ...