Digital Video Editing with Final Cut Express: The Real-World Guide to Set Up and Workflow [Paperback]

Charles Roberts (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240805968 | ISBN-13: 978-0240805962 | Publication Date: November 10, 2003 | Edition: 1

Suitable for those new to nonlinear editing as well as experienced editors new to Final Cut Express, this book is an introduction to Apple's editing software package and the digital video format in general. You will come away with not only an in-depth knowledge of how to use Final Cut Express, but also a deeper understanding of the craft of editing and the underlying technical processes that will serve you well in future projects.

Workflow, editing techniques, compositing, special effects, audio tools, and output are explained in clear, jargon-free terms. The book's emphasis is always on using Final Cut Express in the real world, and as such it is the only book to go beyond the interface to address crucial issues like proper setup, system configuration, hardware, the Mac operating system, what equipment to purchase, and troubleshooting common problems. Armed with this information, you will sidestep problems and complete projects of exceptional quality.

*Learn how to use Final Cut Express in the real world
*Offers a clear overview of the digital video format
*Suitable for new editors or experienced editors new to Final Cut Express

Editorial Reviews

Review

"combines black-and-white illustrations and screenshots with easy-to-follow narration to better instruct and draw out the skill and creativity of amateur and professional digital filmmakers alike."- Bookwatch

"There are few writers that combine both wit and expertise when tackling a complex subject such as Non Linear Editing. Charles Roberts makes learning Final Cut Express flat out fun...and yes, easy."
Michael Horton, Los Angeles Final Cut Pro User Group (LAFCPUG)

"Charles Roberts has been a valuable resource to Final Cut users since the very beginning. He knows the software inside out but more importantly, he's a credentialed teacher and this gives him the kind of
experience that allows him to open his subject matter in clear and simple terms."
Ron & Kathlyn Lindeboom, creativecow.net

Book Description

The only Final Cut Express book to cover crucial configuration, hardware, and format issues

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 1 edition (November 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240805968
• ISBN-13: 978-0240805962
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,263,223 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #95 in Books > Computers & Technology > Apple > Final Cut

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not so well organized, March 1, 2007

By 

Mac newbie - See all my reviews

This review is from: Digital Video Editing with Final Cut Express: The Real-World Guide to Set Up and Workflow (Paperback)

I should have gone to a bookstore and looked at the books on Final Cut Express, but based on the reviews I thought this one would be great.

First of all, it deals with Final Cut Express 1.0.1. That's not the current version - so if you're buying FCX now, much of the info about drop-down menus and set-up will not apply to your software.

The book is very thorough in describing how to use FCX, but you have to read several paragraphs of explanation in order to figure out what you should do. The book would be more user friendly if it had charts or some way of summarizing the practical instructions. Right now the instructions are buried in paragraphs of explanation. I spent several hours just learning how to set up the initial preferences because it took so long to wade through all the info.

My suggestion: Use the DVD that comes with FCX to get a feel for what it can do, and then use the Help function when you need to figure out something new. This book is incredibly thorough and I may use it in the future, but for now it's easier to use the Help function and Google any questions I have.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read intro to the basics and beyond, November 4, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Digital Video Editing with Final Cut Express: The Real-World Guide to Set Up and Workflow (Paperback)

You won't go wrong with this book! It assumes no knowledge and takes you through the whole editing process. The appendixes alone, with advice on purchasing DV decks, the hardware you need for setup, plus tips and tricks makes it worth the price. I also feel more confident as an editor--the book covers Express as the vehicle for teaching about editing principles. It goes beyond the usual button pushing software books.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear and concise, November 3, 2006

By 

W. Kelly - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Digital Video Editing with Final Cut Express: The Real-World Guide to Set Up and Workflow (Paperback)

Charles Roberts has for my money written the best introductions to both Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express. If you want to get up to speed with either of these programs in a miminal amount of time, this is the book to get. It's something even a mother could understand!