FCP 5.1 Standalone?

Hi,

I'm new to the Mac world, although I've edited on quite a few other systems, and am just looking to make the switch to FCP. On Apple's website the only versions available are Final Cut Studio and Final Cut Express. Is it possible to buy Final Cut Pro 5.1 or a slightly older version for cheaper than the entire Studio package?

Or will Final Cut Pro Express be sufficient to start out? I read somewhere that FCP Express isn't capable of editing 24p, is this true? I'm going to be using a DVX 100B. Thanks in advance for any help!

Angel

Much to many folks' chagrin, the answer is no.

I think you'd have to go back to FCP 4.5 (maybe even 4) to be able to get just Final Cut and not the rest of the Studio Apps.

However, you might find the rest of the Studio Apps pretty darn useful, and as a whole, it's still pretty good deal for what you get.

deb

Thanks, Deb. I think I may just need to splurge and get the full package. From what I hear, it's more than worth it. I noticed Apple offers a student version at a discount, but it doesn't allow for upgrades. Am I better off sticking with the full version?

FCP alone back in the day cost $999. Now it costs $1299...just $300 more...and includes software that would EASILY double the cost. Cinema Tools used to cost $999. Motion was, what? $499? DVD SP, $399?


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I'd go with the full version if you can afford it. Otherwise, you'll just have to re-buy the whole thing when you get out of school. It'll cost you the amount of the academic version more in the long run.

deb

Let me add my voice to the chorus urging you to get the whole suite. I never though I would use Soundtrack Pro, Compressor and DVD Studio Pro as much as I do.

It's the best "bang for the buck" in post production packages as far as I can see.

Jay

Thanks for all of your help. Sounds like I definately just need to go with the full package here. Now I just need to figure out which system to get. Would this setup be good enough to run FCP at a pretty good speed?

* 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
* 2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
* 500GB Serial ATA Drive
* ATI Radeon X1600/128MB VRAM