Final Cut Pro X is a video editing software developed by Apple Inc. The software runs on Mac computers and is a favourite for creating professional quality videos whilst on the go. Today in our Final Cut Pro X review, we will delve into it in an unbiased manner.
There are things we love, but also things we don’t – and you must hear these from both sides.
Final Cut Pro X is used by a range of video makers from amateurs to professionals and has maintained popularity since its release in 2011.
It has now been ten years since Final Cut Pro X was available to download on the app store. The editor is still used by filmmakers worldwide but looks much different from the original app released in 2011.
In keeping up with technological advances in software and development, the app has seen many updates over the last ten years and continues to progress even now. This review will give you a complete rundown of Final Cut Pro X, including prices, features, advantages and disadvantages.
Final Cut Pro X pricing and packages
The full version of Final Cut Pro X is an investment; however, the app does offer a free trial for anyone on the fence about purchasing the software.
Although the app only offers two versions- free trial or fully paid- there are many plugins available to be downloaded with the video editor to enhance your experience and allow you to do more with the app.
Let’s have a more detailed look below, in our Final Cut Pro X review.
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Final Cut Pro Free Trial: Is Final Cut Pro Free?
Final Cut Pro X offers a free 90 day trial for anyone who is considering buying the app. The free trial of Final Cut Pro X will automatically expire 90 days after the first time you open the app, and you will be given a countdown of the remaining days you have in your trial.
Unlike other free trials, a payment is not automatically made when the 90 days runs out. Instead, you are required to purchase the full version from the app manually.
What’s included in the 90-day Final Cut Pro Free Trial?
The free trial allows users to experience Final Cut Pro X’s perks without paying the purchase fee. The free trial does not give you access to any of Final Cut Pro’s additional content, including extra sound effects, presets, the space designer plugin, and advanced video formats.
However, the trial does not interfere with trying out complimentary video effects and editing tools with the free trial. The free features can create high-quality videos and don’t skimp on choice. Even with just a free trial, the editing opportunities are endless with Final Cut Pro X.
The free 90-day trial allows you to import and edit all video types from standard definition to 8K! During the trial, you will be able to play around with each clip that you upload freely, and you will then be able to export the finished product back onto your laptop. The free trial is a great way to test the software before committing to the entire purchase price.
Advantages of the Final Cut Pro X free 90-day trial
Final Cut Pro’s free 90-day trial allows you to experience the best parts of the app without paying so that you can decide for yourself if the software is for you before you buy it.
The free trial contains much of the same features as the fully paid version (aside from some additional effects) and does not automatically renew itself when expired- this means that you have complete control over whether or not you purchase the app.
You may also be interested in reading: How to export a video in Final Cut Pro
Disadvantages of Final Cut Pro X free 90-day trial
The free trial does not give you full access to additional effects, which means you cannot fully experience parts of the app without paying.
The trial also only lasts for 90-days which is a short time in the world of video making. This means that you may not be able to use the free version for any long-term projects.
Final Cut Pro X paid version
The fully paid version of Final Cut Pro X can be bought from the app store or purchased after the free final cut pro trial expires for $299.99.
You have access to some of the best video editing software available for this price and can use the editor’s full features. Once you have purchased the app, you will be able to install it on multiple macs, and you will be able to receive all updates at no extra cost.
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What does the fully paid version of Final Cut Pro X include?
Since its original release, Final Cut Pro X has continuously improved and updated its software to create an editing tool rated highly among video editors and creatives. Final Cut Pro X enables video-makers to create professional-quality footage from anywhere in the world, some of the tech specs include:
- The ability to import and edit 360-degree video from equirectangular images, stitched together from a variety of cameras
- Option to create your own personalised custom workspaces
- Background rendering
- Multicam editing, which incorporates automatic sync and support for mixed frame rates, mixed formats, and up to 64 camera angles
- Range check, which shows any areas of an image that are out of colour
- The ability to automatically create custom roles during import or even voice recording
- Smart-face detection and shot-detection that categorises clips into organised collections
- The ability to start editing footage before it has finished importing
Final Cut Pro X boasts a wide range of tech specs and features- you get a lot for the price you pay.
Advantages of Final Cut Pro X
Final Cut Pro X was designed to make video editing easy. The libraries feature of the app may not be the flashiest tech spec but, it is a helpful feature that adds to the simplicity of using Final Cut Pro X.
Final Cut Pro libraries allow you to store content together to use for multiple projects and can easily be backed up to protect your work.
The paid version of Final Cut Pro X gives you full access to effects, presets and updates- the payment does not expire, and you are entitled to all future versions of the software.
Once downloaded, you have the option to connect Final Cut Pro X with a variety of extra plugins that boost creative potential and allow you to access a whole world of features and tools. Plugins are also available to download from the App store, and pairing them with the editor is fairly straightforward.
Disadvantages of Final Cut Pro X
If you want to install Final Cut Pro X, your device must meet the minimum system requirements. Firstly, the software is only compatible with macOS 10.15.6 (or later) software and cannot be downloaded on a windows laptop.
You must also have 4GB of RAM available, a meta-capable graphics card, 3.8GB of free disk space, 1GB of VRAM and a good internet connection. These requirements do mean that older devices may not be compatible with Final Cut Pro X.
Is Final Cut Pro X good for beginners?
Final Cut Pro X is designed for easy use and can be used by both amateurs and professionals. Complete beginners could install the free 90-day trial before purchasing the full software to get used to using the editor.
Final Cut Pro X has various preset options, which are great for people who are new to video editing.
Is Final Cut Pro X used by professionals?
Final Cut Pro X runs regular updates that keep it a leading tool for professional video-makers to use for their projects. The features included in the app are advanced and enable professionals to create high-quality content.
Final Cut Pro X can be paired with a range of plugins that give professionals complete creative freedom and a variety of editing possibilities- even without these plugins, the app hosts many impressive features that are great for professional use.
Is Final Cut Pro X better than iMovie?
Final Cut Pro X offers more effects and tools than iMovie so, it may feel a little slower to use. iMovie is far simpler than Final Cut Pro X- iMovie is aimed at beginners, whilst Final Cut Pro X was designed to make professional video content.
Which is Easier Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro?
While both will have a learning curve, I think Final Cut Pro is a better choice as it is easier to navigate around the software.
How many devices can use Final Cut Pro X?
Once purchased, you can download Final Cut Pro X onto five computers. The computers must be authorised on your account before the software can be installed.
The ability to download Final Cut Pro X onto multiple devices means that you can make changes to projects anywhere, whether that be your office computer or your laptop at home.
This is particularly helpful for those who travel between locations when working on a project.
We hope this article “Final Cut Pro X Review – Is it worth it?” is of use to you, and helped you make your decision on whether or not to purchase Final Cut Pro X.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and whilst you are at it – scroll a little further to see some in-depth video editing resources.
