Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro are both non-linear editing systems, or NLEs. Each works through a DAW, or digital audio workstation, to allow for easy video editing.
Adobe Premiere Pro offers more overall availability than Final Cut Pro. Options are available for Windows and Apple hardware. This makes it easier to collaborate on projects since files can be sent without changes to its formatting or other alteration requirements. Premiere Pro offers a feature where files can be saved to a Team Project as well.
Final Cut Pro offers a faster render time, which means your work will have less overall down time. It may not offer the same collaboration features, but the learning curve for its more advanced features is much shorter. You also have fewer commands that require multiple clicks. It creates a cleaner interface and that benefits the Apple platform. Access through Windows, however, can be quite challenging.
Compatibility Across Other Software Options
Adobe Premiere Pro may lose a side-by-side comparison for rendering, but it definitely wins when compatibility with other software options is evaluated. Adobe has made it available through its Creative Cloud, so you can pull clips and files from other Adobe software options right into Premiere Pro. That includes adding special effects to the video, which usually isn’t possible within a traditional video editing DAW.
Finding those commands on Premiere Pro, however, can be a little difficult. Sometimes the controls are not even available on the surface level of commands.
That doesn’t mean Final Cut Pro doesn’t allow you to make changes to the final product. You can still use several plugins with the software to change color and tone, but you don’t receive the same level of compatibility that you do with Premiere Pro.
Many find that the timeline option offered in Final Cut Pro can make it a difficult NLE to use when there are specific workflows that you wish to follow. The linear nature of its setup is excellent for beginners just learning the craft, but can leave some experts wanting more.
The one advantage here that Final Cut Pro does have is its offline availability. You can load the files into this NLE and be able to work whenever you want. Adobe Premiere Pro does not support any offline editing. You must have a data connection for it to work.
Cost Comparisons to Consider
Adobe Premiere Pro is only available through a subscription to the Creative Cloud. That means you can either subscribe to the software on its own for about $20 per month or you can subscribe to the entire package for about $50 per month. In return, you’ll receive regular updates to the software while being able to use a professional-quality NLE.
Final Cut Pro requires a one-time payment per license of about $300. Because you’re purchasing the rights to use the entire software as it is presented, updates usually require an upgrade to the next version. Windows users will not usually want to use this software option because it requires an Apple iOS, which would require a specific HDD setup to create.
That makes Adobe Premiere Pro a solid option for those who need a professional video editing package for a variety of needs. Final Cut Pro is a good option for those who need video editing for their personal needs or for a small business.
Final Comparisons to Consider
For those who are working on a 1080p HD video, the actual editing process that Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro offer is very similar. Both offer straight-forward editing with a similar package of options and features to create a professional end result. You receive real-time operations, consistent synchronization performance, and multiple camera footage options without the need to transcode.
If you are looking to work in a team environment and your access to Apple products is limited, then Adobe Premiere Pro is the better option. Although it will cost more over the course of 12 months, you’ll have more collaboration tools that will allow an entire team to power through a project in no time at all.
For those who need fast rendering and stabilization options with their project, the better choice is Final Cut Pro. You’ll be spending more time working, which means you can maintain your focus on productivity.
Each software option has certain shortcomings that must be considered, but at the end of the day, both are excellent choices.
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