Apple Video Editing Programs

For those of you editing videos with Macs, the choices are simple – basically iMovie at the low-end, FinalCut Express in the middle, or FinalCut Pro at the high end.

iMovie, free with new Macs or $79 – iMovie comes free with your Mac and is a very capable and easy to use video editing program. It’s only real limitations for most purposes is that it only allows for one video track (essential if you want to use two cameras for your shoots). It also does not accept DVD camcorder footage (but it does accept HDV footage. For most beginners doing one camera shoots, iMovie is a great place to start.

FinalCut Express , $299 retail or as low as $69 used or with a new Mac – Final Cut Express is a scaled down version of Mac’s professional editing software Final Cut Pro. The main advantage it gives you over iMovie are the ability to have multiple video tracks (up to 3), which you will need if you do a two camera shoot. In addition, it is just a much more powerful program that will give you a lot of additional editing options. Unfortunately, at $299 retail it is a little bit steep in comparison to iMovie or the Windows alternatives, but it can be as low as $69 after rebates if purchased with a new Mac or you can find used copies on eBay for similar prices.

Final Cut Pro or Studio – These are going to set you back anywhere from $599 to $1299 and are truly professional grade programs. If you are a beginner you are probably better off steering toward either of the above two options. If you are an advanced user, you definitely know more than I do. :)

Hope this helps as a starting point. Other users, please fill in what I have missed (or messed up).