Customer Reviews (500)

Promiceus • 2025-03-27T17:03:12-07:00

I just imported some clips from SD card. Removed the card. Got "Misiing Camera" message as if the video was not copied to the library. This is getting worse and worse. Who need revolutionary features if basic fetures aren't perfoerming as expected?

Tangerine Films • 2025-03-27T10:19:35-07:00

I've edited three fiction TV shows, none fiction TV shows, fiction tv pilots, four short films, over 100 TV promos, documentaries, movie trailers, and more in FCPX. When I decided to switch to FCP about nine years ago, I didn't expect how comprehensive it is. The thing to understand is that you have to change the way you think about editing. If you're not up for it, it's better to start in Premiere, which is basically the same as always. Reading negative comments, I can see that these people haven't learned how to use the app.

dpete1998 • 2025-03-25T09:14:06-07:00

As a passionate user of video editing software, I have to say that Apple Final Cut Pro has completely won me over. Its intuitive interface, paired with its powerful features, makes it a dream for both beginners and professionals alike. I love how seamlessly it handles complex edits while maintaining a smooth workflow. The magnetic timeline is a game-changer, making organizing clips and edits incredibly efficient. The vast library of effects, transitions, and color grading tools provides endless creative possibilities. And let's not forget how optimized it is for macOS—rendering speeds are astonishingly fast! Whether I'm working on short projects or feature-length videos, Final Cut Pro consistently delivers top-notch results. It's truly a masterpiece in the world of video editing. Highly recommended!

Summary of Key Insights

Final Cut Pro receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with many users praising its ease of use, speed, and comprehensive features. It's seen as a significant upgrade from iMovie and a valuable tool for both beginners and professionals, particularly those already invested in the Apple ecosystem. However, several pain points consistently emerge, including crashes, bugs after updates, performance issues on certain hardware, and a perceived lack of advanced features compared to competitors like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. There's also a strong demand for AI-powered features like auto-captioning and more modern effects. The overall sentiment is positive, but the app faces increasing pressure to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating (estimated): Approximately 4.3 stars (based on score distribution).
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 62.4% (312/500)
    • 4-star: 9.8% (49/500)
    • 3-star: 9.2% (46/500)
    • 2-star: 6.4% (32/500)
    • 1-star: 12.2% (61/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Unspecified, but assumed to be a collection of recent reviews. Many reviews reference the latest version (11.1) and recent updates, suggesting a focus on current user experiences.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review of individual reviews, keyword extraction (e.g., "crash," "bug," "auto-caption"), sentiment analysis (positive, negative, neutral), and frequency analysis to identify recurring themes and pain points.

Key User Pain Points

  • Crashes and Instability: A significant number of users report frequent crashes, freezing, and performance issues, especially after updates. This is a major source of frustration and disrupts workflow.
  • Bugs After Updates: Updates, while intended to improve the software, often introduce new bugs or break existing functionality, such as plugin compatibility or basic features like cross dissolves.
  • Performance Issues: Some users experience lagging and slow rendering, even on relatively powerful Macs, suggesting optimization issues.
  • Missing Features Compared to Competitors: Users frequently mention the lack of features available in Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, such as advanced color grading tools, rotoscoping, object removal, and more robust audio mixing capabilities.
  • Plugin Issues: Problems with plugin validation, compatibility, and management are a recurring concern.
  • Loss of DVD Burning Feature: Removal of the DVD burning option was a major pain point for some users who relied on that functionality.
  • Space Requirements: Some users find that Final Cut Pro projects consume an excessive amount of storage space.

Frequently Requested Features

  • AI-Powered Features:
    • Auto-captioning/Speech-to-text (most requested)
    • AI-powered color correction
    • AI-driven editing suggestions
    • Image and video generation
  • Advanced Color Grading Tools: More sophisticated color wheels, LUT management, and features comparable to DaVinci Resolve.
  • Text-Based Editing: Ability to edit video by editing the transcribed text.
  • Improved Audio Tools: Role-based audio mixer, automatic audio ducking, better integration with Logic Pro.
  • Collaborative Editing: Real-time multi-user collaboration on projects.
  • Better Keyframe Velocity Control: More precise control over keyframe easing.
  • BRAW Support: Native support for Blackmagic RAW files.
  • Customizable Workspace: More options for customizing the layout and using dual displays.
  • More Modern Effects and Transitions: The included effects are often perceived as outdated.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: Many users, especially those new to video editing or transitioning from iMovie, praise Final Cut Pro's intuitive interface and ease of learning.
  • Speed and Performance (on Apple Silicon): Users with newer Macs, particularly those with Apple Silicon chips, report excellent speed and performance.
  • Magnetic Timeline: The magnetic timeline is often cited as a unique and efficient way to organize and edit clips.
  • One-Time Purchase: The one-time purchase model is highly valued compared to the subscription models of competing software.
  • Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple products and technologies is a major advantage.
  • Comprehensive Features: Despite some feature gaps, Final Cut Pro offers a wide range of tools for video editing, color grading, and audio editing.
  • Stability (Generally): While crashes are a concern, many users find the software to be generally stable and reliable, especially compared to past versions.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

PriorityIssueRecommendation
HighCrashes and InstabilityInvest heavily in bug fixes and performance optimization, especially after updates. Implement more robust testing procedures.
HighLack of Auto-CaptioningPrioritize the development and integration of a high-quality, accurate auto-captioning feature.
HighBugs After UpdatesImprove the update process to minimize the introduction of new bugs. Implement a beta testing program with user feedback.
MediumMissing Features vs. CompetitorsAddress the most frequently requested feature gaps, such as advanced color grading tools and improved audio mixing.
MediumPlugin IssuesDevelop a more robust plugin management system and improve compatibility testing.
MediumPerformance Issues on Older HardwareOptimize the software to improve performance on a wider range of hardware configurations.
LowCustomizable WorkspaceProvide more options for customizing the workspace and using dual displays.
LowModernize Included Effects and TransitionsUpdate the library of included effects and transitions to reflect current design trends.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Plugin Marketplace: A curated marketplace of AI-powered plugins specifically designed for Final Cut Pro, addressing feature gaps like advanced rotoscoping, object removal, and automated editing tasks.
  • Final Cut Pro Training Platform: A comprehensive online training platform focused on mastering Final Cut Pro, with advanced courses covering specific workflows and techniques.
  • Collaboration Plugin: A plugin that enables real-time collaborative editing within Final Cut Pro, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
  • Project Archiving and Management Tool: A tool that simplifies the archiving and management of Final Cut Pro projects, ensuring compatibility across different versions and preventing file corruption.

Trends and Observations

  • Increasing Demand for AI: There's a clear trend towards users expecting AI-powered features to be integrated into Final Cut Pro.
  • Comparison to Competitors: Users frequently compare Final Cut Pro to Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.
  • Importance of Stability: Stability and reliability are paramount for professional users; crashes and bugs are major deal-breakers.
  • Value of One-Time Purchase: The one-time purchase model is a significant differentiator and a key reason why many users choose Final Cut Pro.

Conclusion

Final Cut Pro remains a popular and powerful video editing tool, particularly for users within the Apple ecosystem. However, to maintain its competitive edge, Apple needs to address the recurring issues of crashes and bugs, prioritize the development of AI-powered features, and continue to innovate in areas where it lags behind competitors. By focusing on stability, performance, and feature parity, Apple can ensure that Final Cut Pro remains a top choice for video editors of all skill levels.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/final-cut-pro/id424389933?mt=12&uo=2