[Sirfishalot]

Other than the lame getting started CD (which is the same as the tutorials on Apples site) what is the easiest way to learn to use FCE? I tried one of the workshops included on the disk, but it didn't seem to make sense on some parts of it. Seems like it is geared more to the interediate user.
What is a good way to get familiar and comfortable with the program for a newbie?

Thanks

[Tom N]

This will sound sill, but the best way for me to learn FCE was to use it.

After about three projects, I felt right at home. After using it some more, it is just second nature to set up and use for any project I throw at it.

As for the tutorial, I went through the basic tutorial the first time, helped a bit, and didn't hurt any!

Tom N.

[stevesnj]

Link

[zigzag]

Final Cut Express Workshop by Wolsky seems to be the most popular tutorial-style book, and it does have its merits, but I've found it somewhat cumbersome to use, mostly because of the way it's laid out. I've seen a few newer tutorial books that have cleaner, more legible layouts that I would probably get instead, but then I'm sensitive to that sort of thing. Go to Borders, look through them, and get one that you think you'd enjoy using - they all seem to cover pretty much the same ground.

One book I definitely like is the Visual Quickstart Guide - very detailed and very clean, easy-to-read layout. However, it's not a tutorial, so I use it as a reference book, supplementing the tutorial material.

[k_munic]

Originally posted by Sirfishalot:
Other than the lame getting started CD (which is the same as the tutorials on Apples site) what is the easiest way to learn to use FCE? I tried one of the workshops included on the disk, but it didn't seem to make sense on some parts of it. Seems like it is geared more to the interediate user.
What is a good way to get familiar and comfortable with the program for a newbie?

Thanks

you have problems: i did look for a book in GERMAN!

the "dummies" book is from my point of view very essential, in the meaning of, it doesn't describe the full potential of this mighty prg.-

you have seen the included pdf? 1400 (onethousandfourhundred) pages!! THAT's a full documentation, my poor laserprinter…-

finally, i found a good german author (ok, forget that) and as mentioned above: practice, practice, practice!! it's fun to play around with very small projects! try to "re-edit" some video clips e.g.!! there are many ways to get a result, find your own way. and probably, look out for some forums, many for final cut pro has a "express" section…-

[lexicon5]

The included tutorial is OK...it will get you familiar with the controls.
This book is the absolute best and part of the Apple Authorized Pro training series.
Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Express
Buy it on-line at Borders(Amazon) and save $13
If you want to progress beyond the iMovie on steroids projects....you need this book.
It will get you started toward pro looking projects.