Blog: Software

Final Cut Pro X: A Good Truth Is Hard To Find

The controversy surrounding Apple’s release of Final Cut Pro X has yet to die down, but finally some level-headed responses fighting their way up the crapladder that is the internet. David Pogue of the New York Times listed out the major complaints and answered them in what I feel is a satisfactory manner (ie. no vitriol, no style, no apologies). However, I don’t rely on the internet to cue my feelings. I walked over to the Apple Store on Michigan Ave. yesterday and spent an hour working with the program and an employee who edits video on the side. It was a pleasant time. Neither of us had used FCP X before, and while we were both baffled by some of their changes (eg. no handles overlay when rolling/rippling), we soon warmed up to the program. And we re-learned a fundamental truth: the interface follows Apple’s typical UX strategy of “hide the good stuff for the serious users.” If you don’t believe me, locate kerning in Pages. Once the pros remember that change hurts but can’t be avoided, they’ll find most of the things that they knew and loved from the pre-X days. Bottom line: it may be young again, but Final Cut Pro X is a better program.

  • posted by
    Brian Hischier
  • Jul 07, 2011
  • posted in
    Software

Lightning Strikes Twice In Motion Graphics

Motion Graphics are more than just graphics that move. They are prime movers. The emotional nature of film allows it to convince without rhetoric, to sell without promises, and to inspire awe without doing much more than add intense music to striking visuals that have been cleverly edited together. Add in some rhetoric and promises and it becomes unstoppable. The majority of the public sees motion graphics without actually seeing them, making them prime targets of corporate seduction. With it steep learning curve, the field of motion graphics is difficult to break into. But we’re going to make it easier for you. Beginning next week, Digital Bootcamp is running two 8-week bootcamps in Adobe After Effects, the premiere software in motion graphics. Students will learn the intricacies of motion graphics and animation, and leave with a profound understanding of how to create striking pieces. Sign up this week and receive an additional 20% (actually 20.11% to be more precise) off the price of the class.

  • posted by
    Brian Hischier
  • Jan 05, 2011
  • posted in
    Software

Microsoft Office For Mac Is Back

Mac fans of Word, Excel, and Powerpoint can party like it’s 2011. Hot on the heels of its 2008 predecessor comes Office 2011, updating the interface and integrating with the Office Web Apps, which let you create while away and use when you’re not. Gone is our tired old pal Entourage, replaced by his more popular older brother Outlook. Visit our training page to find out when we’re running Office classes.

  • posted by
    Brian Hischier
  • Oct 27, 2010
  • posted in
    Software