iMovie or FCP? Difference Between iMovie and Final Cut Pro

Diana Joan

Nov 06, 2014 08:30 am / Posted by Diana Joan

Are you looking for the best editing program for your Mac? Both iMovie and Final Cut Pro can do excellent editing for you to create a professional and personalized work.

Which one is better? iMovie or FCP? No more struggles! Here is brief comparison between iMovie and FCP for you to make the right, correct and final decision.

difference between imovie and fcp

Part I. What is iMovie and Final Cut Pro?

As a video editing program developed by Apple Inc., iMovie can be used on Mac and iOS devices. It allows you to create HD movies and Hollywood trailers, and share your best moments instantly. To make a piece of movie with iMovie, you can simple choose the clips you want to edit, insert proper titles, add different effects, and create soundtracks by drag and drop.

Unlike iMovie, Final Cut Pro provides non-linear, non-destructive editing and it can edit video formats like DV, HDV, P2 MXF (DVCProHD), XDCAM (via plug-in), 2K, 4Kand 5K film formats which are compatible with QuickTime. FCP features unlimited audio tracks; multi-camera editing for combining video from multiple camera sources; standard ripple, roll, slip, slide, scrub, razor blade and time remapping edit functions. It is equipped with a range of video transitions and a range of video and audio filters to help you create the best work.

Part II. Differences Between iMovie and FCP

1. Price
iMovie: $14.99
FCP: $299.99

2. iCloud sync
iMovie: Yes
FCP: No

3. Mobile app
iMovie: Yes (for iOS devices like iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini, iPod Touch)
FCP: No

4. Auto enhancement and presets
iMovie: Yes
FCP: Yes

5. Themes
iMovie: Yes
FCP: Yes

6. HD format supported
iMovie: 1080
FCP: 2K, 4K, 5K

7. Background processing
iMovie: No
FCP: Yes

8. Multiple languages supported
iMovie: Yes
FCP: Yes

iMovie provides mobile apps for iOS devices and you can edit videos on Mac or on your iDevice on the go while FCP is more professional and provides more editing functions. You can try both of them and see which one is suitable for your daily editing work. And when editing videos with them, do not forget to check whether the import sources are supported by FCP and iMovie, otherwise you’ll fail to get your masterpiece unless you get yourself a video converter.