Final Cut Express 4 (Apple Pro Training)
£14.49
Excellent Training - I have been using this book to reinforce the lessons I have been taking via Apples One to One training. The book is clearly laid out, and the sample media and project files are execllent for getting used to the various editing options. I agree that it is not great as a reference. The extra lessons in PDF format on the DVD cover the more advanced editing features of Final Cut Express. All in all a great resource for anyone wanting to do more adavnced editing than iMovie allows.
Useful Introduction to FCE4 - This training guide which includes a DVD with the material used in the lessons is generally well written. For anyone completely new to Apple and/or video editing in Final Cut Express 4, it is essential as an introduction, covering all the non linear editing basics of this application. A word of warning, however - this book is not a manual and cannot be readily used for reference. Some of the lessons take about 90 minutes to complete. In this format, it would have been better to split the longer lessons into two. On the other hand, the lesson on capturing video is somewhat brief relative to other lessons, and more explanation on capture settings and preferences might have been useful. This said, the level of detail on each topic is adequate, and for basic training, the book is indispensable.
Final Cut Express 4 by Diana Weynand - This is probably a great book if you have time to run through the exercises, but it does not work as a reference guide.
Movie Making Made Easy - If like me, you are new to movie making, this book must be top of your list. It takes you step by step from importing your movie into Final Cut Express 4 right through to the finished product including adding your own sound. The beauty of the book is that the included CD contains movie clips, sequences and sound tracks which you will use throughout the lessons. This has to be the ultimate in hands on training, everything is so well explained!At the end of each chapter there is Lessons Review by way of questions and answers plus a list of Keyboard Shortcuts. I have copied these and find them a very useful reference set.To detail everything in the book would mean writing another book. Suffice to say it is without doubt the best AppleTraining Series Book I have read so far. As an absolute beginner before I read this book I can now put together a good movie.Buy it! I guarantee you will not be disappointed.