Big Difference in Final Cut Express Versions????

Question

I still own Final Cut Express 2.02 (2004) but never really was able to master it, and went back to iMovie for my editing.
Now, I'm thinking about making the jump again, but am curious how different Final Cut Express HD or Final Cut Express 4.0 is from the version that I own. (Which by the way doesn't even work on my iMac because it says I don't have a APG Graphics card).
I guess that's a long way of asking your opinion if the newer versions are better and/or any easier or more user friendly than Final Cut Express 2.0. Also curious what the learning curve is. I really struggled on the 2.0 version.

Answer 1

Hello Todd,
The user interface and all of the basic functions including editing, filters, exporting are the same in the later versions of Final Cut Express.
Later versions than 2.02 added more filters & features including support for HD video (HDV & AVCHD). The one major deletion was SoundTrack was removed from the FCE package when FCE4 was released.
Beyond features, one of the main considerations is what versions of OSX and QuickTime you are running. With Leopard, you should really be on FCE 4. Since you already have v2.02 you can purchase the upgrade to FCE4 ($99) instead of another copy of the full program.
With regard to learning FCE, you should get a copy of Tom Wolsky's book Final Cut Express Editing Workshop and his tutorial DVD Final Cut Express Made Easy. They are excellent materials for learning how to use FCE quickly. The book also includes a DVD with sample clips that go with the examples in the book; and he explains the differences between iMovie and FCE, which can be very helpful for someone making that transition.