FEEDBACK: FCP needs a Custom bit rate exporter!

I have sent feedback about this.


The problem with FCP is that you can only export videos using the default bit rate unless you use Compressor.


Along with the normal export presets, iMovie has a custom setting permitting you to choose higher or lower rates via a simple slider.


So whilst the default setting for a 1080p video is 20Mb/s (the same as FCP) you can use the slider to vary anywhere between 3.333Mb/s and 26.667Mb/s


Such a simple addition which is already present in its little cousin.


Mac mini

Posted on Feb 3, 2025 4:31 AM

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4 replies

Feb 3, 2025 2:51 PM in response to Ian R. Brown

I would have to argue (my 2¢ worth) that it is better for most users *not* to have to deal with bitrates on export. Most people get it wrong!


Final Cut does an outstanding job of providing the best imaging with the Master File export at the most optimal* bitrate to achieve that. If you want a lower bitrate, you can go for second best: "Publishing" for Apple Devices, Computer, and the lowest quality at Web Hosting (which is, in general, *not* recommended unless you can afford the "bandwidth" — better to use a service like YouTube or Vimeo).


If you *think* you know better than Final Cut, there is Compressor in which you can royally screw up your exports any way you want! There are too many options available, too many mistakes that can be made. Go nuts! (It drove me nuts...)


I used to try to use Compressor in Final Cut Studio. I learned my lessons! When FCPX came out — Compressor is the one app in the "trilogy" I did not purchase. I haven't felt any need for it (and I'm glad FCP keeps me from fiddling around with bitrates.)


YouTube has (or used to have) a *stated* limit of 8Mbps for (1080) uploads before they would re-encode the upload. It has become a lot more tolerant and I find that in the last several years, that a Master File (Best Quality 2-pass H.264) export of video from FCP does not "invoke" their re-encode algorithm (as long as the **length** of the movie is within your account's allowable "measure"). Movie files are almost immediately available within 3 minutes of upload (the overall process takes a little long as different sized version are "replicated" for their player). [If it takes longer than it took to encode your video from FCP, you know it's being re-encoded, and it won't look the same or even as good. I would not ever recommend uploading a ProRes version.]


Your example of 3.333Mbps Faster probably looks rather terrible, I would think. Considerably more blocky artifacts than you might expect especially in the "smokey" regions of the firework explosions.


*Bitrates for codecs such as H.264 are variable depending on the amount of "movement" within scenes that occur. Scenes with relatively fixed backgrounds (and lighting) will have much lower bitrates than outdoor scenes with a lot of movment, fast cars, blowing trees, changes of scenery, etc., etc. It all depends on how many times bits need to be changed to make the motion appear normal from frame to frame.


Sorry to disagree... but I personally would not like to see that feature added to FCP.



Feb 4, 2025 1:44 AM in response to fox_m

The 3.333Mbps would not be used for anything complex like fireworks but it could be used on talking heads or computer interface tutorials. In fact the fireworks might benefit from using a rate faster than 20Mbps.


Anyway that's an extreme that few people would use.


I often reduce my 1080p videos to 10Mbps and sometimes even 5Mbps with no noticeable reduction in quality.


The default 20Mbps is OTT for many videos and has been chosen "just to be sure".


However, FCP claims to be a professional app for use by professionals and providing "canned" export settings is not very professional . . . even iMovie gives you choice!


Having an extra "Custom" setting would not cause any problems . . . those with the knowledge would tweak their export settings and the rest would use the defaults as they do now.

Feb 4, 2025 2:26 AM in response to Ian R. Brown

Just to elaborate, normally I find the default setting perfectly OK but at times I may need to create a smaller file size.


Compressor can be used to make presets for those occasions but a simple bit rate slider is much quicker and easier.


Usually I find myself sticking an exported video into HandBrake and using the Quality settings but that is a completely convoluted and unnecessary process.


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FEEDBACK: FCP needs a Custom bit rate exporter!

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