Camtasia vs. Final Cut Pro

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Camtasia
Score 8.9 out of 10
N/A
Some video solutions on the market are super-easy to use, but deliver lackluster results. Others deliver professional quality video, but the learning curve is extreme. Camtasia aims to enable anyone to quickly start creating pro-quality videos in minutes with no video experience needed. Camtasia can capture everything happening on the screen with just a few clicks, and offers drag-and-drop editing and visual effects features to transform screen recordings into polished software…
$299
one-time fee per user
Final Cut Pro
Score 9.0 out of 10
N/A
Apple offers Final Cut Pro, a video editing platform featuring optimized for a high performance machines and supporting a wide range of quality effects.
$299.99
per license
Pricing
CamtasiaFinal Cut Pro
Editions & Modules
Education
$212.99
one-time fee per user
Government & Non-Profit
$269
one-time fee per user
Business
$299.99
one-time fee per user
Final Cut Pro X
$299.99
per license
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
CamtasiaFinal Cut Pro
Free Trial
YesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details*Discounts available for purchases supporting a large volume of users.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
CamtasiaFinal Cut Pro
Considered Both Products
Camtasia
Chose Camtasia
As with most software products, you'll always find pros and cons when making comparisons. Camtasia is always my go-to application when someone asks me to whip up a video on a very tight deadline. You can very quickly turn an idea into a finished video and be happy with the …
Chose Camtasia
I honestly have not worked with any others in at least three to four years. There is virtually no learning curve with Camtasia--super simple and does everything I need. I cannot say how others stack up currently, as there has been no reason to explore other options since using …
Chose Camtasia
I have used others, but I consider that the closest to Camtasia are: Movavi, Filmora, Openshot, iMovie and perhaps DaVinciResolve (although this is something more for the professional sector). Among the others I've used: LumaFusion (Ipad), Kinemaster (Android), Vllo (Android) …
Chose Camtasia
For training and multi-departmental purposes I believe Camtasia wins due to:
1. A more intuitive, less technical user interface than Premiere.
2. Windows and Mac versions, unlike Final Cut.
3. Annotation features (arrows, boxes, etc) not found in Corel Video Studio Pro.
Chose Camtasia
Camtasia lacks the toolset that Premiere or Final Cut provide, but its connection with SnagIt and ability to track and highlight cursor/mouse interactions make it a viable tool. Camtasia, paired with a more capable video editor, will offer any video editing option that …
Chose Camtasia
Camtasia provided a simpler UI without sacrificing features. The cost of the software is marginal compared to what it allows you to create. The software is updated frequently and works using minimal resources.
Final Cut Pro
Chose Final Cut Pro
These are two great products - they both have their place. I use FCPX for advanced users, but if someone need a basic video editor - I would recommend Camtasia. Camtasia does great with screen recordings and minor editing.
Chose Final Cut Pro
There's no comparison really. They're all non-linear editors, but FCPX is in a league of it's own. Above the rest.
Top Pros
Top Cons
Best Alternatives
CamtasiaFinal Cut Pro
Small Businesses
Sendspark
Sendspark
Score 10.0 out of 10
Descript
Descript
Score 9.0 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Loom
Loom
Score 9.2 out of 10
iMovie
iMovie
Score 9.1 out of 10
Enterprises
Snagit
Snagit
Score 9.1 out of 10
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro
Score 9.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
CamtasiaFinal Cut Pro
Likelihood to Recommend
7.6
(73 ratings)
9.5
(29 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
10.0
(3 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Usability
9.0
(6 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Support Rating
8.6
(14 ratings)
8.8
(5 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
CamtasiaFinal Cut Pro
Likelihood to Recommend
TechSmith
Camtasia is so easy to use that I recommend it over Adobe Premiere, Captivate, Storyline, and other tools. The only problem is the price. Due to the fact that I purchased this for education purposes, and educational prices have gone up exponentially, it has been difficult even at $179 to upgrade, as an educator and the organization is not always willing to reimburse the purchase, it would have been more economical. It was less than $100 (Black Friday) when I bought our updated version in 2019. Camtasia profile accounts aren't the best setup, however. My profile account does not reflect when I was a user or show past invoices, and I wanted to see how long ago I was a user.
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Apple
Final Cut really is a great software for video editing (hey, The Matrix was made completely on Final Cut!), but for someone who works heavily in Photoshop, After Effects, Audition and Illustrator- it's probably best for you to stick with Premiere. If you are solely looking for a great editing software for your mac that is a step up from iMovie, Final Cut Pro X would be perfect for you.
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Pros
TechSmith
  • Very intuitive controls. You don't need to be a pro at video editing
  • Seamless control of assets (separates video from still images)
  • Great library of annotations and gestures
  • Easy to integrate audio/video edits
  • Custom formats that suit my needs (web, mobile, tablets)
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Apple
  • Adheres to the conceptually easy timeline model, thus making simple onboarding.
  • Feature-rich toolset which allows for incredible product manipulation from the get-go
  • Expandability via a vibrant plugin ecosystem. Final Cut plugins are broadly developed.
  • Rich integration with studio products: Motion, Compressor
  • Version updates exhibit a product team in touch with what the market needs
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Cons
TechSmith
  • USB Microphones can sometimes cause a problem if they become accidentally unplugged during a recording session. This can corrupt some of the files that the Camtasia Recorder application uses to capture directly to .avi mode.
  • You'll sometimes get a message when you next try to record that .avi mode isn't available and the only way to fix this is by completely uninstalling and reinstalling Camtasia (with a reboot in the middle of these two actions).
  • This bug only manifested after Camtasia 8 was released, but still seems to cause an issue right up to and including Camtasia 2021.
  • I'd like to see more standard Annotation options. The existing ones are pretty good, but variety is a little lacking.
  • More 'Behaviours' would also be really welcome as these are a great feature and make Callouts a bit more interesting and lively. I've not seen any new Behaviours over the past few versions (since Camtasia 2018).
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Apple
  • Would be nice to have more built in exporting options for those of use who don't know how to compress videos well.
  • More built in effects would be a plus.
  • I always struggle with adding text but it could just be me.
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Likelihood to Renew
TechSmith
Each release of Camtasia has added just enough functionality to justify the upgrade to the new version. I like that Camtasia is not a subscription-based product as we have more flexibility and control over our spend on the product. We can also purchase support packages that include the next version when released.
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Apple
No answers on this topic
Usability
TechSmith
I haven't used another video recording and editing tools that is as comprehensive and straight-forward as Camtasia. Typically, if you want a user-friendly video editing tools for novice users, you have to compromise on features. Camtasia solves this problem by offering extensive editing features in a simplistic, user-friendly environment. Highly recommend
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Apple
Final Cut Pro is a great software package for editing, and obviously, good things require training to understand and comprehend what your are editing. I do not give a 10/10 because it would be easier to have a comprehensive manual inside the software, rather that researching or getting yourself trained.
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Support Rating
TechSmith
With the latest version (Camtasia 2020), I actually had problems with an Imac with HighSierra, but from the first moment they answered and guided me to solve the problem, even before making the purchase (with some doubts I had). And they have support in English and Spanish, I really liked that.
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Apple
Most of the support I need, I find online. While Apple has a Q/A section on their site, it's not always beneficial in answering the questions that I have. With that said, they regularly update the software, and when updates lead to crashes, they usually have another update not far behind.
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Implementation Rating
TechSmith
No answers on this topic
Apple
Implementing Final Cut Pro into the organization was a smooth transition from what we didn't had. We felt we went from zero to hero with this software, due to all the great features that we learned. We took some time in training staff on how to use the software but at the end, this was very useful and important.
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Alternatives Considered
TechSmith
I've tried several freeware recorders, too. If all you want to do is literally record your screen, and nothing else, you don't need Camtasia. There are literally dozens of apps that will do that. If you want an app that will record your screen while capturing mouse clicks, follow you, record your voice while you capture, and annotate when you're done, Camtasia has no equal. Plus, it doesn't stop there. You can add professional intros and outros (many already created to choose from), lower thirds, etc., leading to videos with very high production value. This is THE program to buy if you want to produce training videos of very high quality.
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Apple
Final Cut [Pro X] has way more features in a much better layout. Although it is more expensive, I believe the improved performance and advanced level of features is worth it if you are serious about video production and professionalism.
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Return on Investment
TechSmith
  • Many faculty members used it because it was easy to use and accomplish what they needed.
  • No need for a lot of training or follow-up training due to it being very to use.
  • Account management within our system and assigning permissions required a few steps when granting access.
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Apple
  • We are regularly lauded for our high-quality videos by donors and prospects, which greatly improves our standing in their eyes.
  • Our Final Cut Pro X-created videos have contributed to our receiving large grant awards.
  • Our videos have been shared and promoted by similar organizations, which has improved our standing in our field and adjacent fields.
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ScreenShots

Camtasia Screenshots

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