Overhauled: Final Cut Pro X

Apple’s recent launch of Final Cut Pro X (FCPX) is responsible for a substantial amount of controversy. Many additional features and speed improvements have been added, but some more features are conspicuously missing. Further, this latest release isn’t backward suitable for any previous versions. Why do so various and what’s Apple’s plan? Here’s the inside track.

Older versions of ultimate Cut Pro were built using the Carbon application programming interface (API), which limited programs to 32-bit, thereby limiting available memory to 4GB. In a time where base MacBook Pros feature 4GB of memory and dual-core, 64-bit processors, that is the serious limitation. Apple’s latest API, called Cocoa, permits the use of 64-bit architecture, eliminating memory bottlenecks, which necessitated a whole rewrite of Final Cut Pro. Because FCPX can be a complete rewrite using Cocoa, it’s capable of operate considerably quicker on current hardware and takes advantage of multi-core processors.

Just by the variety of professional features conspicuously missing, FCPX was probably written primarily for speed with promises to add more features at a later date. It currently won’t support OMF output, that’s commonly used to import audio into ProTools for mixing, or Edit Decision List (EDL) data, an element accustomed to move a project into another program for that finishing stage. Multi-cam support and output to tape, a format still plenty of professionals, is also missing. Furthermore, there seem to be no plans to release a latest version of Final Cut Server, which is used to allow for multiple users to operate with a remotely-stored project simultaneously. Several video formats, including XDCAM and Red, don’t yet have support; due to the complete rewrite, support per video format needs to be completely rewritten.

Not everything about FCPX is bad news, though; Apple has added several new, user-friendly features on their favorite video production program. The app incorporates a new Magnetic Timeline feature, which groups audio, video and effects together and enables the designer to maneuver clips around without displacing the project. Additionally, FCPX has Content Auto-Analysis, which detects the presence of individuals the video and identifies close, medium and wide-angle shots. Compressor 4, the encoding companion program for Final Cut Pro, adds additional export functions, live streaming support and streamlined library settings. Motion 5, FCPX’s motion graphics companion, provides smart motion templates, parameter control and editable Final Cut Pro templates.

FCPX could be the official replacing of Pro 7, nevertheless it has also absorbed many features of other Final Cut Studio programs, effectively replacing the suite with one program. Compressor 4 and Motion 5 provide other functions not provided by FCPX and can be purchased for $49.99 each about the Mac App Store, Apple’s desktop form of their groundbreaking mobile app platform. Retailing at $299.99 on the App Store, FCPX has completely replaced Express, the consumer type of Final Cut Pro. Formerly, Express was $200, with the Pro version costing $1000.

Apple’s complete overhaul of ultimate Cut Pro is mainly responsible for a significant stir, but it will be a while prior to the functions are added, so it will be hard to draw an obvious conclusion to date. The reduction of Express and the decrease in price apparently use it anywhere between a person and professional application. In spite of the lack of many features employed by professional, Pro Express seems to be an excellent choice for somebody attempting to start creating their very own videos, particularly with the new user-friendly tools added by Apple.

For additional information about FCPX Templates check out this webpage.

Leave a Reply