Apple's Final Cut X not so final, with new update newly issued

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Tuesday, 31 January 2012 23:49

Your IT - Entertainment

Is there ever a 'final cut' when it comes to constantly evolving software? Clearly, when it comes to Apple's Final Cut X, the answer is no, with a brand new version 10.0.3 having just been launched as a 'significant update'.

When Apple made changes to its Final Cut software, there were plenty of people who weren't exactly thrilled with the changes.

So, with Apple announcing a 'significant update to its revolutionary professional video editing application', a lot of Final Cut users will be very interested to discover whether Apple has made things significantly better in this v10.0.3 update, or not.

Apple says it has introduced 'multicam editing that automatically syncs up to 64 angles of video and photos; advanced chroma keying for handling complex adjustments right in the app; and enhanced XML for a richer interchange with third party apps and plug-ins that support the fast growing Final Cut Pro X ecosystem.'

If you're already a Final Cut X owner, the update is free of charge, but if you're a new Final Cut X user-to-be, the price from the Mac App Store is AUD $319.99 with a 30 day trial also available.

An additional feature is a 'beta of broadcast monitoring that supports Thunderbolt devices as well as PCIe cards.'

Apple adds that 'Final Cut Pro X v10.0.3 includes a collection of groundbreaking new tools for editing multicam projects. Final Cut Pro X automatically syncs clips from your shoot using audio waveforms, time and date, or timecode to create a Multicam Clip with up to 64 angles of video, which can include mixed formats, frame sizes and frame rates.

'The powerful Angle Editor allows you to dive into your Multicam Clip to make precise adjustments, and the Angle Viewer lets you play back multiple angles at the same time and seamlessly cut between them.

'Final Cut Pro X builds upon its robust, one-step chroma key with the addition of advanced controls including colour sampling, edge adjustment and light wrap. You can tackle complex keying challenges right in Final Cut Pro X, without having to export to a motion graphics application, and view your results instantly with realtime playback.

'In the seven months since launch, the third party ecosystem around Final Cut Pro X has expanded dramatically. XML-compatible software like DaVinci Resolve and CatDV provide tight integration for tasks such as colour correction and media management.

'The new 7toX app from Intelligent Assistance uses XML to import Final Cut Pro 7 projects into Final Cut Pro X. In addition, some of the industry's largest visual effects developers, including GenArts and Red Giant, have developed motion graphics plug-ins that take advantage of the speed and real-time preview capabilities of Final Cut Pro X.

'Broadcast monitoring in Final Cut Pro X is currently in beta and allows you to connect to waveform displays, vectorscopes, and calibrated, high-quality monitors to ensure that your project meets broadcast specifications. Final Cut Pro X supports monitoring of video and audio through Thunderbolt I/O devices, as well as through third party PCIe cards", concludes Apple's media release.

Undoubtedly, existing Final Cut X users will be eagerly downloading the new update to try it out - hopefully this new version makes a big difference and keeps Final Cut X users happy - we'll soon find out!