Apple Releases Final Cut Express 4

Final Cut Express 4 released! And it's only $199!

http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/

Apple released today Final Cut Express 4

see Apple Website

But they raised the EDU price. $179. Apple is really hosing the students now.

sweet

/me puts on xmas list.

From Apple Quick News:

Apple today released Final Cut Express 4, a significant upgrade to its powerful video editing software based on Apple’s award-winning Final Cut Pro 6, with a new low price of $199. Final Cut Express 4 adds support for the latest AVCHD cameras, allows mixing of standard and high definition content on a single timeline, includes the ability to import iMovie ‘08 projects, and gives users access to hundreds of sophisticated FxPlug cinematic effects and filters. “Almost a million digital filmmakers have made Final Cut their editing application of choice,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Product Marketing. “With the introduction of Final Cut Express 4, Apple makes it easy for anyone to join the rapidly growing community of Final Cut editors worldwide.”

No more Soundtrack? :(

Also EDU is now $179 :(

Guess I'll just be getting the $199 one so in the future I can upgrade for $99.

blah. I wish you could upgrade EDU versions.

That's awesome! With this price tag, everyone with a serious interest in video making should be able to afford this first step into the world of pro editing software, certainly a terrific investment for anyone who wants to be able to master Final Cut Pro in the future.

- Martin

Geesh! 12 days ago, I splurge for the iMac, iTV, airport extreme, new printer, applecare, .mac acct, AND FCE 3.5 at full retail of $299.... And I've had to return my iMac due to the gradient issue (on my 2nd iMac now...it's sweet).

My point is, I paid $300 for the software, and now I have to pay another $99 to get the up to date version for a total cost of $400? And I haven't even had a chance to use it due to the iMAc exchange....

Any chance that I could return it? Get FCE4 and $100 iRebate? :rolleyes:

Geesh! 12 days ago, I splurge for the iMac, iTV, airport extreme, new printer, applecare, .mac acct, AND FCE 3.5 at full retail of $299.... And I've had to return my iMac due to the gradient issue (on my 2nd iMac now...it's sweet).

My point is, I paid $300 for the software, and now I have to pay another $99 to get the up to date version for a total cost of $400? And I haven't even had a chance to use it due to the iMAc exchange....

Any chance that I could return it? Get FCE4 and $100 iRebate? :rolleyes:

I think Apple has a 14 day return policy if it's not opened.

But also consider this: FCE4 doesn't include Soundtrack or the Apple Loops for Soundtrack, so if you want those you might want to keep FCE 3.5.

I could be wrong, but I think Final Cut Express was an exception in that you can upgrade EDU versions. The product number for 3.5 was the same for academic and retail, whereas Logic Express had different numbers. Also, when I bought my copy, there wasn't a "you can't upgrade this" sticker like there were on Logic Express and Final Cut Studio. Looks like they rectified this with the current version, though, as they have different numbers.

All in all, with only a few new features and the lack of Soundtrack, I won't be upgrading as I only have DV footage.