Apple today released a major update for Final Cut Pro X, its video editing software aimed at professionals. Today's update includes a new look for the software, support for the Touch Bar included in the new MacBook Pro, and a host of other features.
Final Cut Pro X features a revamped interface that's designed to streamline the layout for optimal screen space on the MacBook Pro, plus it includes a darker, flat look for more focus on content. There are customizable workspaces that let users select ideal layout options for organizing, editing, and color grading, even across more than one monitor. Full support for wide color workflows is included.
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"This is our biggest update to Final Cut Pro X since we completely redesigned it five years ago," said Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of Apps Product Marketing. "The new version features a sleek interface and adds powerful new editing features that go far beyond what's possible with traditional, track-based video editing apps; and integration with the revolutionary Touch Bar gives professional video editors a whole new way to interact with Final Cut Pro X."
There's a new Magnetic Timeline to make it easier to see a full film at a glance. Dialogue, music, and effects are all highlighted with custom color coding, and there's now an option to drag and rearrange the vertical layout of a timeline or highlight audio roles during the editing process.
The Final Cut Pro X update also includes support for the Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro, introducing dynamic controls that change based on which tool is in use. With the Tool Bar, users can do things like adjust audio levels, trim, navigate through a timeline, initiate playback, and more.
Motion 5.3 and Compressor 5.3 have also been updated with Touch Bar support and a new darker look to match the Final Cut Pro X update. Motion 5.3 includes support for wide color workflows and 3D text enhancements, plus it offers a new Align behavior for quickly connecting separate objects. Compressor 4.3 features wide color support and updates and improvements that make it quicker to deliver packages to the iTunes Store.
Final Cut Pro X can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $299.99. [Direct Link]
Motion can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $49.99. [Direct Link]
Compressor can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $49.99. [Direct Link]
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Premiere Pro and Media Composer are not light years ahead when one considers the file based approach FCP X is using and all the advantages of files and meta data.
MC and PPro are still using tracks in their timelines, which was okay when coming from film and video (since it is the most digital equivalent they could think of back then), but FCP X does take advantage of the digital age and how to work with digital data.
And I say that as an MC lover and PPro user, as I have finally switched to FCP X this year.
The Multicam capabilities, even if forgotten in the first version of FCP X, are leagues ahead of MC (which I have used to sync probably thousands of clips in the past decade, by hand then with Plural Eyes).
I am currently editing a music video with 32 angles and I can do that on a 13" rMBP with proxies while playing back 16 angles at the same time with the Library stored on a 2.5" USB 3.0 HDD. Can MC do that?
And look at the search capabilities. Again ahead of MC with all its handmade bins and folders and manual sorting. FCP X can do that automatically if you use tags (still faster than manually creating bins and folders).
MC has its advantages in multi user / multi project environments though, like broadcast networks and production houses, but it is actually slower to do the work.