Final Cut Pro X

Eager anticipation would be the best words to describe the buzz about Apple’s update to their popular Final Cut video editing software. Considered by most to be the gold standard for nonlinear editing for professional editors and filmmakers, Final Cut Pro X was expected to be an update that would catch up with advances in computing, including increased RAM and graphics power. And while it has certainly 
delivered on these and other respects, it has also revealed some unexpected surprises.

Final Cut Pro X is not merely a software update, but a complete re-imagining of it. Final Cut Pro X takes several cues from the consumer-geared iMovie, and the latest version of it will create a learning curve for both new and seasoned users alike. Though many experienced Final Cut users will likely bristle at such a major change in workflow, Apple’s redesign holds to its promise of improved efficiency, speed and precision.

Available only through download from the Apple App Store for a reduced price of $299.99, Final Cut Pro X is now built on 64-bit architecture, which frees it up to take advantage of computers with 4GB of RAM or greater. It now provides native support for files from HDSLRs including H.264, eliminating the need to transcode the files into the Apple ProRes Codec. It can now tap into the speed of the on-board graphics card for improved processing speed. These features have been expected and are welcome additions.

Some of the big changes to the editing process include the Magnetic Timeline, which eliminates the problem of clip collisions or files falling out of sync when they are moved and replaced. This feature automatically closes gaps or opens up space when files are removed or inserted. The software’s Clip Connections control makes it easier to link B-roll footage, music, sound effects and titles to clips using direct points on the reference clip—allowing all associated items to be moved simultaneously.

The Auditions feature makes it easy to gather multiple takes of a shot onto the timeline and alternate between them in order to determine which works best. Because of the improved processing power of the app, you can even see the impact of different visual and audio effects on each of these clips without the usual tedium of rendering times.
A key reason for this improved performance lies in the software’s background processing capability, which allows you to take advantage of used cycles of the computer to process tasks like transcoding and rendering. This is especially beneficial for those who’ve invested in the latest machines with advanced multi-core processors.

The organizing and accessing of clips has also been revamped, with a new media-detection capability that allows Final Cut X to read the metadata of each clip and use it for the purpose of media management. Organization is also aided by the program’s ability to detect the presence of people using face detection technology that can identify a single individual or a group within a clip. This data allows the application to automatically group clips in Smart Collections, which provides immediate access to specific footage when combined with keywording during import and editing.

However, embracing these new features and tools comes with costs for those already invested in the previous versions of Final Cut, including the inability to edit previous projects in the new application. Though iMovie projects can be easily brought into the application, that’s not the case for those who are interested in transitioning to the new application while in the midst of a project in an older version of Final Cut. Though this will likely be resolved in a future update, there are no current workarounds other than starting a project from scratch.

Applications such as Color and Soundtrack Pro, which were separately featured in prior Final Cut versions, have been eliminated and supplanted by the dedicated color and audio controls within the software. Though the feature sets may be sufficient for some editors, many high-end users will miss certain capabilities, including the ability to pan audio and add audio effects.

Motion and Compressor are still around, but as separate applications available through the App Store for $49.99 each.

Releasing the new version of Final Cut is a bold move, especially when considering that Apple is asking its core users to relearn an application that they depend on for their living. The major interface redesign, and the relocation or omission of certain features and controls, has resulted in some negative reaction to the new release.

However, the software’s significant advances in performance may assuage such reactions, particularly as Apple releases updates to address some of these concerns.

For most photographers who are embracing video as part of their professional offerings, Final Cut Pro X is an application that will make video editing a more efficient and enjoyable process. Its user-friendly improvements for organizing and accessing files and editing and applying visual and audio effects at an appreciably lower price point, will make it likely that even more people will embrace the application for their video-based work.
You can find out more about the application by visiting Apple’s Web site at www.apple.com.

Ibarionex Perello is a photographer, writer and educator and the host and producer of The Candid Frame. He is also the author of Chasing the Light: Improving Your Photography Using Available Light. Discover more by visiting his Web site at www.
thecandidframe.com.