Overhauled & Reviewed: Final Cut Pro X

Apple’s recent release of Final Cut Pro X (FCPX) has caused quite a bit of controversy. Many new features and speed improvements have been added, but many more features are conspicuously missing. Further, this latest release is not backward compatible with any previous versions. Why is it so different and what is Apple’s game plan? Here’s the scoop.

Older versions of Final 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 come with 4GB of memory and dual-core, 64-bit processors, that is a serious limitation. Apple’s latest API, called Cocoa, allows the use of 64-bit architecture, eliminating memory bottlenecks, which necessitated a complete rewrite of Final Cut Pro. Because FCPX is a complete rewrite using Cocoa, it’s able to operate much faster on current hardware and takes advantage of multi-core processors.

Judging by the array of professional features conspicuously missing, FCPX was probably written primarily for speed with plans to add more features later on. It currently does not support OMF output, which is commonly used to import audio into ProTools for mixing, or Edit Decision List (EDL) data, a feature used to move a project into another program for the finishing stage. Multi-cam support and output to tape, a format still used by many professionals, is also missing. Furthermore, there appear to be no plans to release a new version of Final Cut Server, which is used to allow multiple users to work on a remotely-stored project simultaneously. Several video formats, including XDCAM and Red, do not yet have support; because of the complete rewrite, support for each video format has to be completely rewritten. Updates adding missing features should start showing up soon, but many professional video editors are, understandably, worried that they’ll be left in the lurch.

Not everything about FCPX is bad news, though; Apple has added several new, user-friendly features to their favorite video production program. The app includes a new Magnetic Timeline feature, which groups audio, video and effects together and allows the designer to move clips around without displacing any of the project. Additionally, FCPX has Content Auto-Analysis, which detects the presence of people in 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 is the official replacement of Pro 7, but 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 features not provided by FCPX and can be purchased for $ 49.99 each on the Mac App Store, Apple’s desktop version of their groundbreaking mobile app platform. Retailing at $ 299.99 on the App Store, FCPX has also completely replaced Express, the consumer version of Final Cut Pro. Formerly, Express was $ 200, with the Pro version costing $ 1000. Because it’s available on the App Store, users will be able to purchase the software once and install it on any of their authorized computers.

Apple’s complete overhaul of Final Cut Pro has caused quite a stir, but it will be a while before all the features are added, so it’s difficult to draw a definite conclusion so far. The elimination of Express and the reduction of price appear to put it somewhere between a consumer and professional application. Despite the lack of many features used by professional, Pro Express seems to be a good option for someone wanting to start creating their own videos, especially with the new user-friendly tools added by Apple.