Apple Final Cut Studio Review (page 2)
Equal Voices
SoundTrack has added a clever feature that matches voice levels between two audio clips. This is a fantastic feature for video producers who want to match different audio tracks. Perhaps you're cutting together two different interviews, or you've recorded multitrack dialog that needs to match. Well, it can be done in a matter of just a few clicks. The feature utilizes a "lift and stamp" technique, where one audio clip's qualities are analyzed and copied (lifted) and the receiving audio clip is analyzed and adjusted (stamped) with matching audio qualities. This process is good for equalizing two different video clips as well.
We tested it out with two different audio tracks. Both were interviews using the same recording equipment, but the levels weren't an exact match. SoundTrack made light work of the two files, and matched the volume levels accurately. No surprises here. We went back through carefully and couldn't find any flaws with the process. Ultimately, this feature will be a huge time saver when working with lots and lots of dialog.
Staying On The Cutting Edge
With all these great enhancements, Final Cut Studio keeps in step with all the exciting developments in videography. It's worth mentioning that native support has also been added for AVC-Intra codecs (found on many Panasonic cameras) and XDCAM 422. Additionally, you can work with RED files with software provided by RED. Just about anything you can throw at it has a workflow, which is great for professional editors.
Final Cut Pro now supports Blu-ray Disc authoring, although it requires that you have a Blu-ray Disc burner. It's important to note that Blu-ray Disc authoring is not supported yet in DVD Studio Pro, just Final Cut Pro via that nifty Share feature. So, Blu-ray Disc authoring is possible at this point, but is somewhat of a tease.Overall, we are really excited to see Apple make it easier for the average editor by introducing the "export shortcut" with Share feature in Final Cut Pro 7. And iChat Theater is one of the more promising new features that will allow editors to edit from anywhere and stay productive. This Final Cut Studio update offers thoughtful enhancements and a few new features well worth the sticker price, especially for those editors who will be upgrading. While not all applications received a lot of attention in this update, such as DVD Studio Pro, it goes without saying that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." We think this is a wise choice.
TECH SPECS
Basic System Requirements:
Mac computer with an Intel processor, 1GB RAM (2 GB for HD or uncompressed SD, 4 GB for uncompressed HD), ATI or NVIDIA graphics processor (integrated Intel graphics processors not supported), 128MB VRAM, Display with 1280 x 800 resolution or higher, Mac OS X v10.5.6 or later, QuickTime 7.6 or later.
DVD drive for installation:
4 GB of disk space require to install all applications
46 GB of disk space require for all optional content
Strengths
- New iChat Theater makes collaboration easy
- ProRes LT is ideal for event videographers
- Background rendering with Share exports
Weaknesses
- Blu-ray Disc authoring absent in DVD Studio Pro
Summary
Final Cut Studio can play well with the average editor and the high-end professional, making it a great choice for just about anyone who wants to create great video presentations.
Contributing columnist Mark Montgomery is a web content specialist and produces instructional videos for a leading web application developer.
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