Apple released a new version of Final Cut Studio today. You can see what’s new here.
While we haven’t had a chance to get our hands on the new version yet, on the outset it looks to be a fairly uninspiring release. Let’s be clear though, Final Cut Studio is an amazingly powerful package for the money, but for my impressions I’m limiting the discussion only to the upgrade between Final Cut Studio 2 and this release, not to the whole suite itself. Lets breakdown the changes involved since Final Cut Studio 2.
Final Cut Pro 7: The addition of new Pro Res codecs to the mix is welcome in terms of versatility. The iChat compatible video collaboration tool is fantastic, and I can see using this in my everyday workflow almost immediately. Easy export is a nice presentation of the sometimes cumbersome compressor interface, and the new speed controls look very intuitive to use. However there are no new native editing modes other than AVCIntra, meaning you still have to do a time intensive transcode for your AVCHD, and XDCAM footage. Media Management still hasn’t changed substantially, and I believe that the differences between Final Cut 6 and 7 are certainly more evolutionary rather than revolutionary. If I had to give it a grade off of the specs shown today, it would be a C.
Motion 4 : This is the little ap that just keeps getting better and more useful in every incarnation. This release is no exception, as Apple’s added many more 3d features encapsulated in an easy to use and intuitive interface. The simple addition of shadows and reflections, depth of field control, and parameter linking make this a stand out release. I’ve found that its behavior based workflow makes it easy for design challenged editors like myself to create very polished animations. A solid upgrade for motion, I’d give it an A.
Soundtrack Pro 3 : Looks to continue its role as a simple Digital Audio Workstation, for video and film projects, rather than for music creation. The addition of some tools to handle common problems, such as Voice Level Match, and the enhanced Noise Reduction will quickly find their way into daily use. The Advanced Time stretch feature, not so often, but when you need it, you really need it. Overall this one is a B.
Color 1.5 : I had really hoped that Apple had taken this powerful tool and re-worked its interface to be more polished and user friendly, which is something that Apple excels at. No such luck I’m afraid. The only real major feature is the round-tripping available between Final Cut’s timeline and Color. 4K support is nice, but unless you have a RED or are shooting on 35mm, it really is not applicable. I feel they made a half-hearted attempt at this release, perhaps realizing it they only incremented the release version by .5 rather than a full version. My verdict: D.
Compressor 3.5: Another .5 release with a very limited set of real improvements. The exception being Blu-Ray support which is something that Final Cut users have been clamoring for, for a long time. However it looks to be quite limited for authoring, relying on Apple’s pre-set menu designs, or exporting to another more capable disc authoring program. I’ll give it a C for Blu-Ray.
DVD Studio Pro 4: No link to this as it simply hasn’t changed at all since the last version. Or the version before that one. It’s still a good program, but it looks like Apple has abandoned development for disc authoring. I’ll give this an F for plagiarism, they’ve turned this paper in twice before.
The price: $999 for the full version, which is a nice reduction. $299 for the upgrade, which is cheap enough to make it a no-brainer to upgrade, even considering the lackluster release.
I have to admit to being slightly concerned with Apple at this point. With the recent dumbing down of their MacBook Pro line, and a pretty underwhelming Final Cut Studio refresh, I’m starting to believe those who say that Apple is turning away from its professional line of computers and software for the much more profitable consumer market for iPhones and iPods.
It’s been two years since the last Final Cut Studio releases, and instead of increasing the lead on their competition, Apple seems to have just striven for some kind of feature parity. I predict if Apple waits another two years, the competition in the pro video editing space will have greatly surpassed them.
Press Release Below:
(Cupertino, California–July 23, 2009) Apple® today announced a significant update to Final Cut Studio® with more than 100 new features and new versions of Final Cut Pro®, Motion, Soundtrack® Pro, Color and Compressor.
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Yup, that’s right. It’s time for another list! You guys asked for one… oh wait you didn’t?
Reprinted from an International Documentary Association press release
Reprinted from a Eastman Kodak press release
Hello everybody. The best looking blogger in history is back with yup, another list! Why? Because of how important my opinion is that’s why. Because if everyone on earth can Tweet about “when they go to sleep, when they wake up & what they are having to breakfast and when they are driving to work…” Then I too, can claim that I am SO important that people MUST know what my thoughts are, concerning EVERYTHING. So let us get to it, shall we?
That’s right! Everybody else has done one, why not me!? Unlike all the other blogs you go to, this blogger is by far the best looking, smartest and healthiest around. I even smell good, (ever since I started showering once a day). So listen up, here is MY listing of the top 5 movies ever made. Sure you’ve seen everyone’s top 10, top 5, etc. This is the era of myspacers and twitter, which keep people interconnected through minute to minute updates, not actual one on one human interaction… but it’s time to get to the list, the greatest of which has ever been assembled! And remember, this is one of the most important things that you are going to hear all day-So Focus!
Ever wondered what the pinout for a cable (or connector for a device) was? Wonder no more: 
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