Apple Updates Final Cut Pro X with Multicam Support, Advanced Chroma Keying, and XML Support

Tuesday January 31, 2012 6:23 am PST by Eric Slivka

Following up on promises to bring support for major features such as multicam editing and XML compatibility, Apple today announced the launch of Final Cut Pro X v. 10.0.3 with a number of enhancements. The release follows another major update released last September and another minor one released in November.

Apple today released Final Cut Pro X v10.0.3, a significant update to its revolutionary professional video editing application, which introduces multicam editing that automatically syncs up to 64 angles of video and photos; advanced chroma keying for handling complex adjustments right in the app; and enhanced XML for a richer interchange with third party apps and plug-ins that support the fast growing Final Cut Pro X ecosystem. Available today as a free update from the Mac App Store, Final Cut Pro X v10.0.3 also includes a beta of broadcast monitoring that supports Thunderbolt devices as well as PCIe cards.

Apple also notes that several third-party developers have also taken steps to expand the capabilities of Final Cut Pro X, including the new release of 7toX [Mac App Store, $9.99] from Assisted Editing to move Final Cut Pro 7 projects to Final Cut Pro X.

Multicam editing in Final Cut Pro X v.10.0.3

Final Cut Pro X [Mac App Store] is available in the Mac App Store and is priced at $299.99. The new 10.0.3 update appears to still be rolling out to the store and may not be available for all users yet.

- Multicam editing with automatic sync and support for mixed formats, mixed frame rates, and up to 64 camera angles
- Advanced chroma keying with controls for color sampling and edge quality
- Media relink for manual reconnect of projects and Events to new media
- Ability to import and edit layered Photoshop graphics
- XML 1.1 with support for primary color grades, effect parameters, and audio keyframes
- Beta version of broadcast monitoring with third-party PCIe and Thunderbolt I/O devices

Update: Apple has also released Motion 5.0.2 [Mac App Store, $49.99], bringing several enhancements to the effect editor that serves as a companion to Final Cut Pro.

- Improved speed and responsiveness of text editing
- Ability to automatically add animation keyframes when recording is disabled
- Keyboard shortcut for re-positioning animation curves or paths
- Ability to adjust the pan and scale of an image in a drop zone
- Enhanced look of the Keyframe editor for easier keyframe viewing and editing

Update 2: The updated version of Final Cut Pro X [Mac App Store] is now available. Apple has also released Compressor 4.0.2 [Mac App Store, $49.99], an update to the Final Cut Pro tool for project export.

- Markers set as chapter markers by default
- Addition of Uncompressed 8-bit and 10-bit 4:2:2 to export settings list
- Improved speed of transcoding from Uncompressed 10-bit 4:2:2 to ProRes

Top Rated Comments

danimal99

189 months ago

Most of us have already moved on to Avid or Premiere. We can't afford the uncertainty.

Yeah, I don't think so. "Most of us." Most of yourself, perhaps.

Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)

pxlmvr7

189 months ago

Bandwagon Jumping

They never screwed us over, they just nuked the fridge and forced us to look elsewhere to invest our money in equipment and future roadmaps. We can adapt, but we can't keep using your product when you cut key professional features with no CLEAR roadmap as to when or if we'll get those features back. That being said, I'll play around with this, but my industry has already moved on, so it'll only do me any good on my personal projects.

I work in post and *no one* has moved to MC or Premier. No business person would make such a knee-jerk reaction such as that! FCP 7 didn't somehow stop working when FCPX came out... smh.

Anyone who has been in the business knows that new technology takes time to sort and out and don't jump on bandwagons or off bandwagons because of a product update.

FCPX *clearly* looks like a great way forward in terms of file based media. Add to that the implementation of Thunderbolt devices and you have very powerful platform. With feedback from us pros Apple has proven time and time again that they listen to their customers.

Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)

coleridge78

189 months ago

An example? OK- here's a clip we pumped out last summer in about 4 days. 3 camera shoot, multi format, & a client breathing down our neck. Graphics created in motion, seamlessly integrated into FCPX sequence.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlcVuluInsk&feature=related

BAM.

That looks like the same stuff that has been airing on daytime cable tv since 1988 or so. No offense, but I wouldn't hold that up as an example of some sort of achievement. Speaking as an outsider to the industry who did stuff like that for hobby projects more than a decade ago, it's not impressive.

Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)

RoboCop001

189 months ago

My god are people that neurotic?

Apple releases new Final Cut. Has some issues.

People's reaction:
OH NO THIS BREAKS MY CURRENT SETUP I HAVE TO SWITCH :eek:

Seriously? It's a code over haul. It may have been released a bit too early, but it takes time to add those legacy features back in. And I have confidence that they will.

As for the legacy features that won't come back, get over it and adapt. Or sure, switch if you really have to. But don't be neurotic.

I work in a post production house and we're still running FCP 6 for crying out loud. And we've never had a problem.

I believe FCP X will be the one everyone wants in the near future. I'm waiting excitedly to see where it goes. For the time being, my setup works perfectly fine.

Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)

dogster

189 months ago

ok now

I am a editor for NBC and other cable networks and it doesn't matter what I edit with I adapt . I haven't been using FINAL CUT X a lot but I use FINAL CUT 7 with no issues and I also work with premiere and avid . If you are a good editor you can work with most any program so stop the whining and learn how to edit !

Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)

3282868

189 months ago

You seem to take it mighty personal yourself whenever anybody here argues another opinion. You got what you want (your Adobe suite) and then some (this new FCPX update) maybe time to lighten up a little? ;)

Actually, I disagree. He has been rather civil, it's others whose comments have been of a personal nature (one person in particular seems to be taking this very immaturely).

Yeah, I don't think so. "Most of us." Most of yourself, perhaps.

I worked in broadcast and produced, directed, and edited live TV. My degree is in broadcast communication. And I still call BS on your "most of us" baloney statement.

Your little sphere constitutes about 0.000000001% of the professionals out there, and until I hear your name attached to the Pulitzer, you are not above anyone else.

Congratulations! I hope Avid also comes with a complimentary weiner-sling which you'll need to carry around all your international broadcast and film credentials, whilst you look down at all the smaller station professionals with the rest of your "most of us" pals.

Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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Apple Updates Final Cut Pro X with Multicam Support, Advanced Chroma Keying, and XML Support

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