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Apple Final Cut Pro Review
- Full Version: $999.00
- Upgrades: From $299.00
- Professional level video editing suite from Apple
- Work with up to 99 tracks on the timeline
- Comprehensive editing and trimming tools
- Over 150 filters and visual effects to choose from
- Advanced tools for improving video quality such as removing camera shake and color correction
- Open, extensible architecture allows for custom plugins
- Seamless collaboration and integration with other applications
- Full support for Apple's ProRes codec which allows editing in HD at SD sizes
- Open format timeline copes with different resolutions and formats on one timeline
- Fully customizable user interface
- Powerful, advanced audio controls
- Easily add complex effects like picture in picture streams and multicamera editing
- Includes Motion 4 for creating stunning 3D effects
- Includes DVD Studio Pro 4 for authoring professional looking discs
- Available for Mac only
Apple Final Cut Pro is the top end version of Apple's video editing software aimed at professionals who need advanced control in the editing process. While on the surface it doesn't look much different from the cheaper express version, advanced users will soon realise there is a lot more under the hood that gives professionals the tools they need to create stunning movies. The price tag will put most beginners off, but the express version is available for a fraction of the price and we have reviewed it elsewhere in this category.
Putting the express version and the pro version of Final Cut Studio together you would barely notice a difference in the user interface. The pro version comes slightly differently set up to give advanced users instant access to some of the more complex features the express version keeps hidden on first use. However, most things are very similar which is good news if you are upgrading from the express version. The most important aspect of the user interface is the open format timeline which lets you work with different formats and resolutions all on the one timeline. This is a handy feature if you regularly work with footage from a variety of different sources that you must edit together.
One of the most noticeable advantages over the express version of Final Cut Studio is that the pro version contains more advanced tools for compositing and animation. Advanced users will appreciate the control these tools give you in the editing process and even those upgrading from the express version will notice the difference. There are also more advanced tools for video correction with an enhanced color correction tool and a tool which can improve shaky footage.
Another major advantage of the pro version over the express version is that in the box comes bundled a number of extra applications that come in very useful in the production workflow. First is SoundTrack Pro which is an excellent digital audio editor you can use to create the audio for your movies. Second is Motion 4 which is an application for creating stunning motion graphics in 2D and 3D. Third is Compressor which allows you to export your creations in a variety of different formats suitable for publishing. Finally you get DVD Studio Pro included which allows you to author professional looking DVDs with animated titles and menus. This bundle of applications gives you almost everything you need to produce a top quality professional looking movie.
Apple Final Cut Pro is an excellent video editing suite which comes bundled with some very useful extra tools that will enhance the production process. We wouldn't recommend it to beginners due to the complexity of the application and the fairly hefty price tag, but those who have outgrown final Cut Express will definitely appreciate the extra functionality Final Cut Pro offers.
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