Apple has unveiled new updates for its video editing software: Final Cut Pro for Mac 10.8 and Final Cut Pro for iPad 2. Both versions come with advanced features that enhance efficiency and capabilities for users.
Final Cut Pro for Mac 10.8
Final Cut Pro for Mac 10.8 leverages the Neural Engine in Apple silicon to introduce AI-driven features. Among these, the Enhance Light and Color and Smooth Slo-Mo functionalities stand out. Enhance Light and Color automatically adjusts video settings for optimal color correction, while Smooth Slo-Mo uses AI to create high-quality slow-motion effects by intelligently blending video frames.
Key Features:
- Enhance Light and Color: This feature, powered by machine learning, automatically improves the color, color balance, contrast, and brightness of videos or still images.
- Smooth Slo-Mo: Available on Mac models with Apple silicon, this tool allows users to create smooth slow-motion visuals by matching the frame rate of a clip to the frame rate of a project.
Advanced Search and Filtering:
- Users can now search in the timeline index by reel, scene, camera angle, custom metadata, or effect name.
- New filters help quickly identify clips with audio effects, video effects, retiming changes, missing media, or missing effects.
- The browser now supports “Starts With” and “Ends With” search options for more efficient clip and project searches.
Improved Effects Control:
- Users can rename color corrections and video effects in the inspector, enhancing organizational efficiency.
- Effects can be dragged directly from the inspector to other clips in the timeline or viewer.
Final Cut Pro for iPad 2
The new Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 harnesses the power of the M4 chip in the latest iPad Pro models, enabling up to 2x faster rendering and support for up to 4x more streams of ProRes RAW than with the M1 chip. One of the standout features is Live Multicam, which allows users to wirelessly connect and preview up to four cameras simultaneously, using a combination of iPhone and iPad devices for a director’s view and manual control via the Final Cut Camera app.
Key Features:
- Live Multicam: Supports a wireless connection and a preview of up to four cameras, providing a director’s view and manual control over each camera’s settings.
- Final Cut Camera App: Functions as a standalone recording app on iPhone and iPad, offering manual control over focus, shutter speed, ISO, and more.
Enhanced Storage and Apple Pencil Pro Support:
- The update supports external projects, allowing users to create or open projects without using internal storage.
- The new Apple Pencil Pro features a barrel roll for precise control of Live Drawing tools and a squeeze function to quickly access brushes and settings.
Availability
Both Final Cut Pro for Mac 10.8 and Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 are now available as free updates for existing users. New users can purchase Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 on the App Store for $4.99 per month or $49 per year, while Final Cut Pro for Mac 10.8 is available on the Mac App Store for $299.99.
These updates underline Apple’s commitment to providing powerful, efficient, and user-friendly video editing tools for both professional and amateur creators.
