Apple finally updates Final Cut Pro X

And not before time. Apple has released Final Cut Pro X, which it says is a ‘significant update’ to its video editing application, and crucially introduces the multicam editing that has been so badly missed by all and sundry throughout the broadcast industry.

The multicam editing feature automatically syncs up to 64 angles of video and photos, while other new goodies in the software include advanced chromakeying 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 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, allowing users to connect to waveform displays, vectorscopes, and calibrated, high-quality monitors.

Certainly, the company is keen to highlight the multicam stuff. Here’s what Cupertino says: “Final Cut Pro X automatically syncs clips from your shoot using audio waveforms, time and date, or timecode to create a Multicam Clip with up to 64 angles of video, which can include mixed formats, frame sizes and frame rates. The powerful Angle Editor allows you to dive into your Multicam Clip to make precise adjustments, and the Angle Viewer lets you play back multiple angles at the same time and seamlessly cut between them.”

Will it be enough to restore FCP’s tattered reputation? Users that SVGE contacted about the subject wanted to get some hands on experience with the new software before they were willing to comment. A story to keep a close eye on in the run-up to NAB certainly…