Apple Updates Final Cut Pro X

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Larry

This morning, Apple updated Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, and Compressor 4. According to Apple’s website, here are the changes.

Final Cut Pro X — What’s New in Version 10.1.2

Optimized, proxy, and rendered media can be stored at any location outside of the library
Easily delete optimized, proxy, and rendered media from within Final Cut Pro X
Used media indicators for Compound clips, Multicam clips, and Synced clips
Option to show only unused media in the Browser
Apply a standard (Rec. 709) look in real time to high dynamic range and wide color gamut video from ARRI, Blackmagic Design, Canon, and Sony cameras
Automatically apply an ARRI embedded 3D LUT from the new AMIRA camera
Support for Apple ProRes 4444 XQ
Improved speed and accuracy when synchronizing clips
Audio recording improvements including countdown and automatic Audition creation from multiple takes
Fast export of cuts-only projects containing XDCAM media
Export entire library as a single XML file
Selecting a library displays key metadata in the Inspector
Adjust relative and absolute volume of a clip or range selection
Create Keywords from Finder Tags when importing media
Option to sort events by date or name in the Libraries list
Import a clip by dragging directly into the Browser
Share 4K video to Vimeo

Motion — What’s New in Version 5.1.1

• Support for Apple ProRes 4444 XQ
• Improved Sequence Text behavior for animating characters, words, and lines
• Enhanced Contrast filter parameters for refined adjustments

Compressor – What’s New in Version 4.1.2

Support for Apple ProRes 4444 XQ
Better performance when working with large batches
Status display and improved responsiveness when using “Send to Compressor” from Final Cut Pro X and Motion
Improved performance and color accuracy when encoding H.264 source files from GoPro cameras
Fixes issues transcoding alpha channels in image sequences
Includes general stability improvements

The new features that I am especially struck by are the ability, in FCP X, are its improved media management. Of all the complaints I’m hearing currently about Final Cut, media management and file linking are at the top. This new update seems to address that issue.

The Motion changes essentially keep it in parity with Final Cut Pro X.

While the new changes in Compressor, especially fixing color saturation issues in compressed files and improved stability, address some ongoing concerns.

I have not yet installed the new software. The standard rules apply: don’t upgrade if you are in the middle of a project, unless your current project is not working.

The new ProRes 4444 XQ codec is worth learning more about. Here’s an article I wrote that explains this in more detail.

As always, let me know what you think.

Larry

18 Responses to Apple Updates Final Cut Pro X

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Caesar Darias says:

June 29, 2014 at 5:34 pm

Thanks, Larry. I’m looking forward to your always detailed, informative and entertaining videos.

BTW, still no seamless roundtripping with Motion. UGH! Why, Apple? Why?
Henry K says:

June 29, 2014 at 7:20 pm

Hi Larry,

I do notice one unmentioned change in FCPX 10.1.2, which is Library’s sorting order.

In the pervious version, it is in order to library’s name but now is in order of “time of open”, last opened on top.

Is there any way to change it back to sorting by name?

Thanks.

Henry
Larry says:

June 29, 2014 at 7:47 pm

Try the sort options in the Gear icon, just below the Libraries list. Also, right-click inside the Libraries list and try the Sort Order options listed there.

Larry
Henry K says:

June 30, 2014 at 1:35 am

Hi Larry,

Thanks for your prompt respond.

When I select a Library, the gear icon sort by options are “grey out”, right-click inside the libraries only give me the “Sort Event By” option, either method allow me to make any “Library” specific sorting method.

I would like to know if any one else has the same problem. It’s ok if you only have 1 or 2 libraries, but if you need to open 20 libraries simultaneously, it will be problematic.

Cheers,

H
Larry says:

June 30, 2014 at 1:43 am

Henry:

No one else has reported this, yet. And I won’t have time to take a serious look at this until the end of the week. If it is a real problem, please contact Apple Support.

Larry
Caesar Darias says:

June 30, 2014 at 10:27 am

Here’s a non-sequitur for you: I was watching a Sting concert. The credits said the director was Larry Jordan. Was that you?
Larry says:

June 30, 2014 at 10:40 am

Sadly, no.

THAT Larry Jordan is based in the Bay Area and specializes in doing high-end music videos and concerts. I WISH it was me, ’cause I love that stuff, but it isn’t.

Larry
Henry K says:

July 1, 2014 at 5:03 am

Hi Larry,

As always, thanks for your prompt reply.

I’ve already contact Apple about this matter, shall let you know if I received any feedback, not too much hope thought…

Cheers,

H