fcp 8 – when can we expect it to be released?

[Joe Severino]

I think that FCS 3 (are we only on FCS 2 or are we on FCS 3 in which case it would be FCS4…. any who) I feel like its going to be a lot like the release of OS 10.6 The GUI stays relatively unchanged but what does change is under the hood (so to speak) I am thinking it will be powered by a fully flushed out version of QT X with at least the native support that FCP 7 offers now (with probable native support for DSLR and other tapeless codecs) Hyper threading and full scaleable Multi-core support (like some adobe products like AE, doesn’t matter what you have AE will find a way to use it all) True 64-bit processing. I think motion is going to get some upgrades. I really hope that apple uses this release to take motion to the next level. I am hoping to see motion replace shake since apple discontinued shake and has yet to provide a decent substitute for it. I also would like to see, much better round tripping support from FCP to Logic. Having said all that, I don’t see much in the way of GUI based changes. I swear if they make it look like iMovie…. well I wont say because then it would be pre meditated. 🙂

Mac Pro 3.2 GHz Dual Quad Core
14GB RAM
NVIDIA 8800 GT
Blackmagic Intensity Pro
OS X 10.6.3 (Clean Instal)
Final Cut Studio 3 (Clean Instal)
Logic Studio (Clean Instal)

[Thomas Frank]

OH MY GOD Apple implements Shake TOOLS in Motion!
That would make my day and keep me buying CS5 that I am eyeing right now! Morphing, better tracking tool, node editor, so on and on!
They can keep there Real Time Preview crap! 🙂

Final Cut Pro yeah needs a real update! I have not seen a real update since version 5! 64 Bit support, better ProRes support, fast Rendering, 3D Titles oh yeah!!!

I just hope Apple does bring out a kick ass update or it will be new App for iOS lol! Pray Pray to the editor Gods!
Apple needs to start to announce there Pro Product! But again Adobe CS5 is not as bad any who!

[Tim Franklin]

It would be nice to see something that would be worth the upgrade price, so far third party plugs are better than the Apple products, which is sort of dissatisfying. Perhaps Apple can get something done while on vacay,

[Ben Munro]

I totally agree I would hate a unified screen and after being so used to final cut’s set up as so many editors are I think it would be stupid to change it. I’m really looking forward to finding out more about it though!

[Thomas Morter-laing]

Every day, I hope it’s tomorrow. (There is an event tomorrow actually, you never know…)

😀
Tom Morter-Laing
Freelance Editor
Certified Apple Product Proffessional, 2010
http://www.depictproductions.co.uk

Sony Z5, with Rode NTG2.
iMac 27″ intel i7 2.93GHz, 12GB RAM, ATI HD5750 [1GB GDDR5], 2TB Int. SATA with 2TB External HDD; (FW800), with Elgato Turbo H264HD.

[Sean Sullivan]

If apple is watching I want to chime in on the wish list:

The most important improvement FC could make is to improve speed and efficiency and thus reduce the amount of productive/billable time lost through inefficiencies (such as render times), the number of visits to other software applications and workarounds, even in run-of-the-mill workflows. In my fantasy Final Cut would enable me to do a basic job, in a quality HD format, exclusively in FC in real-time.

In general, ending or reducing the need to render and/or minimize the time rendering takes would go a long way to improving the next version of FC. Since Final Cut is a professional tool, then the filters and features inside FC as well as the Studio should maintain that standard across the board. When more than one application is necessary why not have greater integration of the components of the studio, so common elements functioned the same way and there was greater consistency to the g.u.i., menus, and function (including round-tripping) of the studio components.

My specific wish list for FC improvements include:
1. SPEED – 64bit processing and optimization with the latest apple hardware.
2. H.264 mov file native compatibility (several streams in real-time…premier already does it); In general I wish Apple could find a easier/better way to work with footage in multiple formats, including reducing or eliminating render times and accepting a wider range of formats.
3. On the fly file/timeline compatibility conversion integrated into Final Cut’s interface (automatic prompts, simple, easy-to-use conversion window [i.e. Mpeg StreamClip], integration of essential compressor features);
4. Serious (professional quality) green screen capability (i.e. better/finer edge and masking tools, with pen tool addition of unlimited anchor points which can be easily/manually moved without prior activation for garbage matts and masks);
5. Better native color corrector (yes I know they got Color but why bounce back and forth if I don’t need to);
6. How about a serious face lift to DVD Studio Pro for good measure? (a specific but basic matter: the timeline in DVD Studio Pro should work exactly like final cut)

[Charles Wren]

tbh FCP and all NLEs include keying filters as an added bonus, they’ll never specialise in it, that’s what compositing packages are built for. Check out Nuke, nodes give you unlimited control over your comp that you just can’t get from a layer based NLE. You have instant access to Ultimatte, Primatte, KeyLight and the IBK.

That said, I’m dying to see some official details for FCP 8. Fingers firmly crossed for a full 64 bit rewrite with multithreaded processing and unlimited RAM utilisation 🙂

[Sean Sullivan]

Thanks Chaz for your response.

I am aware that I can go to other programs (Nuke and others), but as I wrote my point was if you offer compositing as a feature in Final Cut Pro it should work at a professional level (it doesn’t) and I gave some suggestions on how that could be achieved. Not sure I understand the rationale of offering something sub par, which you have characterized as an “added bonus”, even if offered in another program. What is the purpose of a deficient added bonus? I have not suggested Final Cut “specialize” in compositing, merely that it achieve basic compositing at a professional level. I disagree with any rationale that suggests you can’t do something professional in more than one application. If you work for Apple I hope you will pass on my other suggestions if you find this offends you. My concerns regarding compositing were but a smaller point in a larger perspective.
I apologize in advance if this sounds heavy-handed, but I hope that Apple will not be defensive. I think the key to making something better is listening to the consumer base (and at least entertaining the possibility that they might have something valid to contribute) rather than explaining the current thought process driving development. The later creates a continuous loop.

[Paul Colin]

Yes a better way to perform compositing tasks would be nice. . . BUT the main thing is to improve performance. I really don’t enjoy waiting on endless rendering times for example.
Professional level media management would also be quite welcome.
Just my two cents.
Thanks!
Paul Colin, Cezanne Studio
New York City

[Sean Sullivan]

Agreed. Thanks Paul.