Apple has released a Final Cut Pro X FAQ, which gives many details and promises some key features, while also explaining why you can’t import FCP 7 (or earlier) projects into FCP X. Highlights:
1. You can’t import FCP 7 projects into FCP X because of the complete re-design. Maybe an XML import will fix that?
2. Multicamera, XML, AAF, OMF and EDL support coming. Multicam will be an Apple update (and I suspect XML, too), but they’re saying third-parties are getting the APIs. For now, and for $500, you can use Automatic Duck.
3. Third-party plug-ins will work, once they’re updated to 64-bit.
4. Apple will update FCP X to support assigned audio tracks for export.
Plus lots more info on media management, Blackmagic and AJA working on drivers to import and export tape (other than DV, DVCPRO SD/HD, HDV — something I’ve done with FCP 5, 6 and 7 and Beta SP via the Matrox MXO 2 mini, same with using a broadcast monitor via the MXO, which Apple discusses), bulk license purchases, exporting audio for Pro Tools (Automatic Duck) and more.
It’s a great read and makes me really want to try Final Cut Pro X even more.
Update: Someone on DVinfo.net/forums pointed to another post from Apple, Key Features for Professional Editors. Apple’s listening, and they are serious about FCP X and pro editors.
Information from Apple on importing Sony XDCAM media in FCP X. This is similar to how we were doing it in 07/08, until Sony created a driver/plug-in so you could use FCP 6’s (then FCP 7’s) Log and Transfer. I have a feeling that will happen again soon.
Also, just a reminder that Apple also posted info on all the features in FCP X, along with top features and tech specs. Plus, here’s a list of graphics card support. The minimum is an OpenCL-capable graphics card or Intel HD Graphics 3000 or later, 256MB of VRAM. That’s the minimum on the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and my feeling is you should go one step better on that graphic card, because the next full version of FCP X may not support that bare minimum. It happens with every major update to any Mac software app that depends on a good graphics card, trust me.
Philip Hodgetts posts a theory on updates coming when OS X Lion appears, and could we be getting true monitoring via AirPlay, the Apple TV and an HDTV?!
