Final Cut Pro X: A Huge Improvement

The latest update to Final Cut Pro X (version 7.0.7) arrived just as I was starting a major editing job. The contrast with the initially released version is striking. There has been a gradual improvement with each update but this one set the record. I edited two finished videos, each of approximately 80 minutes, without a single crash. The video was full HD (HD-FX from my Sony HDR-XR550) plus a large number of 4000 x 4000 pixel stills. The various exports (Apple use the awful term 'share' for most export purposes) worked flawlessly.

I also used the latest version of Motion 5 (5.0.6) and, with FCPX, the excellent free Pan and Zoom and Manifesto from Noise Industries. Pan and Zoom provides the controls for moving around a still photograph that are absent from the 'Ken Burns' function in FCPX. Manifesto is excellent for rolling credits.

I still think Apple did itself harm by releasing FCPX in a state that showed potential but which lacked key features and was unstable is use. The damage is being repaired and the latest version, I can say without a shadow of doubt, is excellent. With the available add-ons it is even more so.

The Noise Industries Website is at:

http://www.noiseindustries.com/fxfactory/