Apple Releases Final Cut Express 4

For many iMovie is just not enough and Final Cut Studio is just too big and expensive. Enter Final Cut Express which just upgraded to version 4 today. It brings with it plenty of new features, including importing AVCHD (the leading HD Camcorder format but Intel only), iMovie ‘08 import, Open Format Timeline, 50 Brand-New video effects, and LiveType 2.

One of the great features in that list is Open Format Timeline, already found in Final Cut Studio. This allows you to drag in different format clips, and they’ll seamlessly blend together. Not only can this bring together HD and DV footage, but NTSC and PAL as well. (Don’t you just love AV acronyms!)

Also new is a whole set of compositing and effects features. There are now over 200 transitions and filters, with FxPlug compatibility. This is the same architecture as Final Cut Studio, so effects can be moved.  Keyframe automation is also big. This allows you to mark the ‘Key Frames’ in your video, and therefore link other things to it, such as the audio track and transitions. LiveType 2.1 is also included, which makes it easy and quick to make animated titles and credits. 50 animated textures, royalty free, are included; all of them broadcast quality. 

This is a long awaited update, with the Final Cut Express HD 3.x track having served a long period. Most notably the update brings many features of Final Cut Studio into the significantly cheaper Final Cut Express. Oh yeah, Final Cut Express has also recieved a price chop, now costing just $199 (down from $299), or $99 to upgrade from versions 1 – 3.5. So it looks like FCE at $199 may be well worth it especially if you don’t like the new iMovie, and feel Final Cut Studio is bit overkill for you’re needs.

Final Cut Express 4 is available now from Apple where you can check out some QuickTime ‘Tours’ to tell you more about all the new features. Would love to hear some opinions from the video scrubbers out there.

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