Apple is making a real push to bring Final Cut back to the level of success it once enjoyed when industry editors like Academy Award Winner Walter Murch used the software and loved it. Let’s look at the most recent update.

Final Cut Pro 10.2

The Final Cut Pro X update includes the ability to generate 3D text as well as improved support for RED RAW footage and lots more. Where you once had to utilize plugins like mObject and FCPX3D: Text, you can now create everything directly from FCPX, no plugins needed.

Included with the 3D titles are a series of simple templates that allow you to generate what you need. Just select from a set of text styles and customize from there. With several material, lighting, and edging combinations, you can easily convert 2D titles into 3D in real time.

Apple also added the ability to view four video scopes at the same time, which was done for increased productivity with color grading. Speaking of color grading, this update also adds improved functionality to shape masks for effects, which can be saved as presets for instant use later on.

Finally, Apple has expanded its native format support by adding AVC-Ultra and XAVC-S, as well as increasing compatibility with RED RAW for smoother playback and rendering.

Motion 5.2

Motion is Apple’s solution to After Effects within their propriety film making suite. This latest update boasts the ability to create multiple lights and cameras within a comp, as well as adding multi-layered 3D objects that cast ultra-realistic shadows and reflections on other objects.

New templates for these added features are coming from third parties such as Ripple Training, FxFactory and motionVFX.

Compressor 4.2

Compressor is a solid piece of filmmaking software. The latest update to 4.2 makes it easy to prepare your latest project for sale in the iTunes Store. Apple explains in their press release that users can simply select, the movie, trailer, closed captions, and more, and Compressor creates an iTunes Store Package, which users can submit to an iTunes Delivery Partner for sale on the store. For indie filmmakers this is fantastic news.