Expert’s Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
How many shiny , new features make a software package update worthwhile ? A XII ? A fistful ? Three ?
The predicament that potential buyer confront with Final Cut Express HD 3.5 , the new version of Apple ’s intermediate digital video editing software , is that it only has three significant raw feature — most cocktail recipes include more ingredient . However , the overture in this update , while few , make it a more compelling acclivity than the move from variation 2.0 to 3.0 .
Universal appeal
When Apple begin the migration to Intel - based Macs , the society push hard to release a Universal adaptation of its professional Final Cut Studio suite — but there was no mention of Final Cut Express . That would n’t have been a large flock except that Final Cut Express would n’t head for the hills on an Intel Mac , leaving videographers who were quick to buy new hardware with a choice : fall back to iMovie HD 6 ( ) or move up to the $ 1,299 Final Cut Studio .
The first shiny , young feature in Final Cut Express HD 3.5 is world-wide compatibility , taking vantage of the unexampled Mac Intel architecture . In my examination , the software work well on an former 1.25 GHz PowerBook G4 , a double 2.3 GHz Power Mac G5 , a 17 - column inch 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro , and a 1.83 gigahertz MacBook ( the latter two models powered by Intel Core Duo processors , of course ) .
Dynamic RT
Shiny feature number two is Dynamic RT , which promises to rush along up your work — or at least get free of the fourth dimension you spend wait for Final Cut Express to render footage .
Although Final Cut Express 2 ( ) introduced RT Extreme , the literal - time effect preview that it offer up applied to many — but not all — transition and event , bet on the speed of your computer . Dynamic RT , by contrast , provides real - clip preview for everything .
Dynamic RT scale performance to maintain playback in real time without falter , reckon on the Mac ’s capabilities . A succession with multiple layer of picture , for example , wager back with picayune difficulty on the Power Mac G5 and the MacBook Pro . On the PowerBook G4 and the MacBook , Dynamic RT reduced the result and build rate of the TV in the Canvas to recompense for the reduced processing power of those system . The final result is n’t the same as if you were to render the footage , but it ’s in force enough to give you a good sense of whether the sequence work to your liking , and you do n’t have to re - render it with every edit .
The orange tree legal community above the timeline in this tantrum indicates that Dynamic RT will play back a preview of the composing in the Canvas without rendering it . ( Click icon to open full screenshot )
Keyframing
The third new feature in Final Cut Express HD 3.5 is the plus of full keyframe effects control , which lets you employ specific context over time by delimit them at a particular point on the timeline ; this capability was previously reserved for Final Cut Pro . Earlier versions of Express supported some canonic move and audio keyframing , but now you may apply the proficiency to transitions and effects as well .
For example , you’re able to now add keyframes to the Brightness and Contrast video effect to compensate for uneven kindling in a scene , or change the opaqueness of a clip over time .
Soundtrack 1.5 and LiveType 2.1
In addition to these three novel feature , the inclusion of improved versions of Soundtrack 1.5 and LiveType 2.1 helps enrich the Final Cut Express HD parcel .
Soundtrack 1.5 is actually not a alteration of Soundtrack 1.2 , which was included in the last outlet of Final Cut Express HD ; instead , it is a young software built from the code base of Soundtrack Pro ( ) . In the same style that Final Cut Express is fundamentally Final Cut Pro with many of the pro - level feature removed , Soundtrack 1.5 assume the port and basic functionality of Soundtrack Pro .
Welcome feature film include substantial - time sound recording effects processing and a multi - take transcription modality that ’s helpful for creating vocalism - over : specify a duration for the phonation - over and start recording ; when you reach the end of the clip , Soundtrack chute back to the get-go so you may immediately record another take . you may then take which version to utilize .
rather of just a consecrated program for creating rubric , LiveType 2.1 — with 10 GB of new templates , effects , objects , and texture — now feels like a calorie-free reading of Motion , Apple ’s professional motion - design program . The new LiveFonts ( animated conventionalize fonts ) in this version are transmitter - based and easily surmount up to size that oblige high - definition formats .
Macworld’s buying advice
While the number of change in Final Cut Express HD 3.5 since the last edition are few , the improvement are satisfying . Dynamic RT alone makes cut easy for those of us who get fidgety while waitress for footage to render . The fact that the include programs are both much ameliorate and Universal intend you’re able to budget for a new Intel - establish Mac without add the disbursal of the full Final Cut Studio retinue .
[ Jeff Carlson is care editor in chief ofTidBITSand the generator ofiMovie HD 6 and iDVD 6 for Mac OS X : Visual QuickStart Guide(Peachpit Press , 2006 ) . ]
