Final Cut Express 4 Adds AVCHD Support and More
If iMovie ‘08 doesn’t suit your video needs and Final Cut Pro is too expensive, perhaps you might want to try that middle bowl of porridge otherwise known as Final Cut Express. Apple just released version 4 of its "prosumer" video editing app (priced at $200) which now features support for the latest and greatest AVCHD cameras and the ability to mix standard and HD video on a single timeline.
FCE 4 supports both 1080i and 720p HD resolutions, and Apple’s press release claims that it “automatically performs the necessary scaling, cropping and frame rate adjustments.”
As with past releases, the interface of FCE 4 closely mimics that of Final Cut Pro and adds some features not found in iMovie 08 like support for multiple audio tracks, compositing, LiveType text overlays and more. Of course some of those features were available in iMovie ‘06, but that release lacks support for AVCHD cameras.
FCE4 also packs in over 50 new FxPlug filters, like Soft Focus and Light Rays, for when you really want that After School Special look in your HD movies.
FCE 4 will set you back $200 with upgrades from earlier versions available at half the price. Also note that the AVCHD support necessitates an Intel processor, making those once-shiny G5 Power Macs look a bit long in the tooth.
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