Apple refreshes Final Cut Pro X, Motion and Compressor with new features

Monday, Apple announced a major update to its pro-grade video editing and processing programs for the Mac — Final Cut Pro X, Motion and Compressor — with a bevy of new features for motion graphics and key enhancements available to accelerate video editing, packaging and delivery.

“From Hollywood blockbuster directors to first time movie makers, Final Cut Pro X is changing the way we edit movies today,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing. “The updated Final Cut Pro X, Motion and Compressor make it even easier to edit, title and package everything from short videos to feature-length films.”

With the update to Final Cut Pro X, the version gets bumped up to 10.2, which brings support first and foremost for 3D titles. There are other new features, including improved effects tools, tweaks to the color grading, and support for more camera formats. The updated app now also offers GPU-accelerated processing of RAW footage taken with RED cameras.

Compressor’s update to version 4.2 now allows users to package movies that can then be sold via Apple’s iTunes.

Finally, Motion’s update to 5.2 adds the ability for users to create custom materials and environments specifically for 3D titles, which can then be packaged up and exported to Final Cut Pro X.

More importantly, Compressor 4.2 simplifies the process of packing your movie for sale on the iTunes Store. Now you only need to choose the movie, trailer, closed captions and other details and the app will create an iTunes Store Package. Video editors can then submit the package to an iTunes Delivery Partner for sale on the store.

Final Cut Pro X is $299.99 in the Mac App Store.

Motion and Compressor are available for $49.99 each.