Final Cut Pro X 10.1: the features video pros want

Macworld by Karen Haslam

We asked video pros and members of a Facebook group about Final Cut Pro what they want in the next version of FCPX

We know that Apple is working on an update to Final Cut Pro X – Apple's head of worldwide marketing Phil Shiller admitted as much in the WWDC keynote back in June - we just don't know what kind of update. There are some who expect that it will just be another point update, a free update to existing users. Others think that the next update could be Final Cut Pro 11. While others expect that the next update to Final Cut Pro will follow the same pattern as updates to OS X; this update being Final Cut Pro X 10.1, with a cost associated with it, as is the case with Mavericks. Perhaps, as with Mavericks, the upgrade cost will be small.

People are hoping for a significant upgrade, however. With Final Cut Pro X at 10.0.9, it looks promising that the next upgrade will be a big one.

We asked contacts in the professional video world, and members of a Facebook group about Final Cut Pro to share their thoughts with us.

For more information read our regularly updated Final Cut Pro release date and rumour round up article.

The problem with Final Cut Pro X

When Final Cut Pro X was launched by Apple back in June 2011 it was met with criticism. Apple's complete re-write of Final Cut Pro, which bought a number of new features wasn't appreciated by everyone. Message boards and Twitter filled up with complaints about the software, with many dismissively calling FCP X nothing more than iMovie Pro.

The creative pro who started the We want a new Mac Pro Facebook group, Lou Borella, explained to us why he thinks that the reaction to Final Cut Pro X was so devastating for Apple. "I don't think FCP X ever had a chance to succeed, " he said, admitting that he was one of those who didn't give it a chance. Borella added: "I believe that the entire community was ready to jump ship. Apple had neglected the space for far too long up until that point. Updates to the Mac Pro were becoming further apart. All the talk from Apple at the time was iPhone and iOS. Final Cut Pro was basically six years old at the time of X's release and it was really showing its age. The expectations for the successor to 7 were reaching a fever pitch. Rightly so, or not, FCP X needed to be a product that rewarded the trust that the professional community had placed in Apple." read more...