Apple updates Final Cut Pro X: XAVC-L now supported

FCP Pro X - now with added XAVC-L

Ahead of its big September 9 event — more on that later — Apple has updated Final Cut Pro X to version 10.2.2, offering some new features and bug fixes alongside the headline grabbing XAVC-L support. By Daniel G. Roberts.

The biggest feature in Final Cut Pro X, version 10.2.2 is the native support of Sony’s XAVC-L codec, along with Panasonic’s AVC-Intra 4:4:4, both with resolutions up to 4K.

With support of the Sony XAVC-L codec, cinematographers and videographers using the Sony PXW-FS7 can now edit the footage, up to 4K in 10-bit 4:2:2 at 113Mbps (3840 x 2160) or 50 Mbps in HD (1920 x 1080) natively without having to convert the footage to cut. Final Cut Pro X can also natively handle Panasonic’s AVC-Intra 4:4:4, up to 4K resolution.

Other codecs Final Cut Pro X supports includes Sony’s XAVC-S, XAVC, and XDCAM (no more transcoding to edit); Panasonic’s variety of AVC-Ultra codecs; JVC’s H.264 Long GOP; and RED RAW processing, and, since you’ll need the horsepower to do so, it supports dual-GPUs, plus RED RAW anamorphic formats.

In addition, Apple offers several other features and bug fixes, including importing and editing Canon’s XF-AVC 8-bit video codec (with Canon’s plugin); export interlaced H.264 video, asset management systems; a variety of 3D text bug fixes; and more.

Elsewhere, there have been updates to Motion and Compressor, with Motion 5.2.2, editors will see a few bug fixes and improved stability, notably with 3D text and Motion Title templates. Cupertino has also provided some bug fixes to Compressor 4.2.1, plus the ability to export interlaced H.264 files, like FCP X. It also improves on the closed captioning and subtitle video and audio sync.

And here’s the full list of supported video codecs included in the new Pro Video Formats update:

• Apple Intermediate Codec
• Apple ProRes
• AVC-Intra
• DVCPRO HD
• HDV XDCAM EX / HD / HD422
• MPEG IMX Uncompressed 4:2:2
• MXF support:
• Native import, edit, and share of MXF files with Final Cut Pro X and Motion
• MXF share presets for Compressor
• MXF OP1a export

Existing Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, and Compressor 4 users can download the updates for free.