Kasper JadeListed as one of its early supporters, Apple will reportedly implement compatibility for the newly established HDV format in future versions of its Final Cut Pro software.
The HDV format allows for recording and playback of high-definition video on a DV cassette tape, and was established jointly by Canon, Sharp, Sony, and Victor Company in late 2003. Apple has since been listed as a supporter of the format on the HDV format web site.
According to tipsters, tucked away in a corner of Sony's booth at IBC was an Apple-staffed exhibit running a beta version of Final Cut Pro HD. The software could be seen operating on native video streams from Sony's upcoming HDR-FX1 camcorder, which records 1080/60i high-definition video, as defined by the HDV specification.
"I was blown away by the picture quality," said one tipster who was privy to a demo of the beta software and Sony cam combo. "This endorsement is much more important to Final Cut Pro than P2 or IMX support. It will bring HDTV to every low-budget filmmaker, like DV did for SD video."
The FireWire compatible HDR-FX1 camcorder is expect to ship in a consumer model for US$3700 in November, and will be followed by a $7000 Pro version in the first calendar quarter of 2005. Apple typically revamps its Final Cut Pro software in April, but could produce an update sooner, as it is already engaged in public demonstrations of a newer version.
Speaking at the Apple presentation during IBC this past Saturday, Rob Schoeben, Vice President of Applications Product Marketing, also announced that future versions of Final Cut Pro will support 1080i 50FPS editing, IMX editing, and Panasonic’s next-generation P2 format.
In April Apple announced Final Cut Pro HD, an upgrade to Final Cut Pro 4.0 that delivers real-time performance of high-quality native DVCPRO HD in addition to real-time support for DV and SD. The release also added the ability to capture, edit and output broadcast-quality high definition (HD) video over a single FireWire cable, without requiring any additional hardware.
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Christine McKee
Marko Zivkovic
Wesley Hilliard
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
11 Comments
Folks don't get too caught up in the hype. Yes Final Cut Pro will edit HDV "natively" in future versions but if you had a HDV cam today you would simply pay $149 for Lumiere HD and get to editing. I do like seeing support go native however.
Reports on the HDR-FX1 are very positive. Sony has definitely trumped JVC..again. We still need a Pro version with XLR, 24p and other features but I hear that's due sometime next year.
Note the support for 1080i 50/60fps. That means FCP would also be able to do 1080p 25/30 because the datarates would be similar. Also note that Mitsubishi, Samsung and Sony all have displays that can 1080p content. HDV won't be there for a while but I assume it's coming even if the recording time halves.
HDV, by its specification, can only be on tape though. I'd give it about a 6-7 year shelf before it is usurped by Flash(Panny P2) or Hard Drive based storage.
Future workflows will be akin to what Panny envisions. You will record to solid state memory and then remove the cart from the camera and edit directly on the captured footage removing any ingesting time.
I'd actually prefer Cameras with removable hard disc storage packs. With that you could just hook up the camera via FW and edit right there. Need more storage toss on a new back. The limitations with todays camera seem to be the CCD/CMOS sizes. I saw footage from the Mini 35 which is a 35mm adapter for Panny and Canon camcorders and the depth of field is much better. I'd rather put my money into the sensor and lenses and then have the option to toss on hd backs for unlimited storage.
Way to go AI--this news is at least a week old.
Way to go AI--this news is at least a week old.
It's a week old? Reported where?
Show me, please... (so we don't make the mistake again.)
K
Reports on the HDR-FX1 are very positive. Sony has definitely trumped JVC..again. We still need a Pro version with XLR, 24p and other features but I hear that's due sometime next year.
Any idea on how well HDV stand up against Pro HDTV and even 35 mm (color - contrast - resolution, ...) ? In other words, will prosumers be able to shoot 'movie quality' films (let's forget for a moment about lighting) ?
[B]Folks don't get too caught up in the hype. Yes Final Cut Pro will edit HDV "natively" in future versions but if you had a HDV cam today you would simply pay $149 for Lumiere HD and get to editing. I do like seeing support go native however.
Do you know if Lumiere supports PAL as well? They only mention NTSC on their website.
Does any one of you guys have experience using the JVC GR-PD1 (the PAL version of den GR-HD1) with FC Pro? This cam is good enough for me and a lot cheaper than the Sony...