Final Cut Pro for iPad has been a highly anticipated app for many video editing professionals. However, the original release last year fell short of expectations due to its limited tools. The newest version, Final Cut Pro for iPad 2, has some improvements but still lacks essential features for daily use.
One of the major updates in the latest release is the integration of a new app, Final Cut Camera, which offers advanced camera controls. This standalone app allows for recording Live Multicam sessions with footage from up to four iPhones or iPads. While this feature may be useful for video podcasts, it contrasts with the lack of other significant updates to the app.
An important addition to the new version is external hard drive support, a feature that was surprisingly missing in the previous release. However, this update highlights the poor file management capabilities of Final Cut Pro for iPad. All media files must be stored within the FCP Library files, leading to constant file duplication and limited organization options.
A unique feature of the iPad version of Final Cut Pro is Live Drawings, which allows users to draw animations directly onto clips using an Apple Pencil. While this feature showcases the capabilities of the Apple Pencil, there is limited functionality beyond drawing. The potential for utilizing the Apple Pencil for editing tasks remains untapped.
Despite some improvements, Final Cut Pro for iPad continues to lack essential video editing features such as compound clips, adjustment layers, post stabilization, and advanced coloring tools. The absence of these features can hinder creative decision-making and workflow efficiency, especially compared to other competitive video editing apps.
Apple touts Final Cut Pro for iPad as a “touch-first” app, emphasizing a new approach to video editing tailored for mobile devices. The user experience is centered around touch controls, with features like the jog wheel and sidebar designed for intuitive interaction. While not as efficient as a traditional desktop setup, the tactile nature of editing on iPad offers a unique and immersive experience.
As Apple continues to refine Final Cut Pro for iPad, there is potential for the app to evolve into a more capable and touch-friendly editing platform. However, the critical need for essential features like project sharing, advanced editing tools, and improved file management must be addressed to compete with other mobile editing apps successfully.
Final Cut Pro for iPad shows promise as a touch-first video editing app, but significant improvements are still needed to meet the demands of professional editors. The app’s focus on user experience and tactile editing may appeal to some users, but the lack of essential features and file management limitations remain critical drawbacks. As Apple works towards enhancing the app’s capabilities, addressing these shortcomings will be crucial for Final Cut Pro for iPad to establish itself as a competitive and comprehensive video editing solution.