Apple releases major Final Cut Pro X update with XML support (BONUS: 30-day trial now available)

Apple today released a long-awaited update to Final Cut Pro X, its video editing software which fell on def ears with pro video editors. CNET reports that the new version takes into account a number of issues professional users took with the application:

Among the biggest new feature to be added as part of a software update that will go out to users this morning is support for XML. This adds the option to both import and export projects in the XML format, meaning users can take XML formatted projects from Final Cut Pro 7 and other non linear editing software and work on them in Final Cut Pro X.

XML support gives users who previously couldn’t import old projects a workaround solution, requiring them to first export Final Cut Pro 7 projects in XML and then import them into the new Final Cut Pro X. Another big news: Apple says that multicam editing and broadcast-quality video monitoring – the two features absolutely indispensable in professional work – are coming “in early 2012”.

Another glaring omission has been fixed because Final Cut Pro X 10.0.1 now takes advantage of your graphics card to speed up export. Apple also released a new software development kit to camera manufacturers. Using the SDK, vendors can write Final Cut Pro X plug-ins so latest cameras can work with the software provided there’s a FCPX plug-in from its vendor. Previously, users would have to wait until a new Final Cut Pro version is released with support for the latest hardware.

Last, but not the least, there is now a new free version to try before you buy the $300 application. The trial version works for 30-days from the time it’s first launched. Interestingly, Final Cut Pro X version 10.0.1 was not yet available on the Mac App Store at press time. The updater is available from the Final Cut Pro X Software Update page. Compresson 4 and Motion 5 have also been updated to support new features in Final Cut Pro X 10.0.1. In addition, Apple released the ProApps QuickTime Codecs update which adds eight new codecs to apps that use the QuickTime platform. Release notes: Final Cut Pro X 10.0.1, Motion 5.0.1 and Compressor 4.0.1. More on other enhancements and tidbits after the break.

Final Cut Pro X now supports events and projects through Xsan and the audio channeling feature which allows video editors to tag audio assets, making it easy to export in one go, say, all sound effects and soundtracks. Mac OS X Lion users will enjoy support for Lion’s Full Screen mode and real pros should welcome custom starting timecodes.