Final Cut Pro for iPad review: still rendering

The long-awaited iPad version of Final Cut Pro is here and, with it, a touch-friendly design and accessible pricing. But if you’re coming from Final Cut on the Mac, you might be a little disappointed. #technology #editing #ipad

0:00 Intro
0:24 System requirements (A12, A12X, M1, M2)
1:06 File management (supported files, importing, 360 video)
1:47 FCP Workspaces and layout
2:38 Animation (keyframing)
3:24 New features — Live Drawing & Auto Scene Removal mask
4:54 Audio, volume & music editing
5:45 Color adjustments & LUTs. DaVinci Resolve
7:34 Handheld editing (Jog Wheel)
8:11 Editing with Magic Keyboard - shortcuts
8:54 Performance & battery life
9:17 Conclusion

[TheVerge]

Am I the last one to switch to DaVinci Resolve?

[samozeal]

That live drawing is TIGHT.

They need to make projects compatible across machines so people can:
start on a Mac,
jump to the iPad for some squiggle squiggle action,
then finish on a big boy machine.

[girlyusername]

It sure is _odd_ that Apple would limit something which _coincidentally_ forces people to purchase iPads with higher storage which just so happen to be upgrades that are notoriously ridiculously expensive. What an oddly specific omission by Apple, indeed.

[JacobVossFilms]

Lack of external drive support kills this, no one even slightly serious will use this

[Marngel]

I expected the iPad version of FCP to not come with certain features that are in the Mac. But the features missing and how many they are missing is actually quite a deal breaker. Like, how could you not be able to add markers or compound clips; or even import entire folders? That last one is quite a deal breaker for me tbh. Guess I’m sticking with the Mac for my editing for now.

[SEAN]

This guy knows his stuff. Cool, calm, collected. Good job.

[domramsey]

Didn't expect it to be quite that bad! And no external storage? That alone is a complete deal breaker.

[Mark_LaCroix]

Interesting how many total dealbreakers there are in this for just normal video editing workflows. It feels like Apple might be targeting an audience of either newer content creators who will adapt to its limitations, or Apple-diehards who for some reason would see value in starting a project on an M1 iPad and then moving it to their M1 MacBook to finish. That's perfectly fine, I guess, but I hope they aren't expecting to attract anyone else.

[natvoisey]

Great review. Surprising lack of simple shortcuts like marker and disable clip.

[jasonjames]

Best review I’ve seen so far, you’re not out here selling dreams with this new app. I think i set my expectations too high for this. I am not a DaVinci user but I think DaVinci for the iPad is better in many ways. anyone else agree?

[FlyingPigChannel]

As someone who isn't even a serious video editor (I use Final Cut Pro just for my YouTube channel and some personal projects), there are so many turnoffs in this version of Final Cut that I can't imagine myself or anyone who's actually serious about video editing using this. So many basic features like external drive support, folder importing, markers, compound clips and disabling clips just aren't here. Not to mention the cost, nearly $3000 for a fully loaded iPad with storage, a keyboard, and a pencil, as well as the subscription fee for final cut. Professionals would be better off buying a Mac with a one time fee for Final Cut Pro as it would likely be cheaper and much more powerful. This feels like an iMovie Pro at this point, not a true version of Final Cut Pro. There might still be hope though, it will be interesting to see where Apple takes this in the future.

[AtillatheFun]

Love this review. A pro who is profiling pro software on a pro device.

[ChoaYeon]

Basically I’ll stick to final cut on my MBP, Luma fusion and davinci on my iPad cause This FCP is like iMovie but with the name Final Cut

[ThePNWRiderWA]

Curves are a must as are luts. They give you your “ look” without a lot more work

[ilkoallexandroff]

They made the best video editing software, very intuitive, easy to use, just fantastic! Then they decided to ruin it by not making external drive support, seriously! Anyway great video!

[philtespo]

Two videos in one day?! Y’all are grinding over there! ❤❤

[ShaggyMummy]

great review, really pointing out the flaws and limitations, Thank you

[ThomasJarvis]

Started my next video with it today. Really enjoying it, feels like I can get more done far easier than with Lumafusion

[TheStrategyWargamer]

(After Watching) Feels like Final Cut Pro 1.0 for iPad. It’s a good start, I think once we hit 3.0 or 4.0 itll be on parity.

[SteveSteeleMusic]

Not being able to open FCPX projects on the iPad that were created on the Mac is a deal killer for now. Keynote, which I use a lot allows this and the workflow is perfect. Hopefully Apple will change this at some point.