Apple Updates Final Cut Studio with Final Cut Pro 7, More

Apple's "We'll be back soon" sign at its online store was replaced on Thursday with a new version of Final Cut Studio. The new pro application suite include a long list of updates along with Final Cut Pro 7.

According to Apple, the new Final Cut Studio includes more than 100 new features in updated versions of Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, Color and Compressor.

Final Cut Pro 7 includes and expanded ProRes codec family for improved workflow support including low bandwidth offline and mobile editing. It also includes one-step output to a wide range of formats via Easy Export, and iChat Theater real-time collaboration support.

Motion 4 added customizable point and spot light support to 3D compositions for more realistic shadows. It also lets users convert shapes, video planes and paint strokes into reflective surfaces, and the field of depth can be changed by selecting individual objects.

Soundtrack Pro 3 added Voice Level Match support, an improved File Editor with frequency-level control over volume levels, and a new Advanced Time Stretch feature for high-precision audio stretching and compression.

Color 1.5 supports a wider range of Final Cut Pro effects and sequences, added 4K support with native RED ONE camera support, can output directly to ProRes for HD and DPX film, and added AVC-Intra, XDCAM 422 and ProRes 4444 support.

Compressor 3.5 added the ability to auto-detect QuickTime settings to create Easy Export templates or Droplets that automate Compressor actions, and added customizable sharing options for exporting to several devices and services such as the iPhone, mobile phones, YouTube, Apple TV and MobileMe.

Final Cut Studio is priced at US$999, and upgrades from earlier versions cost $299.