Following the controversial launch of Final Cut Pro X in June, Apple has put the former version of its video editing suite, Final Cut Studio, back on sale at $999 and $899 for educational customers, MacRumors reports. Final Cut Pro X is a complete rewrite of the application, rebuilt from the ground-up to take advantage of 64-bit architectures, featuring new video editing functionalities such as Magnetic Timeline, trackless canvas, and Content Auto-Analysis.
The app was first unveiled at the Supermeet during NAB Show in Las Vegas back in April, capturing the attention of video professionals thanks to its redesigned interface, dynamic editing UI, and improved rendering engine. However, when FCP X came out in June at $299, the lack of several features omitted from the first release caused a stir in the pro video community, forcing Apple to post a FAQ outlining the reasons behind the changes in Final Cut Pro X. Apple said they were committed to making Final Cut Pro X “a breakthrough in nonlinear video editing”, although many suggested the company should put the old version back on sale to ease the transition process from FCP 7 to FCP X.
According to MacRumors:
We confirmed with an Apple telesales representative at 800-MY-APPLE that Final Cut Studio, part number MB642Z/A, is again available for $999 and $899 for educational customers. The product is only available through the 800-number and is not available in Apple Retail Stores or on the Apple Online Store.
Final Cut Studio includes Final Cut Pro 7, Motion 4, Soundtrack Pro 3, DVD Studio Pro 4, Color 1.5 and Compressor 3.5. The suite was discontinued with the launch of Final Cut Pro X, with Apple preferring a single-app model as Motion 5 and Compressor 4 also went on sale on June 21 on the Mac App Store.
