Color Finale Transcoder is now available to download. According to the company, Color Finale Transcoder is the extension that lets you streamline your workflow by importing camera RAW files directly into the Final Cut Pro timeline.
Now, this isn’t some magical piece of software that allows you to deal with native BRAW, ARRI RAW, and CinemaDNG files directly within Final Cut Pro. It is simply a transcoder tool that can be used within FCP. In saying that it does make for an easier solution if you are an FCP user and don’t want to do your transcoding in another program. It also does let you preview RAW clips and make adjustments to parameters prior to transcoding.
How does it work?
Once you have Color Finale Transcoder installed you can find it once you are inside FCP at the top of the interface.
Once selected, you get a file browser window, an image preview window, and a Transcoding parameters window.
Once you select a RAW clip you will see an image preview of that clip and then you will see the Transcoding parameters options on the right-hand side.
Here you can choose the transcoding codec, resolution, and color space.
Prior to the transcoding, you can change such parameters as white balance, ISO, exposure, and white balance tint. What you need to be aware of is these parameter settings will be different depending on the type of RAW files you are using. You can batch copy the same settings to multiple shots if required.
Once you have selected your RAW clips and you hit import you need to select which Library you want that transcoded media to go to.
What are the minimum system requirements?
- Apple Mac with Intel or M1 CPU
- macOS 10.15 Catalina or macOS 11 Big Sur
- Final Cut Pro 10.5 or newer
- Graphics card with Metal 2 support
- Internet connection for software activation and periodic online checking
How much is it?
Color Finale Transcoder costs $59 USD.
Is it worth it?
Well, some people will say no and others will say yes. Yes, there are a range of free pieces of software that allow you to transcode RAW files, and then you could simply just bring that transcoded media directly into FCP, but if you are an FCP user then being able to do everything within that software does make sense.
It really does depend on your use case as to whether or not this is a product that would interest you.
