Apple today released Final Cut Express 4, the whole number upgrade to its somewhat-less-professional, professional video editing software based on Apple’s professional, professional video editing software, Final Cut Pro 6. Final Cut Express 4 now has a new price of USD$199 and adds support for the latest AVCHD cameras, allows mixing of standard and high definition content on a single timeline, includes the ability to import iMovie ‘08 projects, and gives users access to hundreds of sophisticated FxPlug cinematic effects and filters. The new Open Format Timeline in Final Cut Express 4 allows users to mix and match DV, HDV and AVCHD material (only supported on Intel-based Macs), all in realtime using the same editing and trimming tools found in Final Cut Pro. Supporting both 1080i and 720p HD resolutions, Final Cut Express 4 automatically performs the necessary scaling, cropping and frame rate adjustments. When starting projects from scratch, the new setup automatically configures everything based on the first clip dropped on the Timeline. Final Cut Express 4 is available immediately for a suggested retail price of USD$199 through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Owners of previous versions of Final Cut Express can upgrade to Final Cut Express 4 for just USD$99.

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