Apple has announced Final Cut Camera 2.0, a major update that brings advanced filmmaking features to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. This new version allows both professional filmmakers and everyday content creators to record even higher-quality video directly from their iPhones.
Final Cut Camera is a free app available on the App Store. It already allows users to control settings like manual focus, ISO, and white balance. The 2.0 update takes things further by adding ProRes RAW, genlock support, and new creative controls for the Center Stage front camera.
Recording in ProRes RAW
For the first time on a smartphone, Final Cut Camera 2.0 allows recording in ProRes RAW on iPhone 17 Pro models. ProRes RAW captures pure data from the camera sensor, giving editors more freedom when adjusting colour, exposure, and lighting during editing. This is a big step forward for filmmakers who need professional results without using large camera equipment.
The update also brings open gate recording, which uses the full camera sensor to capture a wider field of view at resolutions higher than standard 4K. This gives creators more flexibility to reframe and crop footage without losing image detail.
Faster editing and smaller file sizes
ProRes RAW is known for smooth performance and efficient file handling. With Apple silicon, creators can export video faster and work with smaller project sizes compared to many other RAW formats.
Upcoming updates in Final Cut Pro 11.2 for Mac and Final Cut Pro for iPad 2.3 will allow editors to control ProRes RAW footage more precisely. This includes adjustments for exposure, colour temperature, tint, and demosaicing.
Genlock for professional multicam setups
Final Cut Camera 2.0 also introduces genlock, which allows the iPhone to sync perfectly with other cameras using the same reference signal. This is extremely useful for professional film sets, live productions, and music video shoots, where multiple cameras must match frame by frame.
Apple has also opened the genlock API to third-party developers and it is already being used with the new Blackmagic Design Camera ProDock.
Improved front camera controls with center stage
The update enhances the new Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhone models. Users can now record in horizontal or vertical mode without needing to rotate the device. The new front camera has a wider field of view and higher resolution, offering more flexibility for vlogging, live streaming, and social media content.
Additional new features in Final Cut Camera 2.0
- Support for Apple Log 2, allowing users to record in a wider colour range in ProRes or HEVC.
- Timecode options such as Time of Day, Record Run, or external timecode for easier post-production organisation.
- Video recording using the new 200 mm Telephoto camera on iPhone 17 Pro, recording in ProRes up to 4K60 fps.
Availability
Final Cut Camera 2.0 will be available later this month as a free download from the App Store. The update requires iPhone Xs or later running iOS 18.6 or later. Some features are only available on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
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