Blackmagic Fusion Studio 19 review: VFX software goes from strength to strength

Our Verdict

Blackmagic Fusion Studio 19 is a solid beta release that improves upon an already impressive VFX and motion design toolset. Nuke from Foundry remains the industry standard for many, but Fusion Studio is chomping at its heels. The inclusion of AI tracking, better rotoscoping, and improved USD support help to strengthen its offering.

For

• Rotoscoping improvements
• AI-powered tracking
• USD support

Against

• Steep learning curve
• Stiff competition from Nuke

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Fusion Studio 19 details

Price: $295 / £230

Company:

OS:

Windows 10+, CentOS 7.3+/Rocky Linux 8.6 and macOS 13.0+

Processor: Not specified

Memory: 16 GB RAM. 32GB for improved performance

Graphics card: GPU with at least 4 GB of VRAM which supports Metal, OpenCL 1.2 or CUDA 12.

Blackmagic Fusion Studio is a node-based VFX and compositing tool that is now in version 19 Beta. The software was acquired by Blackmagic Design back in 2014 and now in its tenth year, it is stronger than ever. The core package lets you create amazing effects, put complex shots together, and create incredible motion graphics.

One of the things that sets it apart from the likes of Adobe After Effects is its node-based workflow. Don’t let this put you off, though. Once you get your head around it you will be flying so high that you won’t be able to get off.

Fusion Studio shouldn’t be confused with the Fusion tools that ship with DaVinci Resolve. The studio version is a standalone application and is like DaVinci’s version but on steroids. Any serious VFX and motion graphics professional will want to use the full studio version.

The most recent update, version 19, is now in beta and includes new rotoscoping tools, a new AI-based IntelliTrack tracker, and improved USD functionality. Let’s dive in and see what all the fuss is about.

Rotoscoping

It wouldn’t be VFX if we didn’t talk about rotoscoping. This process describes the process of tracing over-live-action footage frame-by-frame usually to layer multiple layers together. It is slow and tedious but it forms a vital part of the VFX process.

In version 19 of Fusion Studio, we are treated to a more efficient rotoscoping tool called Multi Poly. Its efficiency lies in the fact that it makes it possible to add multiple masks to a single node. Frames will often require numerous masks so it makes sense to be able to contain them all within a single node. The inspector helpfully lists all polygon shapes to make it easier to keep everything organised and to animate masks accordingly.

Blackmagic Design have also turned their attention to the shape tools, which now support animation motion paths and make it easier to add text direction into the shape-based node tree. This is thanks to a new node called SText.

Tucked away in the documentation is also a note to say that the Magic Mask is now 3x faster than before. Say goodbye to any lag when using this tool, even if you’re working on below recommended hardware.

Tracking

The other new feature that is included in this beta version is an AI-powered IntelliTrack tracker. It’s hard to read about any new piece of software without AI being mentioned but that’s something we’ve got to get used to.

IntelliTrack is a point tracker that is powered by Fusion Studio’s machine learning system: Neural Engine. This makes the tracking of objects and stabilising footage significantly quicker and more intelligent. Rotoscoping and tracking are core VFX tools so it’s great to see that Fusion is continuing to find ways to make them better.

USD Improvements

Fusion Studio 18.5 was a huge leap forward for artists working in studios or across teams. Universal Scene Description (USD) support included the ability to import data using the USD file format, including geometry, materials, cameras, lights, and animation.

Basic tools for manipulating and relighting were included in 18.5 and have now been improved upon in version 19. Four new nodes enable textures to be edited directly in the USD scene and in addition, the new uVolume tools enable the loading of VDB volumetric files and controlling shading and field mapping.

Further USD development is most definitely needed but it’s clearly on Fusion’s agenda. The USD workflow is gaining traction all around the world, so Fusion will do well to keep pace with the evolving technology. They certainly won’t want to slip behind, and I imagine they’ll be adding more USD functionality throughout the lifecycle of version 19.

Should I get Fusion Studio 19?

Fusion Studio is not for the fainthearted. Its pro-level tools are hard to beat but the learning curve is steep. If you’re looking to work within a studio context and they use Fusion Studio, then you have no choice.

Blackmagic Design appears committed to the future of their existing tools so if you do hitch your cart to this package, you can rest assured that the updates will keep coming.

If you’re already a Fusion Studio user, then version 19 comes at no extra cost.

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The Verdict

8

out of 10

Blackmagic Fusion Studio 19

Blackmagic Fusion Studio 19 is a solid beta release that improves upon an already impressive VFX and motion design toolset. Nuke from Foundry remains the industry standard for many, but Fusion Studio is chomping at its heels. The inclusion of AI tracking, better rotoscoping, and improved USD support help to strengthen its offering.

Paul is a digital expert. In the 20 years since he graduated with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science, Paul has been actively involved in a variety of different tech and creative industries that make him the go-to guy for reviews, opinion pieces, and featured articles. With a particular love of all things visual, including photography, videography, and 3D visualisation Paul is never far from a camera or other piece of tech that gets his creative juices going. You'll also find his writing in other places, including Creative Bloq, Digital Camera World, and 3D World Magazine.