Posted by Koveh Tavakkol on February 3, 2010 at 10:26 PM
Can anyone recommend some good video editing software options that won't break the bank. I need something that will do more than Windows Movie Maker will. I am planning on editing HD video with it, and for the most part need it to do the usual, such as stitching multiple videos, freeze frames, music etc. I also would like the ability to export to different output formats after making the videos. Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Posted by Bryan Maltais on February 3, 2010 at 11:29 PM
I recommend Adobe Premiere Elements 8; it's what I'm currently using to put together a nature documentary. It's only $100, and can produce a truly professional looking film. It has far more capabilities than I envisioned that I'd need. The upside is that there is NO learning curve. Once you open your clips in it, it's completely intuitive what you're suppose to start doing.
I will warn you that it will use all of your RAM, start moving slowly on very big projects, and crash periodically. I've never used another video editing program so i don't know if this is merely par.
Posted by Paul DeCesare on February 4, 2010 at 1:35 AM
Koveh, what kind of video/type of camera are you shooting? That can affect the answer you need greatly.
Posted by Koveh Tavakkol on February 4, 2010 at 11:31 AM
Bryan, thanks very much. So far I have heard good things about PowerDirector8 at $70, Pinnacle Studio at $80 and Adobe Premiere Elements at $100. I'm digging into these options a bit more to try to compare the pros/cons. All are within my price range though, so your feedback helps.
Paul, I am going to be editing HD videos from my Canon 5D2. Any of the options I listed above should be able to handle the files right?
Posted by Scott Bacon on February 4, 2010 at 12:47 PM
I've just started using Pinnacle Studio HD. I haven't done a lot with it, yet. But it was easy to get started. It handles images and video from the 5D2 just fine.
Posted by Paul DeCesare on February 11, 2010 at 8:32 AM
If Pinnacle works with native 5D2 files, that's great, go for it! For premiere Pro CS4, you have to convert them to AVIs with a utility called NeoScene ($99 at VideoGuys.com). For all Premiere users, it's the standard. BTW, if you plunge into a Mac and Final Cut pro, it handles 5D2 raw video fine also. It's Adobe that needs to catch up.
Discussion
5 repliesI will warn you that it will use all of your RAM, start moving slowly on very big projects, and crash periodically. I've never used another video editing program so i don't know if this is merely par.
Paul, I am going to be editing HD videos from my Canon 5D2. Any of the options I listed above should be able to handle the files right?