Video Editing Software Advice

[michaelsaxon]

I'm getting ready to buy a mini-DV recorder that has the USB / Firewire connection and I would like to start editing videos and burning them to DVD.

I've done some research, but there seems to be a lot of disagreement about which video editing software is best. In a package that is under $100, what do you recommend? I want something that has some power, but is also intuitive and won't require a lot of time invested in learning how to use it.

Thanks.

 

[John P]

Pinnacle Studio 8 + Pinnacle Hollywood FX + Pinnacle Expression is what I use. Produces very professional looking videos for the price.

Some of the sports videos I have made have "blown people away" in their own words.

 

[michaelsaxon]

I have read many user reviews of Pinnacle Studio 8 that say it is buggy and crashes a lot. Have you experienced that?

 

[Nothinman]

Pinnacle was sh!t when I used it, crashed on me too. The only other real software I've used (very briefly, I might add) was iDVD and it was surprisingly good. Simple, fast and didn't crash, the only downside is you need a Mac.

 

[John P]

I have read many user reviews of Pinnacle Studio 8 that say it is buggy and crashes a lot. Have you experienced that?

I have had a few problems, but nothing I couldn't figure out how to fix myself. I have used multiple versions (1.X, 7.X, 8.x etc...) on several different machines. It's working flawlessly right now and produces great results.

One tip I can give is if you have a bunch of transitions - complete the entire editing of your video using standard fades. Then add the fancy 3D transitions when you are done. The more 3D transitions in your project the longer each change to your video takes. When you get several dozen 3D transitions added it takes freaking forever to change anything.

 

[michaelsaxon]

One vote for Pinnacle... Anyone else?

 

[Xenon14]

I have only used Adobe Premiere, so i can't compare to other software. But for an amateur and intermediate editing it's more than enough. You may want to check it out for yourself before purchasing, I've heard a lot of people complain about the (lack of) ease of use of the workspace they give you.

 

[Xenon14]

Originally posted by: John P.
Pinnacle Studio 8 + Pinnacle Hollywood FX + Pinnacle Expression is what I use. Produces very professional looking videos for the price.

Some of the sports videos I have made have "blown people away" in their own words.

Got any we can look at?

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Ulead VideoStudio7 and a bunch of freeware applications found at www.dvdrhelp.com would be the best. I tried many applications, and found Pinnacle (from 8.0 to 8.6) to be too bug-ridden for regular use, plus that it *may* interfere too much with your computers's settings and registry.

 

[michaelsaxon]

Thanks folks! Now I'm building up some ideas! Anyone else?

 

[John P]

Got any we can look at?

Nope, sorry. Unless you want to invite yourself to my 9 year old kid's year end basketball party this year Gonna be a great video - especially with the still shots from my newly purchased Digital Rebel.

 

[Quixfire]

I have Ulead Studio 5.0 and been very happy with it.

 

[Czar]

I use Vegas Video when I have to edit videos, isnt powerful when it comes to special effects (use combustion for that) but when it comes to cutting and splicing then its the best by far of all the programs I have tried, very easy to use.

 

[Teak101]

i vote for Vegas...same reason, cutting and stitching, very fast...Premiere is ok, but slower...But for ultimate visual effects, try Avid...I personally dont like too much effects on my video, so i stay w. Vegas for the speed.

 

[Draven]

Another vote for Vegas. I use discreet edit* and Final Cut Pro at work, but it's Vegas all the way at home. Premiere is way too freaking slow for me.

 

[John P]

You guys are going down the same street we always go on this topic. Please read carefully:

In a package that is under $100, what do you recommend?

I am sure Video Vegas and Adobe Premiere are great products, and they better dang well be for $350-$600. Pinnacle Studio does a fine job for non-professionals and I got it for free after rebate from Outpost.com. Hollywood FX was also free after rebate and Pinnacle Expression was $19.99 or less after rebate. Heck I could buy a nice digital camera or digital camcorder for the price of Video Vegas or Adobe Premiere.

Unless you guys know a legal way to get them for less than $100?

 

[Bootprint]

I've heard good things about screenblast movie studio. Link.

I'm also looking for Video Editing software, and have played around with Vegas a bit.

I wondering if Pinnacle's studio 9 will be any better then what I've heard about 8.


I'd really like to purchase Movie studio, but I can't seem to find it for sale in Canada online. Sony sells it, but want $40 just to ship it and the only other place was for Students/Teachers.