Video editing software help ...

[Guy Fawkes]

Hi all,

I've taken custody of my old mans camcorder and am loving messing about with it (first video here), would really like to try my hand at a bit more 'serious' stuff.

I have been using windows movie maker, and depsite being a novice I can already see its limitations, so I am just wondering if anyone can recommend a basic -> intermeidate editing software. Ideally cheap, but prepared to pay for the right product.

If anyone can help/advise i'd appreciate it.

 

[rgrebby]

there are loads around, if you only need it for a bit download the trial of Adobe Premiere.
There are loads of other ones out there, what you are looking for are NLE programs, (Non Linear Editing) Im not sure how windows movie maker works but I imagine its a super simple of NLE apps.
I like the video, I assume its all old footage from the net?

 

[Austringer]

Hi all,

I've taken custody of my old mans camcorder and am loving messing about with it (first video here), would really like to try my hand at a bit more 'serious' stuff.

I have been using windows movie maker, and depsite being a novice I can already see its limitations, so I am just wondering if anyone can recommend a basic -> intermeidate editing software. Ideally cheap, but prepared to pay for the right product.

If anyone can help/advise i'd appreciate it.

I'd advise checking out the various editing programs by looking at the makers web sites but more importantly check out if they have user forums - and sign up to them. That way you can check out how "good" the program you're thinking of getting is and what "problems" it has.

As an example; I've used Pinnacle Studio at various times. Started having problems... checked out their web site for updates and found the forum. Logges in and saw that many were moaning about various problems with it and many saying they'd had enough. I should have listened and gone elsewhere but stupidly recently upgraded to S12 Ultimate thinking it had had all the previous issues resolved... now wish I hadn't :bang:

They all have problems but some not as many as others - hence sign up and check out the user forums

 

[Guy Fawkes]

Thanks for the input/info guys - much appreciated, I understand it's a bit OT. Will have a think about your suggestions.

@ rgrebby. The footbage is from the old BFI British Transport Films which I have on DVD. They are fantastic pieces of documentary. I aren't a trainspotter or anything like that (!) but they make fantastic viewing.

 

[Jamie Smith]

Maybe have a look at Sony Vegas 8.0.
Some people arn't a fan, but I use it.
Its easy to get hold of, and it renders as you go! (meaning you don't have to render to see an effect)

 

[Bagger]

Maybe have a look at Sony Vegas 8.0.
Some people arn't a fan, but I use it.
Its easy to get hold of, and it renders as you go! (meaning you don't have to render to see an effect)

Agreed. Vegas is a superb piece of kit.
Have a look round for the earlier versions originally made by Sonic, probably be alot cheaper than the newer versions made by Sony. All though they do do a cut down "studio" version at a much lower price

 

[sportysnaps]

we did some videos last year - started with windows - moved quiclky to Pinnacle Studio found it to be a great bit of intutive software - very easy to used but completly unreliable - will just crash when ever it wants with no reason and you just keep loosing work.

had a good look at Sony Vegas - nice bit of kit but we ended up using Adobe Premiere which we found to be very stable - but it takes a bit of learning - the key with this program is learn the keyboad shortcuts as the are very fast and powerful.