Recommendations for video editing software

[Clay Franklin]

What do you suggest for video editing software?

I asked Andy Jenkins and he suggested Final Cut Express for video and iwork for slide shows.

I have a little white Macbook, yet use a PC with Windows 7 64 bit for everything including Camtasia videos and MS office.

What do you recommend for video editing and making DVD's?

[glennsewell]

Clay

Look into Adobe Premiere Elements. I have few people in our office using it and they like it. If you are using an Intel Mac, I would say the new iMovie or Final Cut Express.

Glenn

[Clay Franklin]

Thanks Glenn,

Is Mac really better for editing video? I like Windows. Some folks like Sony Vegas. I have an little Intel Mac with 1GB ram.

How do you rate these 3 programs for video editing and making DVDs.
1) Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum
2) Adobe Premiere Elements
3) Final Cut Essentials
4) iMovie (not sure if it makes DVDs)

[glennsewell]

Clay

I cannot say whether Mac is easier to edit on or not. I have only used a Mac and Final Cut in the four years that I have been editing. I did forget about Sony Vegas and I have seen some good reviews of the new version.

Video editing software has come along way in the last two years but I would still stay with a major brand. There are some good reviews in one of the following magazines websites (can't remember which one), check them first.

http://www.studiodaily.com
http://digitalcontentproducer.com/

Glenn

[glennsewell]

One other thing. iMovie does not burn DVD. iMovie comes in the iLife suite off apps which has iDVD that burns the DVD. Not sure how professional the DVD menus look though. I can find out from a friend who just bought the new version a couple of weeks ago.

Glenn Sewell

[StephenT]

I use Corel videostudio pro. I tried Adobe elements and all it did was hang up my 'puter. If I were a Mac user, and someday I will be, I would use final cut. I checked it out at the apple store and it looks good if not a bit complex.

[Rachel Rofe]

My video guy uses Sony Vegas and absolutely adores it.

[deannatroupe]

I've been using video pad by NCH software for editing my videos. I'm not sure if it works on MAC, but I know you can use it on PCs. It's free and really easy to use.

[Ellen C Braun]

I really appreciate this thread.

Which programs are the most affordable- that is the other factor in my mind as I choose one.

I've had 3 videos created which I sell, and each time I needed editing was another nightmare! Either the video editor was cheap yet irresponsible and gave me code with errors, or he/she charged a boatload of money and nickel-and-dimed me for every little change!

If any of you want to do some video editing, pm me

Thanks,

Ellen

[ScottTousignant]

I use iMovie '09 and love it. As mentioned you can use iDVD that comes with it to burn your dvd. I've done it and it works well. I haven't had the need to make the big investment in Final Cut yet.

Have you tried making a dvd with Camtasia? Since you have it, you may as well make full use of it.