So what's the best video editing software that allows adding multiple video clips, still shots, text, music, etc.?

Has anyone had a bad experience...software to stay away from?

Santa's looking for gift ideas. And an enclosed trailer was mysteriously deleted from my list. I guess I haven't been THAT good...

 

For cheap ones, Pinnacle Studio and Adobe both have under $100 versions. They work just fine. The next step up is Avid Liquid.... my favorite! Its $450 software or $900 with in/out hardware if you don't want to use a DV camcorder to transfer video. Above that is another Adobe product, Final Cut for apple and Avid. But those are way over priced compared to Liquid.

 

On a Mac, Final Cut Express along with iDVD and iMovie.

 

Avid is industrial strength - if you have to ask, its probably too much.

R+C

 

Final Cut Pro user here...

 

Sony Vegas here

 

Windows Moviemaker here. I believe it comes free with XP, does it guys?

I also have a Sony product you need to be Spielberg to use. I found Movie Maker to be really simple.

How much better is that Avid? Is it easy to use compared to Movie Maker?

 

Rich, I also have windows movie maker, but have been unable to import the camera to computer file over to nero to burn dvd's. Have you done this in the past?

 

I've used Eve from MainConcept, and it's pretty good. Used it to cut out commercials from the video I downloaded and converted out of my TiVo.

 

Final Cut Pro on the Mac is by far the 'best' IMHO, excellent titling, effects and sound software too. Start with the Mac platform, and build from there. I got the bundled 'Final Cut Studio' app.

http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/finalcutpro/

 

I've have made numerous DVD's using the Studio 9 product on a PC.

 

Adobe Primier Elements is a nice package for around $60 if you get the rebate.

Highly recommend it!

 

For the budget conscious, Final Cut Express has most of the great features of FCP that you'll want for track video stuff.

 

I have Windows Movie Maker and Pinnacle studio on a PC and iMovie on a Mac. Movie Maker is OK and easy to use but is limited. It also adds these little stutters and black squares for no reason. I don't care for the Pinnacle at all. iMovie works great but I can see moving up to one of the Final Cut products at some point. The whole interface on a Mac is much better as far as adding text, songs, effects, etc...

 

If you don't have any experience in using these tools I would say Adobe is a good package. Easy to use out of the box and it comes with 1st rate tutorials. When you get good, you will want to upgrade to Sony Vegas.