[Dave]

Noticed Micks thread on Video cameras & reminded me of query I had.

Which Video editing software do people recommend ? Currently use ULEAD VideoStudio 6 S/W which is quite old now, so just wondering if any enhancements have been made in last few years ?

[Sonsey]

I got Vegas 6 so that I could edit some video footage I took at my sister's wedding...

...but I've just had to buy an editing workshop book from Amazon to learn how to use it This isn't a slight on the software as it's highly reccommended by many, it's just my 1st entry into the video editing world and I need all the help I can get

[Dabhand16]

If you are using a Windows PC, the latest U-lead (VideoStudio 10, I think) got the nod from Which? however, I have been using Pinnacle Studio 9 + with good results. Having said that, I have just purchased Premiere Elements 2 rather than upgrade to PS 10 Titanium Edition (recently on Amazon for under £30!!), because there are loads of transitions and effects on Pinnacle that can only be accessed by shelling out more money, and it seems that the edited video does not retain the original timecodes of the source tape.

Premiere Elements 2 also has a better menu system and there is a £20 cashback until the end of September or October. Amazon price of PE 2 is 59.99, so it only cost me £39.99. you can also get it bundled with PE4 (hope you are still with me) for £69.99 in Costco, but I don't know if the bundle has the cashback offer.

I've not used PE2 in anger yet, still getting used to the busy desktop, but I have to admit the Pinnacle has a really user-friendly interface. Pinnacle, U-Lead and Adobe are the front runners, with Roxio and Sony Vegas comming in behind. There are also some other apps that have their own fans.

I think at this price point that PE2 is the best, but because it is the best, it is also more complex.

Check out Simply DV for more detailed info.

[evilowl]

Sony Vegas is the daddy if you can get your head round it

[stepheno]

I used to use Ulead VS 8 and was always pleased with it. Then I tried Windows Movie Maker and found I could produce equal quality video with much smaller file sizes - so I know use WMM.

[Dabhand16]

Trouble with MM2 is that it cannnot author DVD's and you have to use Nero or other burning apps to get the completed result. There is also the issue of type 1 or type 2 AVI files. MM2 produces type 1, and I think there can be issues around this. I've never used it for video work, but that is what I understand. It is very good for free, though. It comes with SP2 in XP, along with Photostory 3. This is a really good app for doing slideshows, you can pan and zoom around the pictures and add background misic too. I've used it on a couple of things.

Have you seen PapaJohn's web site? He is the MM2 Guru.

[stepheno]

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

Trouble with MM2 is that it cannnot author DVD's and you have to use Nero or other burning apps to get the completed result.

Very true - but I rarely view off PC so it's not a bother.

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

Have you seen PapaJohn's web site? He is the MM2 Guru.

Thanks for a very good link.

[Dabhand16]

Stephano, glad you liked the link, there is also a book by PapaJohn called 'Movie maker 2 - Do amazing things'. I think it is on Amazon for not a lot of money. cover price is $19.99 (US).

By the way, PapaJohn got his username from one of his Grand-children. Isn't that great?