Video editing software - recommendations?

[Torontogal]

Sorry if I am posting this in the wrong spot (wasn't sure where to post it).

I was wondering if any disers can recommend a good video making software program. I just bought a new Sony HDD camera and want to take lots of Disney trip video. I am looking for something which is easy to use and allows me to edit my video and add titles, music and some simple special effects to enhance the video. Can anyone recommend something which is a reasonable price range and not too complex? Thanks so much....

 

[davidand3rs]

i've heard Roxio Video Lab 10 isn't bad...i don't really know anything about it but i've got a friend who uses it 2 or 3 times a week to produce videos and he loves it so..hope that helps.

 

[timmac]

Is it too obvious to suggest using iMovie or Windows Movie Maker, depending on platform? One caveat is that for WMM, you'll need the Vista version (either Home Premium or Ultimate) to support the high def.

Depending on what you plan on doing with the video once you're done adding titles and all (which btw, all sounds like pretty basic stuff that you don't really need an expensive video editing package to do), you very well may not even have much use for the HD output anyway--a bit large to be e-mailing, and blu-ray burners are still a bit pricey--so having to downconvert may not be a big deal anyhow.

Good luck!

 

[Torontogal]

Thanks guys. Was thinking of WMM but wasn't sure what the quality would be like. I am looking for something pretty basic. Just want to add titles such as, "Dreams Come True Parade.." etc. I also would love to be able to add music. Of course clarity if important. After editing, I want to be able to burn to a DVD.
Thanks for your assistance with this....perhaps I should practice with WMM and see what happens.

 

[timmac]

WMM should be fine for what you need. If you're using Vista, DVD burning is built into the OS, and you're already all set. On XP, you will need your own DVD burner software. In the latter case, save your completed movies out of WMM as DV-NTSC format, which uses the least compression and will maintain the highest quality.

 

[FireDancer]

You can always go with Pixar's RenderMan software

 

[M&M's]

I just bought a new Sony HDD camera and want to take lots of Disney trip video.

This is off topic to your original question, but I'm going to ask you if you will be bringing a laptop or something to transfer the video to since you want to take a lot of it.

One of the cons to HDD cameras is you need a lot of hard disk space available to transfer the video. You obviously can't just swap out a tape or DVD when it's full. The worst thing that could happen is that you run out of hard disk space before your vacation ends and you can't video anymore.

Then again, maybe you are prepared and this post means nothing to you, but I figured I'd offer advice just in case.

 

[timmac]

Even without a laptop to download, most HDD cameras I've seen lately have a decent size storage (20GB or more), which will get a good 4-5 hours of video. Honestly, much more than that and I doubt anyone would ever watch the thing

 

[Torontogal]

Thanks M&M - my camera has 30GB. I won't be taking that much video. More clips of the interesting things. Thanks for your help guys.