Which video editing software

[TheGoofster]

would you recommend?

I just purchased a JVC mind-DV camcorder online (I won't actually get it until February), and I am now starting to look for the best video editing software to use with it.
I don't plan on doing a whole lot of editing, nor any professional editing (mostly home movies / vacations), but I would want one that is easy to use, has most of the basic features (whatever they may be), and of course, doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Also, I will most likely be doing most of my editing on my desktop which is running Windows 2000 (in case that makes a difference).

Also, would you recommend gettting a book (like a Dummy's guide to video editing for example) on editing, or is it relatively simple to do?

Thanks.

 

[crzy4dsny]

First let me say that I am no expert in this area. I recently did a small amount of research and bought something that worked excellent for me.

First make sure that your computer has a fire wire port. I thought my computer had one but it did not. I purchased the Dazzle Dv Clip. It came with the firewire port, or ieee 1394 card, and Pinnacle Studio 8 software. I installed the card into my computer which was very simple, anyone could do it. I hooked up my dv camera and off I went. This program is very easy to use and I think it is great. You can add digital still photos, music, titles, and voice over to your video. I just finished a making a dvd of our last Disney Cruise and it came out awesome. again it is simple to use and is a great product. It is hard to find in stores. I bought it on E-Bay for 99 cents. If you watch for it there you can get a good deal.

 

[gcoxua]

I would say roxio works great and it will set you back around $99. Makes great looking videos and is very easy to use.

 

[TheGoofster]

First let me say that I am no expert in this area. I recently did a small amount of research and bought something that worked excellent for me.

First make sure that your computer has a fire wire port. I thought my computer had one but it did not. I purchased the Dazzle Dv Clip. It came with the firewire port, or ieee 1394 card, and Pinnacle Studio 8 software. I installed the card into my computer which was very simple, anyone could do it. I hooked up my dv camera and off I went. This program is very easy to use and I think it is great. You can add digital still photos, music, titles, and voice over to your video. I just finished a making a dvd of our last Disney Cruise and it came out awesome. again it is simple to use and is a great product. It is hard to find in stores. I bought it on E-Bay for 99 cents. If you watch for it there you can get a good deal.

.99 cents???

Are you saying that you got the firewire card and the Pinnacle software all for .99 cents?

Pinnacle is one of the software programs I was looking at. Also I have been looking at firewire cards. The least expensive I have seen is about 21 dollars. But if you can get all that for almost nothing that would definately be a winner.

 

[crzy4dsny]

.99 cents???

Are you saying that you got the firewire card and the Pinnacle software all for .99 cents?

Pinnacle is one of the software programs I was looking at. Also I have been looking at firewire cards. The least expensive I have seen is about 21 dollars. But if you can get all that for almost nothing that would definately be a winner.

Yes 99 cents. Plus $7.50 shipping and handeling. It was brand new and it came with the firewire card, firewire, and software. The wire is a little different than a standard firewire I think. One end is a 4 point end, that will go into your camera, and the other end that plugs into the card is bigger. It is almost like a half oval. I watched them on E-bay for a while I was in no rush to purchase. The starting bid on this one was 99 cents. I was the only bidder so I won it. I had bid on a few others but they went up to around $15. I held out for a real cheap one and got lucky. If your going to buy on E-Bay just be sure to read the description carefully and go for one that is brand new.

 

[Groucho]

Try the 30-day free trial of the Nero Suite at www.nero.com. Lately I've seen it for $20 after rebate (or free, if you have a competing product) and it's got pretty good (not very fancy, but plenty for most people) features and includes quite a selection of applications.

You will still need firewire if you are using a DV camcorder. Many of the firewire cards, even cheap ones, come with the cable you need. Check NewEgg and grab the cheapest PCI one you can find that comes with a cable. You'll have to open your PC to install it but it's very simple and straightforward.

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

My needs were a bit more advanced as I have been doing DVDs and custom video services for the past 3 years. I bought Adobe Premiere and love it. I bought the Adobe Production Studio suite that included Premiere, Encore DVD, After Effects, Audition, Illustrator, and PhotoShop. While that suite is fairly expensive (unless you compare it to a full blown HD editing station which is in the $50K - $100K range) it is very powerful and gives you all the tools necessary to create professional videos and films. This is probably more than you need so you might want to look at Premiere Elements which has many of the same features that Premiere has.

Jeff

 

[GDUL]

I would say roxio works great and it will set you back around $99. Makes great looking videos and is very easy to use.

I really like Roxio too. Very easy to use and the videos come out looking great!

 

[mlill]

We use Sonic MyDVD Studio Deluxe for our TV shows and home movies - I think they own Roxio now, too? Anyway, we've used MyDVD for years and it works great. I also have Adobe Premiere and Sony Vegas Movie Studio for more complicated work, but for quick jobs, you can't beat MyDVD Studio Deluxe...

Sonic Solutions

-Michelle

 

[TheGoofster]

First let me say that I am no expert in this area. I recently did a small amount of research and bought something that worked excellent for me.

First make sure that your computer has a fire wire port. I thought my computer had one but it did not. I purchased the Dazzle Dv Clip. It came with the firewire port, or ieee 1394 card, and Pinnacle Studio 8 software. I installed the card into my computer which was very simple, anyone could do it. I hooked up my dv camera and off I went. This program is very easy to use and I think it is great. You can add digital still photos, music, titles, and voice over to your video. I just finished a making a dvd of our last Disney Cruise and it came out awesome. again it is simple to use and is a great product. It is hard to find in stores. I bought it on E-Bay for 99 cents. If you watch for it there you can get a good deal.

I would like to thank you for your advice. I recently picke up a copy of Dazzle DV Clip on Ebay for 5.99 (plus a few bucks more for shipping of course). I won't be getting it (or my camcorder) until Feb. but that is at least one less thing to have to worry about.
Thanks again!!!

 

[mabas9395]

The Sony Vegas line of products get good reviews for being very feature rich, but maybe not the easiest one to learn to use. They have three products from beginner to professional. They all have a free trial so take your pick. I have it and love it, though I am still working on learning how to use it.