Video Editing Software

Was removing missed spam post from this thread, and thought I'd chime in.

I have both Vegas Pro/Movie Studio, still one of my favorite editors though haven't used them in quite some time. The issue is Magix Software's frustrating upgrade process, preventing my ability to do so though have multiple licenses requiring contacting them to resolve. Not an issue if you install the full-version.

I now use Adobe Premiere Elements on my travel laptop which allows install on 2 separate PC and/or Mac computers. Similar to licensing of Adobe Premiere Pro CC which I use at work. You can easily install on a new computer, just by de-activating one you are not using.

I've discovered that Premiere Elements (PE) has many powerful features built-in that can emulate pro level editors. Though more archaic to use, its interface not as clearly layed out nor easily accomplished as in Premiere Pro CC. Particularly useful is that the latest PE versions support editing variable frame rate video, what most smartphones record. Whereas, Vegas Movie Studio would often stutter playback.

My gripes with PE is few keyboard shortcuts available, and only CPU based rendering HD MP4 videos which can slow down the process to 1-2x real-time at best. Whereas, my workstation at work can GPU render Premiere Pro CC HD files at up to 10x real-time using a fast NVIDIA graphics card.

I'll also mention another FREE powerful though arguably the most complicated video editor of the group, available for both PC/Mac, Davinci Resolve. It has literally been used for movies, television, and commercials with a world class color corrector. If you've ever bought a camera/hardware device from Blackmagic Designs, it likely included the full Studio version of Resolve which has more pro-level features enabled. I use both the Studio/Free versions, primarily if I don't have access to Premiere Pro CC.

The biggest downside of Resolve is that it has a high learning curve as it works differently than how most other video editors work. However, there are tons of free instructional videos on YouTube, and if you take the time to learn it, you'll discover how powerful it is.

OP here - since I had iMovie on the Mac, I gave that a try this weekend. I think it will do what I need without spending any more $$. Thanks for the help and travel safe.

Tom_M wrote:

Gdetrailer wrote:
Sony "VEGAS".

The trick to VEGAS is to buy an OLDER VERSION while it is still available.

You can get Vegas Movie Studio 12 for $40 on Amazon..

You can buy the latest version for not much more.
VEGAS Movie Studio $49.99 on Amazon

You can download a free trial here:
https://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/vegas-movie-studio/

Tom, yours is not "Platinum" version, it is a BASIC BAREBONES version which IS why it is cheap.

You can buy an OLDER PLATINUM version for less and get MORE features than the NEWER BASIC VERSIONS.

Sony Vegas has a pretty confusing array of versions and levels, the newer versions and levels can easily reach $500 level if you like.

For the most part, unlike the general consensus of this forum, you do not "need" to buy the newest, latest version just to edit video or audio..

Version 11 of Platinum level included HD video so going forward ANY version higher than 11 will be able to deal with pretty much any video out there.

I've been using AVS on Windows for years. It has free version and inexpensive paid version.

I've been editing for years. My experience tells me that your Mac is a more dependable and stable platform. Hardware frustrations completely disappeared for me when I switched. That said, iMovie is pretty darn capable for free. I eventually spent the money on Final Cut Pro and am so glad I did.

1000's of hours of editing and not one single hang up.

Gdetrailer wrote:
Sony "VEGAS".

The trick to VEGAS is to buy an OLDER VERSION while it is still available.

You can get Vegas Movie Studio 12 for $40 on Amazon..

You can buy the latest version for not much more.
VEGAS Movie Studio $49.99 on Amazon

You can download a free trial here:
https://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/vegas-movie-studio/

OP here - thanks for the great ideas - I'll take a closer look at these and come up with a plan.

Sony "VEGAS".

The trick to VEGAS is to buy an OLDER VERSION while it is still available.

You can get Vegas Movie Studio 12 for $40 on Amazon..

HERE

Version 12 works with Win7, 8, 8.1 and according to the questions on Amazon also works with Win10.

It is a full fledged video editing suit for SD and HD video and also includes audio editing.

It will present some learning curves but there is a lot of help out on the wobbly web that should get you up and running quickly.

If you have a Mac you already you have a pretty good editing software in iMovie. Before you go buy anything give it a try and see if it does what you need.

Movie Maker comes with most computers these days. I have professional equipment that I used in a business and Movie Maker is close to as good as what I paid $10,000 for 20 years ago. I use it now for wedding videos, etc. Free.