OT: Someone sell me on some video editing software

[missouridawg]

I've got a laptop with Microsoft Office and an Ipad. I'm looking to do some parody skit filming for grad school and am looking for some good software that will allow me to cut and edit videos quite easily. Any advice on the different types of software is much appreciated.

 

[jeremyrbrown]

http://windows.microsoft....cts/features/movie-maker

Windows Movie Maker is good if you're not doing anything fancy.

 

[missouridawg]

but I'm wanting to do some better quality stuff.

I'm willing to pay some money for good software too, so don't be shy in your recommendations.

 

[jeremyrbrown]

the A/V guy at work swears by Sony Vegas.

 

[Wizard.sixpack]

Adobe Premiere has gotten better too.....

 

[jamdawg96]

Might be a little complex to figure out but it wasn't so bad for me transitioning from Final Cut to Avid a few years ago.<div>
</div><div>Adobe would probably be an easier interface to navigate.</div><div>
</div><div>Haven't used it yet, but I hear the latest Final Cut is a big piece of ****.</div>

 

[aerodawg.sixpack]

It will cost you but it is used by a lot of people that get paid for their videos. It is fairly easy to use, similar to the Mac iMovie.

 

[Wizard.sixpack]

nm

 

[jamdawg96]

it can be tricky. I deal with students on a daily basis making the transition from MM, iMovie, FCP... and it ain't pretty sometimes. Of course, most of them are trying to utilize all the effects while learning the proper bin workflow and working on an ISIS server system, so I guess that makes it a little more complex.<div>
</div><div>From a basic NL editing standpoint I concede it's pretty easy to figure out. Missouri mentioned he was gonna try to get fancy so I assumed he would be using all the bells and whistles to give his edit a professional look.</div>

 

[missouridawg]

I'll be looking at these software packages in depth pretty soon. Really liking what I see from Sony Vegas (leaning towards the $199.99 Studio HD Platinum).

Thanks again.

 

[Wizard.sixpack]

I found it easy to pick up on....Added some Boris and Sapphire as far as effects go..smooth sailing ever since...

 

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

Most of the folks who rely on NLE's to make their money over the past 7 or 8 years have learned to use more than one, each with its own purpose and more the the point, just to make themselves more attractive to any producer/director's whims.

I use Avid for anything going to tape or coming from an Avid offline editor.

I use FCP X and 7 for anything staying in the digital realm from start to finish.

There is no one magic editing software anymore. Premiere and Vegas have their place too now.

Since the guy was looking for something on a PC system I agree the Vegas, Premiere or Avid path is the best.

I know FCP X has been kicked hard by the users when it came out but the recent release fixed a lot of those issues and it really is cool that there are a LOT of people making and sharing effects, transitions, etc... custom make plugs for it and Motion.

The coolest thing is you don't have to spend a ton of money to make decent video anymore.