Choose Video Editing Software
On this page I am going to briefly cover the main points you should keep in mind when trying to decide on which video editing software is best for you. The current market in video editors is such that the competition is pretty fierce and for you the consumer this is a good thing!
The points I have listed below can be used as guide to keep you on track as far as your choice of video editor goes. The key to making the right choice for you is being able to know exactly what it is that the software maker is offering with each feature and realistically how important that feature is to you.
It is very common for people to get totally distracted by by the amazing effects and "wizz-bang" features then find they have purchased something they don't really need or like.
It is very common for people to get totally distracted by by the amazing effects and "wizz-bang" features then find they have purchased something they don't really need or like.
As I mentioned previously most consumer level video editors pack a whole bunch features and capabilities these days and it is quite a task for designers to keep the interfaces simple and intuitive while at the same time allowing access to advanced settings and controls.
Remember, this is all just my opinion based on my experience so your mileage may vary!
Video Editing Software Interface
Don't be put off or surprised if you open some video editing software and the interface looks totally foreign! They ALL look that way because they have no real world equivalent that consumers are familiar with. It's easy for a word processor to mimic the real world by starting with a virtual blank sheet of paper.
Not so in the case of a video editor interface so regardless of your choice don't place too much importance on the interface because they will all look unfamiliar. As you use the software not only will you become more comfortable with the interface but you may even begin to see the logic that lead to the design in the first place.
This is a vital point to check when choosing video editing software. Most offer compatibility with a wide range of video file formats but these days there is an astounding number of video recording devices and sources.
Make sure of exactly what video file formats you will be using depending on your source files or the devices you will be using to record your raw video footage. Then check to see that the video editing software you are looking at can handle that exact video file format.
Make sure of exactly what video file formats you will be using depending on your source files or the devices you will be using to record your raw video footage. Then check to see that the video editing software you are looking at can handle that exact video file format.
Again you need to carefully check that your device or method of video file import is supported by the video software in question. The most common form of standard definition video is still DV AVI and all video software I know of captures from the camcorder it with no problem. This one is not any cause for concern!
The real dangers here are the many camcorders and devices that can take video footage but do so in a wide variety of ways. There are DVD recorders and camcorders, High Definition tape camcorders (HDV), camcorders and video devices that record to internal hard drives and those that record video to memory cards.
The real dangers here are the many camcorders and devices that can take video footage but do so in a wide variety of ways. There are DVD recorders and camcorders, High Definition tape camcorders (HDV), camcorders and video devices that record to internal hard drives and those that record video to memory cards.
Be certain to check for your specific device and make sure it is compatible with the video editor along with the specific video file type that it produces.
To be honest this is no big deal. Now I know you would think that if your are choosing video editing software the software's ability to edit would be rather important!
The bottom line here is that the competition in this field is so intense that no-one can put out a video editor that can't edit well... they wouldn't last 5 minutes. I could ramble on here for a while and get all technical but what's the point... they all cut slice and dice just fine so don't sweat this point too much!
The bottom line here is that the competition in this field is so intense that no-one can put out a video editor that can't edit well... they wouldn't last 5 minutes. I could ramble on here for a while and get all technical but what's the point... they all cut slice and dice just fine so don't sweat this point too much!
This refers to the number of tracks that are available to you for when you are editing. Some offer infinte tracks which I guess would mean something if you had infinite things to place on the screen all at once. Let's get real...
All the better video editing suites have more than enough tracks to play with so this is also a low priority feature but one to check just to be sure.
The main video editing software makers are playing catch up with each other at an incredible rate so there is very little to distinguish one product from another. They are all offering features that a few years ago were only available at the "prosumer" or professional level so now is a great time to get onboard!
You need the main video track.
You need another track for video overlay in case you want to do "picture-in-picture" or insert mask effects
You need another two video tracks. One for still images and one for... I don't know what for but let's just throw it in for good measure anyway!
You need a title track for your titles.
You need another track for video overlay in case you want to do "picture-in-picture" or insert mask effects
You need another two video tracks. One for still images and one for... I don't know what for but let's just throw it in for good measure anyway!
You need a title track for your titles.
Video Editing
Video Editing Tracks
Choosing the Best Video Editing Software
Input Video File Formats
Video Capture - Video Import
You may need a track for subtitles.
You need a music track.
You need a voice-over / narration track.
That's a total of eight tracks and believe me if you had a video clip with all tracks filled with something then you would have created a seriously hot mess!
You need a music track.
You need a voice-over / narration track.
That's a total of eight tracks and believe me if you had a video clip with all tracks filled with something then you would have created a seriously hot mess!
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Video Editing
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Video Editing Software Reviews
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Video Editing
Choosing Video Editing Software P.2
Video Editing Software Reviews
Corel VideoStudio ProX2
Corel VideoStudio Pro X3
CyberlinkPowerDirector7
CyberLink PowerDirector 8
PowerDirector 8 Features
Adobe Premier Elements 7
Adobe Premiere Elements 8
Magix Movie Edit Pro 15
Magix Video Pro X 1.5
Womble MPEG Video Editor
muvee autoProducer 6
muvee Reveal
Video Editing Software Tips
