Ask questions via twitter! Message any question to @answers on twitter. We'll publish the question and send you a reply each time there's a new answer.
Next Question

Answered Question

 
M$3 January 20, 2009 10:52 PM

What is the simplest, best video editing software package available for under or around $100 USD?

I'm a newbie in every sense of the word when it comes to video editing, but I'm in the position of needing to purchase legitimate video editing software for web projects every now and then.Ideally, the software I will purchase will be able to convert just about any file type and also allow me to easily edit videos that I capture with my digital camera.  Suggestions?  Thanks a million
Interesting Question?  Yes (0)   No (0)   
RSS
 
 

Best Answer  Chosen by Asker

 
January 20, 2009 11:44 PM
You can download a Adobe Premiere Elements 7 trial. Pinnacle was purchased by Avid (professionals use Avid to edit their blockbuster films).

Studio version 12 is out.
You can buy it for 49.99.

There are to other versions as well:
Studio Plus $99.99
Studio Ultimate $129.99

http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/Consumer+Products/Home+Video/Studio+Family/Studio.htm

Ulead was purchased by Correl. Their new editing software is:
VideoStudio x2
$89.99

All three programs have trials. You'll need to register to download them.

These are all PC programs. On an Apple, there is always iMovie or Final Cut.

Check for student discounts on software.

The simplest? Pinnacle claims to be the simplest.
Source(s):
My degree in film/tv.



Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip mccallister for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 21, 2009 12:14 AM
would these programs also word for editing HD video as well?

Report
 
 
 
January 21, 2009 07:44 PM
I'm sure they all work for HD since they are all the newest versions. You might need to read the fine print to determine what HD formats the software is compatible with.

Report
 
 

Other Answers (4)

Sort By
 
January 20, 2009 11:09 PM
adobe premiere elements
140$ at adobe, but ive seen it for 120

Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip randomloser for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 21, 2009 02:23 AM
Well considering the fact that you are a newbie then I would reccomend you check out the following sites so you can get acquainted with the art and the options that are available for you within the $100 price range.The site pcmech dot com will give you are very good rundown on the art of video editing, starting with the definition and gradually progressing to the more technical stuff.It has Window Movie maker,WinMOrph and links to some Free OpenSource Software like Virual Dub ,a good starting  point.I have also made a pointt of listing for you some additional supplemental  material to augment your knowledge and expand your choices check the forum out, I hope you get what you are looking for
Source(s):
http://www.pcmech.com/article/getting-started-with-video-editing-cheap-soft...
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090108120152AAqnH9r http://forums.cnet.com/5208-4_102-0.html?threadID=120605


Helpful Answer?  (1)   (0)    Tip marcel m for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 21, 2009 04:44 AM
Short answer:

My recommendation is Cyberlink PowerDirector.

http://www.cyberlink.com/multi/products/main_4.html

(Read the product details and get free trial here, but buy it for less elsewhere, e.g. Amazon.)

Long answer:

A similar question was asked recently here:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27721638/vp/28738394

@Spoon responded with a link to this comparison chart, which you might find useful:

http://video-editing-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

Personally, when I was investigating video editing software I downloaded a few of the ones that offered a free trial period and tried them out.

My favorite was Cyberlink PowerDirector. It was both simple to use, and could do some very powerful things. The price is nice too. The help is a bit thin though, so sometimes you just have to discover how things work by playing around.

Corel VideoStudio (aka Ulead VideoStudio) also worked well, but had rather less features, and the interface was less intuitive and harder work for me. However I would have been satisfied to go with this if I hadn't found a better alternative.

Sony Vegas Movie Studio was probably the most powerful and professional of the three. I believe its big brother is actually used in the movie business. I liked the interface, and there was lots of useful how-to documentation. I might have gone for it, but I found some of functions didn't work for me. I think it always crashed somewhere in the process of trying to get my finished work onto DVD.

Apart from those, I think I found Premiere overcomplicated, and didn't bother looking into it much.

I didn't try the others either because they don't offer a free trial period, or by then I'd discovered I was happy with Cyberlink PowerDirector and it wasn't worth the time to keep looking.

If you decide to go for PowerDirector, check which version you need. The "Deluxe" version is only about $50 on Amazon at the moment, and fine for most uses. If you are planning to make Blu-Ray discs or something like that you might need the "Ultra" version which is currently about $90.
Source(s):
Personal experience


Helpful Answer?  (1)   (0)    Tip philipy for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 21, 2009 04:53 PM
I will suggest you two of the software i have experience with:

Corel VideoStudio Pro X2
This is a very good consumer-level video editor, and it's an especially fine choice for users with less-powerful PCs who want to edit HD video. But Corel VideoStudio Pro X2 isn't the best choice overall.Very good capture, trimming features. Good range of output options. Good slideshow effects. One-button YouTube upload. New drawing tools. Innovative DVD menu templates, HDV, AVCHD proxy editing.
VideoStudio lets you:
* Grab photos and video from anywhere – camcorders, cameras or TV
* Edit with the easy Movie Wizard, or with hands-on professional editing tools
* Make movies pop by adding titles, music and special effects
* Create movie & slideshow discs to share with family and friends
Features overview:
* Complete video solution
* Easy and powerful video editing tools
* Creative control of effects
* End-to-end HD support
* Includes Corel® WinDVD® video playback software
A complete review you will find at the first link in the source tab under "Corel VideoStudio Pro X2" and the second is the link to the official website where you can buy it for $89.99 Full Package.

The second one is Easy Media Creator 10
This bundle sports a polished new appearance and is more comprehensive and easier to use than previous versions of Roxio. It targets those uncomfortable with traditional authoring and conversion tools, but has task-specific components that will also attract experienced users.Slick,
Vista-inspired redesign. Quick access to basic tasks. Added support for iPods, cell phones, music DVDs. Automated music tracks.
Roxio Easy Media Creator 10 Specification
* Organize thousands of photos & create custom views to find photos
* Edit video with Timeline video editor
* Let Video Doctor automatically fix video color, contrast and brightness
* Add multiple 2D and 3D effects; adjust their duration and speed
* Overlay multiple images, text or video clips; create picture-in-picture effects
* Create slideshows with music in standard or high definition
* Add a SmartSound soundtrack to slideshows and movies
* Capture and edit HD video
* Auto-fix your camera phone photos
* Show off any picture on your mobile phone without borders or bars
* Upload video to YouTube
* Create gifts with your own photos and templates for cards, calendars and other projects
A complete review and some very helpfull oppinions to make a decision you will find at the first link in the source tab under "Easy Media Creator 10" and the second is the link to the official website where you can find all the futures of the softeware and where you can buy it for $79.99 or you can try the second link for the standard version for only $48.99.
Source(s):
Corel VideoStudio Pro X2
http://www.trustedreviews.com/software/review/2008/12/13/Corel-VideoStudio-...
http://store.corel.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?partNumber=...

The second one is Easy Media Creator 10
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2216687,00.asp
http://www.roxio.com/enu/products/creator/suite/overview.html?ClickID=dttyw...
or you can try
http://www.royaldiscount.com/roxio.html?ovchn=PGR&ovcpn=pricegrabber&am...


Helpful Answer?  (1)   (0)    Tip 1q2w3e4r for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 

Answer this Question

How tips and payments work

This question has already been resolved. You may add an answer to it but you will not be eligible to win best answer or any associated tips.

Ask a Question


140 characters left
Top of Page
Buy Mahalo Dollars with Credit Card or PayPal

Top Members

This Week All Time
  • buddawiggi
    buddawiggi
    2nd Degree Black Belt
    28118 Points
    M$810.91 Earned
  • opher
    opher
    Purple Belt
    4949 Points
    M$207.34 Earned
  • annelisle
    annelisle
    Purple Belt
    3456 Points
    M$104.22 Earned
   See All
 

Most Popular Tags

mahalo(1649)
music(471)
iphone(468)
google(364)
food(329)
online(298)
beer(281)
money(267)
movies(267)
apple(253)
aotd(235)
health(223)
video(210)
free(208)
dog(205)
   See All
 

Categories

Welcome New Members


 
 
Mahalo Dollars are the currency of Mahalo Answers.

Each Mahalo Dollar costs $1.

Once you earn more than 40 Mahalo Dollars, you can request to be paid via PayPal. Each Mahalo Dollar is currently worth $0.75 when paid out via PayPal. Learn More

 
 

Please log in to use this function.