Four Categories of Video Editing Software
Donna Boley | 11 March 2008 |
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People are recording video using cell phones, cameras and camcorders and there are many options for simple and complex video editing. The ultimate goal is to get your video out there, and to have people enjoy it - so we really recommend against putting raw video on YouTube or your own website, edit it up and make sure it looks polished and has good title pages, etc.
With so many video editor options on the market, how do you choose the one that’s right for you?
There are four basic video editing categories.
Free
First and most simple to use, are the free online web based video editors. You simply upload your video from your camera and use free online applications. Some of these web based video sites don’t even require that you to have a camera. You can create fun “mash-ups” or “mixables” with other people’s media (ie photos you own, etc. We do recommend against using copyrighted materials.) Editing features such as trimming, basic transitions and effects are available. My favorite site in this category is Eyespot.com. Others include Cuts, Jumpcut, Motionbox, and One True Media. Do you have a favorite?
Applications Bundled with your Laptop or PC
Another common video editing option is using free video applications that that either come bundled on computers when you purchase the computer or are free to download. Examples of this would be Microsoft Movie Maker for the PC and Apple iMovie for the MAC operating system. There are others but these are the most common of these type. These applications contain basic features such as effects, transitions, titles, audio and timeline narration. I use a mac, so i like iMovie.
Mid Level Software Applications
There are many software applications in the mid level of video editing. Prices range from $30.00 to $120.00 and can be a one-time fee or yearly. Features include a variety of higher level editing, including DVD authoring, creative templates and effects and more. Some of these include Pinnacle Studio, Roxio VideoWave, Adobe Premier Elements, Ulead Video Studio, Muvee Auto Producer. I haven’t used many in this category, so I tend to lean towards the Adobe Premier Elements as my favorite.
Advanced Amateur to Pro-Level Software
Next, the applications of Adobe Premiere for the PC and Final Cut Express for the Mac will have everything you need until you are ready to go professional with the Pro versions of either of these very powerful applications. I’m just learning Final Cut Pro for the Mac and it’s very involved, but is sure to turn out a very nice product once you’ve tackled the learning curve.
Which video editing option is suited for you will depend on your budget, what features you want, the platform of your computer and what your final output is for? For certain, there are enough options that you should not leave them archived in your camera or computer.
Edit, share, and let us enjoy them.
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March 11th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Great article Donna!
I know that when I began to make videos I was scared that it would be a complicated process, but I started out using Microsoft Movie Maker and it was pretty easy. Hopefully this inspires others to give movie making a try as well!
March 24th, 2008 at 12:26 am
This post may be what I need to tackle video’s. It’s my fear factor.
September 26th, 2008 at 4:59 am
Pretty good self explanatory post, many newbies who start video editing find it hard to get used to. This breaks it all down.