Video Editing Software

[paradicio]

Hi All,

So I was wondering if you all might be able to help my wife out. She has a Powerbook G4 (and a PC) and the Sony HDR-SR5 Camcorder. She shoots mostly in AVCHD.

We were planning on using Apple's Final Cut software, but apparently it only works with AVCHD on Intel Macs, which means her G4 is out. So...I'm wondering what other video editing software out on the market might she be able to use. Since it looks like she won't be able to use her Mac, we'll have to go with PC software (unless there's something we're not aware of - which is very likely).

So far we've looked at these two:

Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 11 - Windows

Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 8 - Windows

Thanks in advance for the help!

EDIT:

Sorry, she's also asked me to let you all know she is VERY new to video and video editing, so the easier the better. She will also, most likely, want to convert the AVCHD format she is shooting in so that it can be burned onto a standard DVD and viewed on standard DVD players...

Sean

 

[diversteve]

my .02

I don't do Mac's so I'm no help there.

As far as the two programs, my personal opinion is that the learning curve was much easier with the Pinnacle product but VMSP8 is more powerful. I used Pinnacle 9.4 and too much of it was hidden behind menus - although that may be perfect for your wife's needs. Not sure if Studio 11 has the same interface as I've not looked at it recently.

Either will allow you to capture in SD and burn standard DVD's. If the PC meets the minimum requirements for HDV editing, you'll also be able to edit in HDV and downconvert during the DVD creation process. Pinnacle bundles it all together, VMSP8 gives you a copy of DVD Architect also.

btw, I use VMSP now. Not having done any editing for over a year when I bought it, I was able to capture, edit and output a short clip with music to a standard DVD in a little over an hour the first time I used it. But I have several years of prior experience editing with an older version of Adobe Premiere.

Somebody's also selling VSMP8 right now for $59...ask BDSC here: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-videography/230204-vegas-movie-studio-8-platinum.html. You might also consider Adobe's Premiere Elements.

 

[skippy31]

A buddy of mine uses the windows movie maker. It's free is easy to learn and makes decent videos. Once you get the hang of it you should be in a good position to look at some of the other software out there, or just stick with movie maker.

I've used it and found it ideal as a first piece of editing software...

Mat.

 

[tankedalot]

Ulead has a free trial for thirty days. It is fairly easy to use.

 

[drbill]

So does Vegas Movie... it's available on their web site.

However, I recently learned it only does 1440x1080 rather than 1920. I don't know the specs on the Sony HDR-SR5, but I assume they are similar to the HDR-HC7 and it doesn't do full HD (1080p).

 

[BDSC]

You can get the Vegas Movie Studio 8 Platinum right now for $59 but you need to hurry. It's $89 at amazon.com and then you get a $30 rebate you have to mail in but you must purchase by 4/26. I just bought it a couple of days ago.

BDSC