Editing Software

Filming your video on the most professional camera out there is not going to do you alot of good unless you have a good editing program. The deciding factor comes mostly down to what do you need your software to do and how much is it going to cost you. After all, you can spend several thousand dollars very quickly when it comes to your computer software.

When I started getting interested in video production I really didn't know what programs were out there and what they do or anything. So, I thought that I would list some that I either used or heard good things about.

I will start at the free level. Everyone loves free things, right? Before I list some though, I would like to say that CNET Downloads is a great place to find software. The best part is that it is safe and not a pirating site! Every one that I list can be found on that website. Anyway, back to the topic on hand.

For your basic editing, I recommend Windows Movie Maker or IMovie for the Mac user.  These programs normally come with your computer.

If you would like to do visual effects and animation, WAX Debug Mode is a great 2D & 3D program. This program is on the older side of things and has some faults, but it is great for an introduction. Another, that I'm sure you have all heard of, is Blender. This is a professional grade program that you can do amazing 3D modelling and animation in. I will admit that I have used Blender and it blew my mind!! I still have not really mastered the art of modeling.

For DVD menu making there is some free program out there as well. The first may be on your computer. For Windows users, Windows DVD Maker is the one and for Mac users it is called Idvd. Other than that, Sothink dvd maker is great and DvdStyler is another.

Some options for photo editing include: Paint, Picasa, Microsoft Picture Manager, IPhoto and the best is Gimp.

For audio editing, the only one that I know of free is Audacity. I have and still am using this program. It has proved very reliable for my video audio.

That is all that I personally know of that are free. There are many more out there!

Now what about the user that has outgrown these programs and wants something a little more professional but still not the top.

Well, I would say for about $150.00 you can buy Adobe Photoshop & Premiere Elements 9. There are other programs that are cheaper, but I would personally go with Adobe Elements software because they also make professional software.

The next step up would be $300.00 - $450.00. These would include Sony Vegas Pro, Final Cut Pro and HitFilm. I just found out about HitFilm from a friend and I went to check it out. This actually looks like Premiere Pro and After Effects combined. Not as good, but for the price it looks promising.

Up from there would be the Adobe Pro Production Premium Suite. This includes Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition and Encore DVD for about $1,700.00. The good news is that if you're a student you can get this Suite for $450.00!

One place that you might like to check out for video production equipment in general in B&H Photo/Video/Pro Audio.

Do you know of any software that you would like to add? Please, leave a comment below!