Movie making software

[Zobaczcie suki]

Hey my son is getting into this and has outgroun "Windows Movie Maker" which he says "sucks". Does anybody know of any non-Macintosh software that he could upgrade to,to make and edit his own movies on our computer, add music etc?

 

[CardFan67]

Adobe's Premier Elements is a pretty good, very stable step up...

http://www.adobe.com/products/premiereel/

 

[Covert Rain]

Adobe's Premier Elements is a pretty good, very stable step up...

http://www.adobe.com/products/premiereel/

Have to agree here. Good product.

 

[ozzfloyd]

Vegas Video 7 is very nice. User friendly but feature heavy.

 

[Zobaczcie suki]

Thanks!

 

[Pariah]

How much of a hero do you want to be?http://www.avid.com/products/xpress...C=advanced&OVADID=734782021&OVKWID=3731019521

 

[Chaplin]

Avid is the best, and the new version of Premiere is not bad, even though it is basically not used at all in the industry--not that it matters one way or the other to you.

But I would go with Premiere if you can afford it. I've never used Vegas, but heard a few good things about it.

 

[ozzfloyd]

Avid is the best, and the new version of Premiere is not bad, even though it is basically not used at all in the industry--not that it matters one way or the other to you.

But I would go with Premiere if you can afford it. I've never used Vegas, but heard a few good things about it.

I've used Vegas for 2 full length features and it's great. Full HD compatible, surround sound mixes, pro compositing features. It really has all the features on Avid but more user friendly. And it only costs $799 if you get the full DVD authoring package. I love it.

 

[puckhead]

Hey my son is getting into this and has outgroun "Windows Movie Maker" which he says "sucks". Does anybody know of any non-Macintosh software that he could upgrade to,to make and edit his own movies on our computer, add music etc?

I've used Avid, Final Cut, and Premiere-all great products. I've also seen an older version of Vegas which looked pretty good. Depending on how old your son is, I might recommend a class at comm. college before plunking down $700-1500 bucks. I know Glendale and Scotts have Avid classes. This way he could try out the various apps and see what he prefers and still have access to the workstations for his own creations.

Oh yeah, start saving up for the Mac now, he'll want one soon.

Good luck.

 

[KloD]

I use Vegas and have for a few years, yet to find anything I like better. After effects is fun too.

 

[Chaplin]

I would stay away from Avid, there "affordable" products are resource hogs--I have Avid Xpress Pro for my Mac, and I barely use it because it's too slow. Final Cut is the best for ease of use, IMO.

Premiere is barely used in Hollywood, it's generally reviled here. Word is, though, that the newest version of the program is actually a huge improvement and is quite intriguing.

 

[puckhead]

Keep in mind the "minimum requirements" for each app is just that, the absolute minimum (functionality, speed, etc). For these apps to run well, build a burly machine made for the higher end of the specs. You'll thank yourself later. Plus it allows you to use the app as a tool instead of a hindrance to creativity. There are tons of forums dedicated to the "big three" (Avid, FCP, and Premiere). That research ahead of time will save many headaches regarding install, set up, output, etc.

 

[Scott MS]

I use Pinnacle Studio for MiniDV editing. Pretty nice and it's $50. Primarly focused on integration with camcorders.

 

[puckhead]

I use Pinnacle Studio for MiniDV editing. Pretty nice and it's $50. Primarly focused on integration with camcorders.

My guess is that the OP's son is probably ready to go beyond Pinnacle at this point. If one is doing straight cuts, pretty much any of the sub-$100 apps would work, but usually when you want to move to some heavy compositing, multiple audio tracks, special effects, etc, it's time to spend some dough on a hearty machine and app.