Please recommend a good, not too expensive video editor

Ecuadorian · 4 Jun 2011, 21:08

It can do all what Miguel listed.

Thanks, I'll check it out immediately.

I had a hard time trying to figure out Lightworks and the demo of Sony Vegas Pro.

Gaieus · 4 Jun 2011, 21:37

Well, I have also installed LW but I seem to get lost. Maybe later...
It also freezes a lot (and cannot even replay a 19 sec movie - with nothing else added! - without lags)

brodie · 8 Jun 2011, 20:09

I used to use Adobe Premiere Elements which was quite nice for most work and I think it was like $99.

Since then we got a new adobe suite which included the full version which does more stuff but isn't as user friendly as Elements.

-Brodie

Ecuadorian · 13 Jun 2011, 03:07

Thanks everyone.

I'm now down to two options:
Corel VideoStudioPro X4 (32 bit)
PowerDirector 9 Ultra (64 bit)

I'm currently testing Corel, and although you can import an image sequence, it's treated as individual slides in the timeline instead of a videoclip. I found the exporting counter-intuitive, but still easier than with others I've tried, except WL Movie Maker.

Now to download PowerDirector...

pilou · 13 Jun 2011, 16:52

Maybe an free old one
WAX

Ecuadorian · 22 Jun 2011, 16:13

Update:

So I ended up deciding for Corel. I ordered the thing, the charge is already in my Paypal account, but all I got from the Corel online Store was an error message.

Now trying to contact them...
Grr.... They have no online chat. Time to dust my spoken English skills and call them.

Rich O Brien · 22 Jun 2011, 16:39

First the iPod epic and now Corel. Did a black cat cross your path? Have you walked under any ladders?

Your the second unluckiest member here...

Ecuadorian · 22 Jun 2011, 16:46

And I haven't told you about the time when I ordered Lumion... The $1K+ charge appeared dozens of times in my PayPal account and my bank kept calling me about those charges. The whole thing took a while to clear up. And to make things worse, the local customs said I had to pay $380 for the import of the #@&! USB dongle. I complained to the Lumion guys so much about the dongle thing that they now use online activation.

Now returning to the Corel case: I got tired of waiting on the phone, but I found a way to send them a message using the form found here:
http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Content/1284151700373

Ecuadorian · 22 Jun 2011, 16:48

Second? Who's the unluckiest member?

Gaieus · 23 Jun 2011, 05:51

Sorry Miguel as it was me who suggested Corel. However good to see your progress in this matter as I am also planning to buy it so it may depend on what you experience here.

Ecuadorian · 23 Jun 2011, 23:01

Well, they replied today and said they would forward my case to someone else. Fortunately, I still have days left in my 30-day trial.

No prob, Csaba. I liked Corel the best of the ones I tried, but online purchases do not always go as smoothly as one would wish.

Ecuadorian · 24 Jun 2011, 20:41

Update: This morning I received the serial number from Corel.

So, for just 50 bucks (If you delete the "download insurance" from the shopping cart), I got what I wanted.

Thanks for your recommendation, Csaba.

Gaieus · 26 Jun 2011, 22:08

Ah, good. You were my lab rat - now I may also consider it.

What is "download insurance"?

Ecuadorian · 27 Jun 2011, 01:14

Supposedly, they give you another chance to download the installer for 2 full years.

It makes no sense, really, as you can always download the trial version again and just unlock it. In fact, I didn't have to download anything after receiving my serial number and going through the activation procedure.

Gaieus · 27 Jun 2011, 03:10

Well, it maymake sense. I lost a Camtasia license this way once. The version was no longer available for download. At least Google makes all (their) versions still available (true that no @Last versions any longer)

solo · 15 Jul 2011, 13:15

Follow up:

I took my own advice and got Cyberlink Power director 9, I have used both Camtasia and Sony Vegas in the past with fair results, but Power director is by far the best, easiest and enjoyable video editing app I have ever used. Simply brilliant, you can get excellent results from the start, lots of effects in library or free as downloads from Cyberlink's site.

http://www.cyberlink.com/products/powerdirector/overview_en_US.html?affid=2581_-1_80_paidsearch-us_0_1&gclid=CNuPmKu2g6oCFVAD2goduwWnyA

Frederik · 15 Jul 2011, 14:55

@solo said:

...I have used both Camtasia and Sony Vegas...

Although video editing is possible with Camtasia, the primary function must be the screen capture tools...
Can't see that Cyberlink Power director 9 can make screen captures...

o2bwln · 15 Jul 2011, 17:40

Solo,
I'm looking at Cyberlink as well. I record in 1080i @ 60fps and from some of the reviews I've read it seems that anything past 20 minutes causes software problems. Have you experienced this also?

I've been following their forum and it seems Ultra 64 can process 60fps but it starts to stutter after 20 minutes.

Will download the free trail and see if it suits my needs.

Thanks,
O2bwln

Gaieus · 22 Jul 2011, 10:25

OK, so this is my turn to scratch y head. I suggested (or maybe rather just "mentioned") Corel to Miguel because at that time it was the only one I kind of knew. Now I have looked at some other ones like Cyberlink because I need a very special effect now that seems to be available with Cyberlink ("Picture in picture - VERY briefly addressed at the bottom of this page).

BUT what I exactly need is a video (or still image) in the background of a HD video and a "traditional" TV size (720x576 pixels in Europe as PAL/SECAM TV's are as opposed to NTSC). These have already been recorded and we would like to use them without having to re-record in HD so we'd basically "cheat" and just add some background (either stills or if possible, sometimes even animation). The "front" 720x576 MUST be video. Something like the attached below. Ideally the positioning of that inserted, red area should also be customisable.

As my trial for Corel has expired, I cannot check if that is capable and now I have to buy one that is capable of something like this. Any advice? (Also, I am pretty broke so the "inexpensive" category must apply - and I am also rather stupid so it would be nice to have a fool-proof, easy-to-use software).