Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Which video editing software

Oct 8, 2015 11:38AM PDT

So, I have just about realized that movie maker isn't going to suffice for professional videos, however, I am not sure what else I should use. I would preferable like something free, but I understand that most freeware has watermarks etc. Although, I don't want to spend some crazy amount like £500 (about £50 would be my budget.) Any ideas?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
While there are fine video editors today for that much.
Oct 8, 2015 11:45AM PDT

I'd give a nod to Sony and Corel at http://www.amazon.com/Video-Editing-Digital-Music-Software/b?ie=UTF8&node=567572

That said I find many new to video editors blow up over encoding issues. That is, since there never was a strict standard for video encoding I find myself transcoding at times using Handbrake and VLC Player to get the content into the editor.

Another common complaint is that it's slow. The newer folk to editing will ask which editor is faster. Some even blow up when the answer is given.

- Collapse -
I can't really answer.
Oct 9, 2015 9:52AM PDT

While it will edit videos with the caveats I gave above what if you wanted to use a new feature that wasn't in there? I can't tell. There are also some hundred things these editors do so I can't go too deep. The usual is cut, paste, use some other sound track, slow mo, and titles.

I no longer create Video DVDs because that era has passed. Everything is now for web or HD.