Video Editing Options?

[eek]

I need some help in choosing the right video editing suite.

Previously I would use Premier Pro (2005), mainly just to import sequences, do a bit of simple cutting, then exporting. Up until this point i didnt require much else from it.

After hunting around the net for hours, it seems that Premier Pro does not have (or at least no easy way?) of doing some basics i now require, such as soft merging/blending clips together. This is something i need to more of now.

So..does anyone know if there is a simple way of doing this in Premier? If not, any recommendations for a video editor which offers creative effects (text effects, blends, etc).

Thanks in advance!

[Tywais]

You might look at the app that I use > Roxio Creator 9 which includes VideoWave editor (snapshot attached).

//edit - I just saw that VideoWave is included in the Roxio MyDVD 10 Premier and would be less expensive then the full suite. MyDVD 10

[eek]

I see that in the "Add content" it has video transitions options, so thats great! Tywais, how do you find the video quality once exported?

[Tywais]

I see that in the "Add content" it has video transitions options, so thats great! Tywais, how do you find the video quality once exported?

The few home made videos using my video camera where I added text and fade in/fade out came out as good as the original. Just depends on the export and compression format you choose.

[Suzy]

I need some help in choosing the right video editing suite.

Previously I would use Premier Pro (2005), mainly just to import sequences, do a bit of simple cutting, then exporting. Up until this point i didnt require much else from it.

After hunting around the net for hours, it seems that Premier Pro does not have (or at least no easy way?) of doing some basics i now require, such as soft merging/blending clips together. This is something i need to more of now.

So..does anyone know if there is a simple way of doing this in Premier? If not, any recommendations for a video editor which offers creative effects (text effects, blends, etc).

Thanks in advance!

I don't know the programme to which you are referring, but Windows Movie Maker is a good basic programme and comes free with Windows. It will add FX to any clip, add clips and sound etc.

For a more professional job I use Ulead which has a wider range of FX such as those you mention plus blending, duplicating, adjusting speed and colour hues, panning/zooming on still shots and editing more than one clip with others. The addition of more than one sound track makes good audio.

For more complicated audio tracks I use Nero, where I can cut, time and mix many tracks before saving as one track. I have mixed up to ten sound tracks for some sequences. This is best done once your basic movie/video has been edited and you are happy with the content. I also use Nero for making titles, both opening and closing. These can be saved as .avi or.mpg files and simple added to any other programme at the desired spot.

Both Nero and Ulead can be purchased online and the customer service after purchase is excellent.

[eek]

Thanks Suzy.

The problem with win mov maker is the quality. Even on its highest settings, the res/pixel quality is greatly reduced. Premiere Pro is crisp and clear. Rendering quality is as important for me as the user face. Will take a look at Ulead as they have some trial versions. Thanks!

[ianwuk]

Try Camtasia Studio 5 or 6

Ian

[Chaaang]

In PremierePro CS4 can import picture sequence. File -> Import, then locate folder with pictures, select one picture and tick the "Numbered Stills" box, you'll be able to select as many pictures as you want and then edit them as usual. If you are in Bangkok and need CS4, can meet somewhere to install it.

[eek]

Chaang, Premiere pro supports importing numbered sequences. Ive no issue with that. Ive been doing that with the program ongoing. What Premiere Pro doesnt offer me is some of the editing functions i now require for my work. (Blends/merges, etc). If you know of any ways to do that simply in Premiere Pro, then let me know. Thanks!

Again, to clarify, i am looking for a program that can provide good creative editing elements, that can export high quality/high res rendered movies (plus of course if it supports numbered sequences..that would be better too..as then i dont need to export via premiere pro first. Which of course reduces quality if importing into a new programe for editing).

Thanks again guys for the input. Will take a look at all the programs mentioned (hopefully they have trial versions!)