Simple Video Editing Programs

What is a good program to use to edit videos, aside from moviemaker? Moviemaker would be fine, but it will not read MPEG-2 video files of which my camera records. I have spent hours trying different converters, but it never comes out just right. The bottom line is that I no longer want to convert files. I have had enough of that, so I thought I'd try asking the experts.

What program do you all use to edit your videos? And could this program possibly support MPEG-2 file types?

 

Buy a Mac!

Seriously, if at all possible, go and check out an iMac (or a MacBookPro if you need a laptop) - It comes with "iMovie" which will do what you need.

If you're stuck in PC land (and it appears that you are) I feel for you..... I'm a little out of touch but apparently "Sony Vegas" is a pretty good bet - I haven't used it personally but it seems to get pretty good reviews.

However, the real root of your problems is basically down to the brain-dead way in which Micro$oft (mis)-manages codecs - It sounds like you've tried downloading all kinds of "add-on" converters, and these tend to stomp on each other and/or the registry and things go from bad to worse.... This cluster-f*** is made even worse should you have the misfortune to be stuck with Vista of course.

Having said all that, what are you using to generate the MPEG-2's? - Many of the "low end" recorders use their own proprietary codecs, which may or may not play with the "standard" - The only way to get 'em to load is to convert using the vendors codec before proceeding.....


As always, just my 02c,
Cheers,
Ian

 

+1

 

+2

It comes with Imovie HD which is super easy to use. Then if you want to move up you can buy Final Cut Pro or Final Cut Studio.
You may also install Avid on a mac or get it for a PC.

 

+1 However, it is only fair to note that depending on the input format an initial conversion to a palatable MPEG-2 format may still be needed - It depends on exactly what you're outputting. [I don't want the OP running off, buying an iMac and then yelling at me ]

Being pedantic, the sequence is iMovie -> Final Cut Express -> Final Cut Pro [Which I believe is now only available as part of Final Cut Studio.] FWIW, Final Cut Express is my "weapon of choice".

Avid also has a great reputation - Especially if you need to move the video between Mac's and PC's....

Cheers,
Ian

 

If you stick with PC; +1 for Sony Vegas. Very easy to use. If you're having codec issues, check out the K-Lite codec pack: http://www.codecpackguide.com/klcodec.htm

Google it; there might be other links for download as well.

-Awais

 

Everyone has pain thresholds, and mine isn't very high (especially on things that I don't intend to make into my hobby or career).

After a long track weekend, I just want to put the past weekend's adventures on the track on YouTube. iMovie (and now iMovieHD) is extremely easy to use. My Sony camera plugs right in, clips are imported and I'm done editing within an hour complete with captions, fade in / out etc. Don't let its simplicity fool you, it can do much more, and will do HD. Eventually, you'll want to do more that's when you jump onto FinalCut Express.

 

I dunno about other brands but Sony hard drive camcorders record in MPEG2 format, mine wasn't a low end model either. As far as I can tell Sony is the only one to use the MPEG2 format and it's a pain in the ass to deal with because the codec isn't always easy to find.

The Mac is a great choice but it will not work with MPEG2s right out of the box (at least my MacBook Pro wouldn't) the easiest way I have found to edit them is with MPEG Streamclip (downloadable from Apple's site, $20)which does some basic video editing and will convert the MPEG2s into a wide variety of other formats. I don't do enough video editing to justify Final Cut but I would guess it handle the files just fine, it's a bit more $ though.

 

Opps I did forget about Final cut Express. . Almost forgot about Adobe's Premier. Pretty decent program for the PC. Never used Vegas, but i heard decent things about it when I went to school.

 

Going off the buy a Mac quotes.

I'm just going the endorse this, and get Final Cut Express, because it's trully a genius of a program.

Got me an A on my Film Studies coursework.

Dunno about converting for MPEG-2's though.

 

+1

With the proviso that it's a *big* program, with a pretty big learning curve. Depending on your experience iMovie (included with your new Mac may very well do everything you need. If you're in PC land, the same thing applies to Adobe Premiere (Sony Vegas is the "easy to use" alternative.)

Cheers,
Ian

 

That's exactly correct. I'm using a couple year old Sony HDD that only records in MPEG2 format. I tried to download codec from the page that O-Ace provided, but as it turns out the data was corrupted. Looks like I'll have to search further.

 

It looks like I need a Mac then. Seriously, editing videos is certainly not the only reason I'd consider switching. I've also heard from others that from my experiences with Microsoft and Windows, that switching to a Mac could only be a positive solution. (crossing fingers)

LOL! No worries, I think the advice you have given would overweigh the outcome of having to spend another $20 to purchase the program that Mark suggested.

 

Thank you all for contributing the advice and knowledge you had to share. I will look into all of the suggested programs now, and when I get a mac. Sony Vegas sounds promising for Windows, but so does a Mac computer even more so! I'll also look into finding a good codec pack in the mean time.

 

On behalf of all the responders, "Thankyou for your thanks!"

Isn't the Net a wonderful thing?

Good luck with your choice,
Cheers,
Ian

 

Haha, another reason why the net is a great thing.

Thanks Ian



Best,
Tyler

 

Go on ebay and look for an older Mac mini, all you need is to connect your screen, keyboard and mouse you already have and you'll be off and running. You can get one new for $600 or used on ebay for much cheaper. They are a great deal if you don't want to drop over $1k on a new computer.

 

A Mac mini will struggle for video editing in Final Cut.

 

+1

It will also "struggle" with imovieHD - It'll run, but the Mini doesn't have the dedicated graphics processor of the higher end models.

All depends on your budget / laptop -v- desktop (MacBookPro -v- iMac) etc.

As always, max the memory instead of getting a faster processor if you have to make the choice.

Cheers,
Ian

 

Really? Well I have an iMac Core Duo only running with a 1.83ghz and a X1600 and it handles Final Cut Studio fine.

 

Understood - The iMac has a dedicated GPU and dedicated graphics memory. The Mac mini doesn't, and will hence "grunt" somewhat.

Cheers,
Ian

 

You could get away with a simple Macbook as well to be honest. One of my friends edited his film on one, had no problems with FC Express.

 

Just for comparison sake, I bought an iMac 3.06 and a Canon HF100 last week. Works pretty fantastic.

As an added bonus, after 10 years of shooting raw DVs on a Sony Camcorder, I'm finally able to move my tapes onto an easy-to-use editing platform and post them on Youtube. The only wasted time is the hours of capturing required to move the DVs to disk. This is of course where the HF100 shines, as it uses a removable SD card.

 

+1 on Vegas. I also liked power producer/director. No problems with mpeg-2 from my JVC Everio camera videos. Used it to make the graduation video from my police academy.