Best current video editing software

[Novalee]

So this is a personal question.

 

I need to edit some videos. I'm not a pro at this (or clearly I'd already have the software!) but it is something I'm interested in learning a lot more about.

 

I don't mind paying for the right piece of software, but want to make sure it's a good one first.

 

I use Windows 10. What would you recommend as something which reaches a professional level whilst being well enough known to have plenty of webpages of tutorials etc.?

 

Thanks

[Novalee]

In fact, I might just sign up for Adobe Creative Cloud - I am a student so it's only £15.99 a month I think - people swear by photoshop for photos - is their video stuff as good?

[angrycomputingteacher]

I used VideoPad. Although it looks old and I don't know how much tutorials you would be able to find. Adobe might be worth it.

[jdoyle]

I like Camtasia; though it started as a screen recorder it's pretty good as a video editor for camera video

 

A few Windows 10 focused tutorials on the company website

 

https://www.techsmith.com/tutorial-camtasia-8.html

[FragglePete]

Always liked Sony Movie Studio and we have a site licence where I am. It's not too expensive to buy off the shelf. However, I know Sony have sold off the product to another company so who knows what it will become.

 

Pete

[dhicks]

What would you recommend as something which reaches a professional level

 

Video editing professionals tend to have a set of tools, a whole "workflow" involved in capturing their video footage in the first place through to getting it to wherever it's going to be output. What sort of footage are you aiming to capture, and from what sort of equipment, for what sort of output? Are you aiming to produce short films shot with one nice high-end camera in a static position or maybe shoulder-mounted? Or are you planning to shoot multiple angles at once? Adobe Premier does very well at that kind of thing, although you'll want to read up on video codecs as used by cameras so you start with the best-quality footage you can get.

 

I've found Premier Elements works very well, and is rather more affordable than the whole of Creative Cloud. Also, especially if you're looking at less traditional-style films (or maybe you are, but shot in a different way), then maybe shooting on a GoPro and editing with GoPro Studio (available free) might be a good option.

[Andrew_C]

There is a STEEP learning curve on Premiere. I've dabbled, not got very far, and I'm a fair Audition user.