Free or cheap video editors?

[Headbanger's Ball]

I tried searching the site for an answer but there is far too much info to wade through.

I'm wanting a cheap (hopefully FREE) video editor with transitions. The in-laws are asking for vcd home movies and I'd like to give them something better than a hard cut between clips.

I have MovieStar5 (Dazzle software) that will do the job but I don't want to use it for various reasons (unless I have to.)

Any suggestions?

[gshelley61]

Check these listings out...

Basic editors:
https://www.videohelp.com/tools?s=8#8

Advanced editors:
https://www.videohelp.com/tools?s=17#17

[Headbanger's Ball]

I know those are there. I didn't want to fill my head with a 100 different comparisons only to get sticker-shock when I finally see one I like. I was counting on someone's experience with an editor to tell me "program x works great and is only $20" or "program y will do what you need & is free."
Those links are good but it's too much information.

[tekkieman]

I was counting on someone's experience with an editor to tell me "program x works great and is only $20" or "program y will do what you need & is free." .

Ok, your profile says you're running XP. Program X - MovieMaker 2 - Doesn't always work great. Leads to Program Y - MovieMaker 2 - Will do what you need, and is FREE.

Then just use VCDEasy to create the VCD. It has both trialware and freeware versions in the tools section.

[gshelley61]

The prices after trial use on the payware is all there, plus many user ratings and opinions. Have a closer look at some the free and lower cost programs that have some opinions/reviews. This is a very subjective area and it is hard to make a sugestion that might be a good fit for you.

Freeware editors are generally simple cutting and joining applications, so you will likely have to buy something. Most programs can be tried out for 30 days at no charge to see if you like them before you buy. A couple of popular editors are Ulead Videostudio and Pinnacle Studio version 9. Both can be downloaded and used for free for a trial period.

[housepig]

freeware:

Virtualdub.
Zwei-Stein.
ABC VideoRoll
MovieXone Free.

the last two have been discontinued, but copies are still floating around the net - if you dig on Google for a while, you should be able to find copies for download.

cheapware:

Magix Audio/Video
Ulead Movie Studio 5

I've picked up new-in-the-box copies of both of these programs for less than $10 on the "old software" rack at my local MicroCenter.

[videocheez]

Windows Movie Maker 2 can do some basic editing and I know it comes with Windows XP OS. I think Movie Maker 1 comes with Windows XP and Movie Maker 2 comes as upgrade that can be downloaded from MS

[golftee]

inexpensive editor/author software...Best Buy, Video Essentials Plus (camera section), includes Video Studio 7 & MovieFactory 2, $50

does most everything i need with home videos...

[Headbanger's Ball]

Thanks for the help, it gives me a starting place.

[burnman99]

I got MovieDV w/firewire card on sale for $25. Also Avisynth is free too and a great editor. Nice pic of Halford there. Must start heavy metal poll!

Have fun stormin' the castle!

Rog

[npaulie2000]

I tried searching the site for an answer but there is far too much info to wade through.

I'm wanting a cheap (hopefully FREE) video editor with transitions. The in-laws are asking for vcd home movies and I'd like to give them something better than a hard cut between clips.

I have MovieStar5 (Dazzle software) that will do the job but I don't want to use it for various reasons (unless I have to.)

Any suggestions?

You will need a program like moviestar or you will pull your hair out strand by strand. I can't imagine vdub being easier for you. Maybe your computer is out of date, dahling.